Ecuate Difier of the surery TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 25 AUG 27 P12:33 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: S. No. S NN 1268 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FUEL SUBSIDY FOR FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The fishing industry in the Philippines generates roughly 1.6 million jobs, which is around 4% of the country's labor force. The industry contributes 1.3% to the GDP and is a source of protein for more than 50% of Filipino families!. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while there are 2.3 million fisherfolk, there are only 407,215 municipal fishing vessels all over the country with a capacity of three gross tonnage or lower. However, despite their contribution to the economy, they still remain one of the poorest sectors in the country. In 2021, poverty among fisherfolk reached to 30.6% - the highest rate among basic sectors for the said year.2 Recent tension in the Middle East has triggered oil price hikes around the world. Under the 2025 budget of the Department of Agriculture, fuel subsidy is only released to fisherfolk when the barrel of Dubai crude oil reaches USD 80 per barrel. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the current process of distributing subsidies to fisherfolk is only through voucher or card schemes, which shall be used with partnered gas stations instead of giving out cash. It is evident that the current practice 1 World Bank Group (May 30, 2023). New Fisheries Initiative Will Benefit Over a Million People in the Philippines." Information retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/05/31/new-fisheries-initiative- will-benefit-over-a-million-people-in-the-phi 2 BFAR. "2023 Philippine Fisheries Profile. "Information retrieved from https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp- content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf
implemented is such a tedious process that it needs to be improved in order to expedite the releasing of subsidies for fisherfolk. It is imperative that the government provide support to achieve sustainable growth in the fishing industry. The proposed bill aims to provide a fuel subsidy worth at least PHP 5,000.00 per month, which shall be directly deposited through the bank accounts of beneficiaries to immediately help cushion the impact of fuel price hikes. It is for this purpose that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. FULFO
Scat Office of the Birtoiy TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 25 AUG 27 P12:33 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY S. No. SO 1268 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FUEL SUBSIDY FOR FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines, in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Pantawid Pambangka Act
of 2025".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State acknowledges the vital role that the
municipal fisherfolk play in providing food for the nation. Thus, it is the declared policy 5 of the State to support these fisherfolk, recognizing their hard work and contributions, 6 and to promote social justice in all phases of development.
Sec. 3. The Pantawid Pambangka Program. - There is hereby established the
Pantawid Pambangka Program, herein referred to as the Program that shall provide cash assistance of at least Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00) per month which shall be directly deposited through the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries under this Act: Provided, That the amount shall be adjusted every year to account for inflation. The Program shall be administered by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Sec. 4. Beneficiaries. - This beneficiaries of this Act shall be municipal fisherfolk
who fish within municipal waters, whether coastal or inland, and who use motorized fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less: Provided, That registration under the National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shall be a precondition for the receipt of benefits under
this Act. Provided, further, That their fishing vessels are duly registered in the National Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration (BoatR) of the BFAR. Provided, finally, That fisherfolk who are not yet registered under FishR and/or BoatR may still be served provided they enroll in the FishR and/or BoatR.
Sec. 5. Non-Diminution of Benefits. - No benefit, assistance, or privilege currently
enjoyed by the fisherfolk under existing laws, ordinances, policies, or programs-such as subsidies, livelihood support, insurance coverage, training, access to fishing grounds, and other socio-economic interventions-shall be reduced, withdrawn, or eliminated without 9 due process and consultation with the affected fisherfolk and relevant stakeholders.
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amounts as may be necessary for the implementation
of this Act shall be indicated under the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the BFAR.
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the BFAR shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, and
administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,