In Iloilo and beyond, the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone has sparked intense discussion. While the decision may have been made on legal grounds, its broader implications — both environmental and socioeconomic — cannot be ignored. This ruling not only raises concerns about the sustainability of Iloilo’s fisheries but also challenges long-standing legal protections designed to safeguard marine ecosystems and support local fishing communities.

The Editorial Board. (2025, February 6). The perils of expanding commercial fishing zones. Panay News, p. 6.