AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee is urging the government to assist fisherfolk who will be affected by a unilateral four-month fishing ban imposed by China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Lee also said that Filipino fisherfolk have the right and freedom to fish in the area, adding that he expects China to be more aggressive in driving away those attempting to fish in disputed waters that have since been ruled by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that China had no legal basis to claim historic rights to.
The lawmaker said it is the right of Filipinos to fish in the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs) . He also slammed the “pattern of bullying and harassment” coming from China against Filipino fishermen in te WPS.
The fishing moratorium imposed by China started in May and will end on Sept. 16.
The Bicolano lawmaker said that while he commends the government for promptly filing a formal protest over China’s fishing ban, it must make more tangible actions to protect the livelihood of fisherfolk.
On the June 2 episode of GMA 7’s “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko” where Lee is one of the hosts, the plight of fishermen in Escoda Shoal, Palawan was tackled, as the tension in the area brought about by the territorial dispute also affected their livelihood.
Aside from assistance to the fishermen beneficiaries of the program who were given Fishing Aggregating Devices (FADs) or payao, the GMA TV host reiterated his call for the government to exhaust all means to provide long-term solutions to their perennial problems.
Lee then renewed his call for the urgent passage of his proposed House Bill No. 9011 or the “Fishing Shelters and Ports Act” where the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in coordination with the Department of National Defense (DND) and other relevant government agencies, shall establish fishing shelters and ports in nine occupied maritime features in the WPS and Philippine Rise.
The fishing shelters and ports to be established in the islands of Lawak, Kota, Likas, Pag-asa, Parola, Panata, Patag, Rizal Reef, and Ayungin Shoal will serve as safe spots for fishermen to take refuge from foreign militia or unforeseen circumstances, a place where they can rest, store gears and supplies, as well as access communication devices.
“Our fishermen deserve better services so we should demand better for them. Karapatan nila ang ligtas at mas masaganang kabuhayan, ang dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain, at mabawasan ang pangamba na wala silang perang pantustos sa mga pangangailangan, lalo na sa panahon ng pagkakasakit, sa takot na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan,” the solon said.
“Winner Tayo Lahat sa pagprotekta sa buhay at kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda at sa pagtatanggol sa ating teritoryo. Pakikinabangan ito hindi lang ng sektor ng pangingisda, hindi lang ng henerasyon ngayon, kundi maging ng buong bansa at ng susunod pang henerasyon ng mga Pilipino,” he added.
