DA to contests SC ruling voiding vessel monitoring rule

@loganzapanta

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision striking down a “key enforcement” rule that allows the government to monitor commercial fishing vessels operating in Philippine waters.

Before its voiding, Fisheries Administrative Order No. 266 required Philippine-flagged commercial fishing vessels to install vessel monitoring systems and submit electronic catch reports.

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According to the DA, the rule had faced opposition from a group of commercial fishing operators, which challenged the government’s push to strengthen fisheries enforcement amid declining fish stocks.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is now preparing to file a motion for reconsideration before the high court.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency was confident the court would reverse its ruling, arguing that commercial fishing licenses are a privilege—not a right—under the Fisheries Code and are therefore subject to government regulation.

“We are fairly confident the Supreme Court will reconsider the ruling, and allow us to use this internationally recognized vessel monitoring system as the most effective way to deal with illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as it relies on electronic data and not manual filing of commercial fishing firms,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

Explaining the use of the system, BFAR said the tool allows authorities to monitor compliance with fisheries regulations, enforce closed fishing seasons, verify catch reports and protect spawning and nursery grounds from illegal fishing.

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It added that vessel monitoring has become an internationally recognized standard for improving catch traceability, supporting investigations against illegal fishing operators and meeting sustainability requirements imposed by export markets.

As such, the DA said reversing the ruling would also carry international significance, as it would demonstrate that the Philippines remains committed to the agreements it has signed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

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While seeking to revive the regulation, BFAR said it would also review its implementing mechanisms to ensure they comply with constitutional safeguards.

“BFAR respects the Decision of the Supreme Court and we are filing a Motion for Reconsideration,” the bureau said, while maintaining that the “regulation is aligned with the right to a healthy environment, which right belongs to the Filipino people and the stakeholders alike.” /pai INQ