The Department of Agriculture (DA) has filed an appeal following the Supreme Court’s (SC) recent ruling that permits commercial fishing operations within the municipal waters. In a statement released by DA on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, it has expressed strong concerns regarding SC’s decision, arguing it could undermine the sustainability of fishery resources and adversely affect local fisherfolk who depend on these waters for their livelihood. “The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Office of the Solicitor General, has filed a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court to overturn a decision allowing commercial fishing vessels access to municipal waters, previously reserved for small-scale fishers under the Fisheries Code,” a portion of the statement reads.

Flores, C. (2025, January 19). DA moves to overturn SC’s decision on fishing. SunStar Cebu, p. 4.