BFAR to contest SC ruling on municipal waters delimitation

The government is planning to contest a Supreme Court ruling declaring the 15-kilometer municipal water boundary unconstitutional as calls to protect the preferential rights of artisanal fishermen from various sectors continue to mount.

- Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is now coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on the possibility of reviewing the ruling made by the SC's first division.

The BFAR, an agency attached to the Department of Agriculture, said the decision of the High Court's first division "is not yet final."

"The agency is dedicated to ensuring a fair and just resolution. This highlights the importance of the case in shaping policies and programs that impact the fisheries sector, particularly about environmental protection, resource management, and the rights of affected stakeholders," BFAR said.

The Supreme Court's first division issued a ruling upholding the Malabon Regional Trial Court's decision on the petition of Mercidar Fishing Corp. to declare the preferential access of municipal fisherfolk to 15-km municipal water unconstitutional, among others.

Nonetheless, BFAR vowed to continue upholding its mandate of protecting and conserving the country's aquatic resources while safeguarding the welfare of small-scale fishermen and coastal communities.

"The agency remains committed to the rule of law and the protection of national interests and sustainable fisheries management," it said.