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Bishops’ stand on commercial fishing ruling welcomed

MANILA, Philippines — Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor yesterday welcomed the support of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), after at least 48 bishops expressed opposition to the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) allowing commercial fishing vessels access to municipal waters, previously reserved for small-scale fishers under the Fisheries Code.

“The bishops’ pastoral letter will be read at all Masses today (Feb. 2) in churches/dioceses under the jurisdiction of the signatory-bishops,” Montemayor said.

He said the bishops expressed their deep concern about the ruling’s devastating impacts on artisanal and municipal fisherfolk who have preferential access to the fishing zone.

“Members of CBCP have expressed solidarity with municipal fisherfolk, amid the recent ruling of the Supreme Court’s first division, allowing exploitation of most municipal waters by large-scale commercial fishing operators,” Montemayor added.

A highlight of the proceedings was the reading of the bishops’ statement on the issue by Reverend Gerardo Alminaza, vice chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace, under the CBCP.

For her part, Oceana vice president Gloria Estenzo Ramos said 90 percent of municipal waters of most coastal towns are at risk of exploitation by commercial fishers equipped with active and often destructive fishing gear.

“The consequences are dire, depleted fish stocks, loss of critical spawning grounds, and worsening poverty and hunger among already marginalized communities. The ruling will exacerbate existing inequalities and further poverty and displacement among fishing communities,” Ramos said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has also expressed concern over the SC decision, and warned of the potential adverse effects on the livelihood of small fishers and its impact on marine ecosystems.

Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has filed a motion for reconsideration with the SC to overturn its decision.

The SC’s First Division had upheld a Malabon Regional Trial Court decision declaring the Fisheries Code’s preferential access

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