Speaker Martin Romualdez assured fisherfolk in Iloilo of his full support in their efforts to protect their primary livelihood, which is at risk due to the encroachment of commercial fishing operations. Romualdez met with fisherfolk leaders and representatives from Sicogon Island in Carles town, Iloilo and surrounding areas after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the P388-million Submarine Cable Interconnection project, aimed at providing reliable electricity to over 13,000 households. The fishermen, through Iloilo 5th District Rep. Boboy Tupas, raised their concerns about the August 2024 Supreme Court (SC) ruling that allowed commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, an area traditionally reserved for small-scale fishers.

Romualdez backs Iloilo fishermen vs commercial fishing intrusion. (2025, March 9). The Philippine Star, p. 3.