Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has directed municipalities across the province to assert their jurisdiction over municipal waters.
On Thursday, January 23, Aumentado signed an executive order encouraging local governments to create ordinances that protect the livelihoods of small fishers.
He issued this order in response to a Supreme Court (SC) First Division decision that permits a commercial fishing operator to fish within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone, traditionally reserved for small-scale fishers.
Aumentado warned that the SC ruling could lead to significant consequences, saying, “Although none of Bohol’s local governments participated in the Mercidar case, if the decision becomes final and executory, it could allow commercial fishing operators to enter Bohol’s waters, directly competing with marginal fishers and threatening their livelihood.”
To emphasize the importance of small-scale fishing, the governor said the industry’s vital role in the local economy. Fishing ranks as Bohol’s second-largest source of income, next to agriculture.
In fact, 33% of the population depends on fishing for their livelihood, and 30 of the province’s municipalities rely on coastal resources.
Precedent case
The SC ruling, which became public in December 2024, upheld a 2021 Malabon Regional Trial Court decision that allowed Mercidar Fishing Corporation to operate within the municipal water zone.
The decision also declared certain provisions of the Fisheries Code unconstitutional. This precedent has alarmed stakeholders, as it could enable commercial operators to encroach on municipal waters nationwide.
Despite this ruling, Bohol has consistently upheld its ban on commercial fishing and the use of active gear within the 15-kilometer zone.
Meanwhile, fishers’ organizations and civil society groups have ramped up their efforts to challenge the SC decision.
The province has taken this stance to prioritize small fishers and safeguard its marine ecosystems. Aumentado reiterated this commitment, emphasizing, “Marginal fishers shall have preferential rights in the utilization of municipal waters in keeping with national policy.”
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.