MANILA, Philippines - A sectoral representative of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) on Wednesday called on the government to stand its ground and immediately implement the amendments on the Fisheries Code.
Ruperto Aleroza, NAPC vice chairman for basic sectors, said the government should not be swayed by the 'fish holiday' staged by some big fishing operators and traders in Malabon and Navotas cities.
Aleroza said the NAPC supports the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' initiative to curb illegal fishing and encroachment by commercial fishing vessels into municipal waters.
"If we look at it, the amended law only aims for sustainable fishing and ensures that fishers get equal benefits," he said.
Aleroza also serves as the representative of the NAPC Fisherfolk Sectoral Council.
Various commercial fishing vessel operators and traders in Malabon and Navotas have earlier threatened to stage a 'fish holiday' in protest of the Fisheries Code amendments, saying it has been modified without adequate public consultation.
The groups have raised the high fines for violators of the code provisions.
Aleroza said the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the amended Fisheries Code is expected to be finalized this month.