Senate probe into commercial fishing within 15-km municipal waters sought
Under proposed Senate resolution no. 11, Pangilinan called on the Senate committee on agriculture, food, and agrarian reform to conduct a comprehensive inquiry, in aid of legislation, into such impacts and the scientific basis—or lack thereof— for the 15-km municipal water delineation and the 12.8-meter depth restriction.
To recall, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld a regional trial court (RTC) ruling that declared certain provisions of the Philippine Fisheries Code and its implementing rules and regulations unconstitutional.
The RTC had permanently barred authorities from enforcing the 15-kilometer municipal waters limit.
Pangilinan pointed out that the 15-kilometer municipal water zone for small-scale fishers is 'crucial for the sustainability of marine ecosystems, the preservation of fish stocks, and the food and livelihood security of millions of Filipinos living in coastal areas."
He said the proposed probe would thus explore possible legislative interventions and amendments to existing laws and policies to protect the rights and welfare of small-scale fishers.
'This is about more than boundaries,' the returning senator said. 'It's about protecting the very communities who have long been the stewards of our seas—and ensuring that our oceans remain a source of life and livelihood, not a battleground for survival.'
Several fisherfolk groups have been protesting against the SC ruling to allow commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer boundary of municipal waters.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has also filed a motion for reconsideration before the SC to reconsider its ruling. —VAL, GMA Integrated News

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


GMA Network
an hour ago
- GMA Network
Palace: Respect SC decision on VP Sara impeachment, trust our institutions
Malacanang on Friday called on Filipinos to respect the Supreme Court decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, even as it clarified that it has yet to read the high tribunal's ruling in full. "We have yet to review the full text of the Supreme Court's decision. We call on everyone to respect the Supreme Court and place their trust in our institutions," said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro in a statement. "The impeachment process is a matter handled by the legislative and judicial branches, and we recognize their independence in carrying out their constitutional mandates," she added. The SC has ruled unanimously in deeming that the Articles of Impeachment are barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution. Moreover, magistrates ruled that the articles violate the right to due process. Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa inhibited while Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh is on leave. The decision was penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. With this development, the high court cannot acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings. The SC's ruling is in relation to the consolidated petition filed by Duterte, lawyer Israelito Torreon, and others seeking to declare the Articles of Impeachment against her as null and void. Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting clarified that the high tribunal "is not absolving" Duterte from the charges against her, but added that "any subsequent impeachment complaint" may only be filed starting February 6, 2026. This is a day after the one-year anniversary of House of Representatives impeachment of Duterte, including its endorsement of the fourth complaint that constituted the Articles of Impeachment. The SC decision is immediately executory. However, Ting said the House of Representatives may still file a motion for reconsideration. — VDV, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
2 hours ago
- GMA Network
Senate impeachment court 'duty-bound' to respect SC ruling on VP Sara's case
The Senate impeachment court on Friday acknowledged the Supreme Court's (SC) decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional, saying that it is 'duty-bound' to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court. In a statement, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said the SC decision affirms the impeachment court's stance that 'constitutional issues surrounding the Articles required clarity before trial proceedings could commence.' 'The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, has always acted in deference to the Constitution and the rule of law. As a co-equal branch of government, we are duty-bound to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court,' Tongol said. 'The Court's ruling validates the prudence and restraint exercised by the Senate majority in recognizing those legal uncertainties from the outset,' he added. The SC has unanimously declared the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional, saying that it is barred by the one-year rule under Article XI Section 3 paragraph 5 of the Constitution, and for violating the right to due process. The High Court also pointed out that the Senate cannot acquire jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings. "However, the Court said it is not absolving Vice President Duterte from any of the charges against her. But any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026," SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said Friday. For the Senate impeachment court's part, Tongol said that it is awaiting for the formal transmittal of the SC decision 'and any related guidance that may affect the Impeachment Court's jurisdiction moving forward.' 'The Senate remains committed to upholding constitutional order, ensuring due process, and protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions,' he emphasized. The high court's ruling is in relation to the consolidated petition filed by Duterte, lawyer Israelito Torreon, and others seeking to declare the Articles of Impeachment against her as null and void. To recall, three impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte in December 2024, all of which were connected with the alleged misuse of confidential funds. It was the fourth impeachment complaint that was endorsed by over one-third of lawmakers from the House of Representatives, and was later on transmitted to the Senate. The Vice President was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. Duterte had entered a 'not guilty' plea in the verified impeachment complaint filed against her, which she called merely a 'scrap of paper.' — RSJ, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
3 hours ago
- GMA Network
QC gov't suspends classes for 2025 SONA
All classes in public and private schools in Quezon City (QC) will be suspended on Monday, July 28, in view of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Under Executive Order (EO) No. 10 series of 2025, Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in QC amid the expected road closures for SONA, which is set to be delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Belmonte said the road closures will affect both motorists and the riding public. 'Classes shall be suspended in all levels tor both private and public schools in Quezon City in view of the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. All residents are enjoined to listen to the SONA of the President of the Republic of the Philippines,' the EO dated July 21 reads. 'The Office of the City Mayor, through the Philippine National Police, the City Department of Public Order and Safety, the City Traffic and Transport Department, City Task Force Disiplina, and all other implementing offices, as may be authorized, are hereby tasked to assist in the implementation of this order, and strictly adopt and implement security measures,' it added. Marcos Jr. is expected to deliver his fourth SONA on July 28. Earlier, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco isued a memo for the austere holding of the SONA amid the impact of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the Southwast Monsoon or Habagat on the country. "There will be no staged ceremonies, fashion coverage, or photo setups in the red carpet area," read the memo. "Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices," it added. The Senate will also not roll out the red carpet for the opening of the 20th Congress, according to Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero. Several parts of the country are still reeling from the effects of consecutive storms amid days of heavy rains. The reported death toll due to Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat has increased to 25 as of Friday morning. State weather bureau PAGASA, in a special outlook, forecast cloudy skies with rains over parts of the country, including Metro Manila on Monday. A state of calamity has also been declared in 84 cities and municipalities. — BAP, GMA Integrated News