A senator is calling for an investigation into the impact of commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, amid mounting concerns over its effect on small-scale fishermen, marine biodiversity, and national food security. The proposed investigation, formalized through a resolution filed on July 8, seeks to determine whether the recent SC ruling that allowed commercial vessels to operate in shallow waters has compromised the livelihood of millions of Filipinos who depend on these areas for their daily catch. The resolution also questions the scientific basis—if any—behind the 15-kilometer boundary and the 12.8-meter depth restriction, urging the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform to explore possible legislative interventions to protect municipal waters and uphold the rights of small fishermen.

Fernandez, B. (2025, July 18). Senator seeks probe into impact of SC ruling on fishing. BusinessMirror, p. A4.