The Supreme Court decision allowing commercial fishing vessels within the 15-kilometer municipal waters could impact the livelihoods of more than 45,000 marginalized fishing communities in Negros Occidental, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said. Lacson stated that the provincial government, coastal local government units, and partner organizations stand in solidarity with over two million small-scale fishermen in the Philippines in ensuring municipal waters remain dedicated to their needs. “We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of municipal fisherfolk by advocating for the continued preferential access of small-scale fishers to the 15-kilometer municipal waters,” Lacson said.

Masculino, G. (2025, February 25). 'Ruling threatens livelihood of 45,000 fishing communities. Manila Bulletin, p. 9.