Senate Offee of the scarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 25 DEC -9 P3:14 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY. SENATE S.в. No. 1586 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10654, TO PROVIDE FOR A FUEL SUBSIDY AND CALAMITY RELIEF MECHANISM FOR FISHERFOLK, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Fisherfolk remain among the poorest and most climate-vulnerable sectors in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), fishers consistently rank among the top three poorest basic sectors, with a poverty incidence of around 30% as of 2021, significantly higher than the national average of 18% (PSA, 2023). Fuel represents the single largest operational expense in small-scale fishing, accounting for up to 60% of total trip costs in municipal fisheries (Vera Cruz et al., 2019, Philippine Journal of Science). When pump prices rise, fishers are forced to reduce their fishing days, lowering incomes and constraining the country's fish supply. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reports that municipal and small-scale commercial fisheries contributed 1.15 million metric tons, or nearly 26% of total fisheries production in 2022, underscoring their vital role in domestic food security (BFAR, Philippine Fisheries Profile 2022). However, this subsector faces repeated losses from typhoons and sea surges. Between 2013 and 2022, an estimated P6.7 billion in fisheries assets were destroyed by major storms such as Yolanda, Odette, and Paeng (Department of Agriculture, 2023). Damage to small boats and gear can take months to
restore, leaving fisherfolk unable to resume livelihoods and threatening local food supplies. While Republic Act No. 8550, as amended by RA 10654, provides for sustainable fisheries management, it does not establish a permanent, rules-based fuel subsidy nor a dedicated calamity-relief mechanism for fisherfolk (FAOLEX, 2015). Existing assistance is often ad hoc and delayed, undermining the resilience of coastal communities. This bill addresses that policy gap. The proposed amendments introduce two new sections: (1) Section 114-A (Fuel Subsidy Program), directing the Department of Agriculture, through BFAR and in coordination with the Department of Energy, to implement a targeted, time-bound fuel subsidy or voucher system for registered municipal and small-scale commercial fisherfolk, to cushion the effects of fuel price shocks; and (2) Section 114-B (Calamity Relief and Emergency Support), mandating immediate cash or in-kind aid, repair or replacement of fishing vessels and gear, and concessional loans for affected fisherfolk in areas declared under a state of calamity, in coordination with the NDRRMC and LGUs. These mechanisms align with the State's duty under Article XIII, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution to promote social justice in all phases of national development and ensure food security. By embedding these supports within the Fisheries Code, the bill ensures that relief measures remain consistent with conservation objectives and discourage illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO Senator
Schatr • Office of the Exactarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 DEC -9 P3:14 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE 8 6 S.B. No._ Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT FURTHER AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10654, TO PROVIDE FOR A FUEL SUBSIDY AND CALAMITY RELIEF MECHANISM FOR FISHERFOLK, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Fisherfolk Fuel Subsidy
and Calamity Relief Act."
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to promote the welfare of fisherfolk, ensure food security, and support the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. In recognition of the vulnerability of fisherfolk to rising fuel costs and natural calamities, the State shall provide targeted assistance to mitigate the adverse effects of such challenges.
SECTION 3. Fuel Subsidy Program for Fisherfolk. - A new Section is hereby
inserted after Section 114 of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, to read as follows: "SEC. 114-A. Fuel Subsidy Program. - The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in coordination with the Department of Energy and other relevant agencies, shall establish and implement a Fuel Subsidy Program for registered municipal and small-scale commercial fisherfolk. The Program shall provide direct fuel subsidies or vouchers
to eligible fisherfolk to offset the impact of fuel price increases on fishing operations. The guidelines for eligibility, amount, and distribution of subsidies shall be promulgated by the Department within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act."
SECTION 4. Calamity Relief and Emergency Support for Fisherfolk. - A new
Section is hereby inserted after Section 114-A of Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, to read as follows: "SEC. 114-B. Calamity Relief and Emergency Support. - In the event of a declaration of a state of calamity or disaster affecting fishing communities, the Department of Agriculture, through BFAR, shall provide emergency relief, rehabilitation assistance, and livelihood support to affected fisherfolk. Such assistance may include, but is not limited to, cash or in-kind aid, repair or replacement of fishing vessels and gear, and access to concessional loans. The Department shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), local government units, and other relevant agencies for the effective implementation of this provision."
SECTION 5. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The Department of 19 Agriculture may also source funds from existing fisheries development funds and other available resources.
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be found
unconstitutional by a court of law, such provision shall be severed from the remainder of this Act, and such action shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Act.
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of instruction,
2 resolutions, orders or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,