More than 50 Catholic bishops in the Philippines have strongly condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to allow commercial fishing in municipal waters, calling it “unfair and unjust” to small-scale fishers who depend on these waters for their livelihood.

The Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed an earlier decision by the Malabon Regional Trial Court, supports the petition of Mercidar Fishing Corp. to nullify the preferential access of small fishers within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone. The ruling, however, is not yet final.

In a letter released on Saturday, the bishops asserted that the decision is “deeply troubling” and contradicts the 1987 Constitution, the Local Government Code, and the Fisheries Code of 1998.

“We will not stand idly by while the sanctity of creation and the dignity of our fisherfolk are undermined,” the bishops said. 

The bishops called on the faithful to take action to protect municipal waters and safeguard the rights of small fishers. 

They emphasized the need for policies that promote sustainability, strengthen local governance, and uphold the principles of faith and law. 

Highlighting the moral responsibility of stewardship, they urged communities to advocate for measures that preserve marine resources and ensure the welfare of artisanal fishers.

In a press briefing, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, Vice-Chairperson of Caritas Philippines, said, “When commercial interests take precedence, the vulnerable are left to bear the cost – facing hunger, poverty, and displacement.” 

Several groups, including the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), welcomed the bishops’ statement, saying it strengthens their advocacy for marine resource protection and fisherfolk rights.

“We have to give more recognition to the role of local governments in enforcing these regulations,” said FFF President Leonardo Montemayor. 

As a co-author of the Fisheries Code during his tenure in Congress, Montemayor stressed that the law was designed “to enforce the provision under the 1987 Constitution, that in utilizing our marine resources, artisanal fisherfolk must be given preferential access.”

Environmental group Oceana Philippines also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Interior and Local Government to intervene, arguing that the ruling is a matter of food security and national security.

“The ultimate steward is the government, who should take the lead in protecting our waters and the livelihoods of our people,” said Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos.