TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JUL 14 P2:53 First Regular Session SENATE Senate Bill No. Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT PROVIDING A FUEL SUBSIDY FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The fisheries sector plays a vital role in the economy and in ensuring food security for millions of Filipinos. In 2023, it produced a total of 4.26 million metric tons of fish and aquatic products, valued at P328.74 billion. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), over 2.29 million Filipinos were employed in various fishing and aquaculture activities during the same year.2 Despite their indispensable contribution, Filipino fisherfolk remain among the poorest in the country. In 2023, 27.4% of fisherfolk lived below the poverty line, nearly twice the national poverty rate of 15.5%, placing them among the poorest sectors alongside farmers and indigenous peoples. 34 Their average daily income stands at just P343.38, highlighting the urgent need for targeted government intervention. 5 BFAR. Philippine Fisheries Profile. Published in October 2024. Available at https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf (Accessed on 05 July 2025). Ibid. SA. 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics of the Philippines. Published in August 2024. Available a ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/phdsd/2023%20FY%200fficial%20Poverty%20Statistics%20Publicatior 15August2024.pdf (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 4 PSA. Poverty Incidence Declined from 2021 to 2023 in Ten Basic Sectors. Published in March 2025. Available at https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/poverty (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 5 PSA. Agriculture and Fisheries Indicators System: Employment and Wages (2019 - 2023). Published in November 2024. publication/AFIS%20Employment%20and%20Wages%20in%20Agri%20and%20Fishing%202019-2023_е- signed.pdf (Accessed on 03 July 2025).
A major factor contributing to their financial hardship is the high cost of fuel, which can account for up to 80% of fishing operation expenses. In early 2025, diesel prices increased by P4.80 per liter, raising daily fuel expenses by around P144.00 for small-scale operators, equivalent to an additional burden of P4,320 per month? These rising costs threaten not only the livelihood of fisherfolk but also the stability of local food supply chains, especially in coastal and rural communities where alternative employment opportunities are limited. To help address these challenges, P75 million has been allocated under the 2025 General Appropriations Act for fuel assistance to fisherfolk. This is particularly timely, along with other interventions, given the volatility of fuel prices in the world market. Building on this, the institutionalization of a monthly fuel subsidy of P1,000.00 for eligible municipal fisherfolk using motorized vessels is proposed to reduce operational costs, stabilize incomes, and help them better support their families. To ensure sustainability and responsiveness to changing economic conditions, the subsidy amount would be subject to annual adjustments based on inflation. Beyond financial aid, this measure also incorporates social protection mechanisms. Beneficiaries would be automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program under the PhilHealth and provided micro-insurance coverage through the Social Security System (SSS). These benefits would offer crucial support in times of illness, accidents, or economic hardship. More than a financial lifeline, this measure is aimed at being a strategic investment in food security, poverty alleviation, and economic resilience. By addressing the root causes of poverty in the fisheries sector and extending meaningful support to those who need it most, this bill seeks to contribute to a more equitable and stable future for the Filipino fisherfolk and the broader economy. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. реми JOEL/VILLANUEVA Y Pamalakaya, as cited by Inquirer. Fisher group: Fuel subsidy not enough, seeks more fund to boost production. Published on 31 December 2023. Available at https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1881876/fisher-group-fuel-subsidy- not-enough-seeks-more-fund-to-boost-production (Accessed on 05 July 2025). Philippine Resource Center for Inclusive Development. How does the Oil Price Hike affect the Filipino Consumer? Published on 05 February 2025. Available at https://www.inklusibo.org/oil-price-hike/ (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 2025 GAA - Department of Agriculture. Available at https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp- content/uploads/GAA/GAA2025/VolumeIA/DA/DA.pdf (Accessed on 05 July 2025).
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 14 P2:53 SENATE Senate Bill No. Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT PROVIDING A FUEL SUBSIDY FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 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 "Pantawid
Pambangka Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy, - The State recognizes the crucial role of
4 municipal fisherfolk in ensuring the food security of the country. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to provide support to municipal fisherfolk, in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to the nation, and in pursuit of the Constitutional mandate 7 to promote social justice in all phases of development.
SEC. 3. The Pantawid Pambangka Program. - There is hereby established
9 the Pantawid Pambangka Program, herein referred to as the Program, which shall 10 provide a fuel voucher worth at least One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) per month to each eligible beneficiary under this Act: Provided, That the amount shall be revised every year to account for inflation. The Program shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
SEC. 4. Beneficiaries, - The beneficiaries of this Act shall be municipal
fisherfolk who fish within municipal waters, whether coastal or inland, and who operate a motorized fishing vessel individually or through a fisherfolk organization,
cooperative, or association: Provided, That the beneficiaries are listed in the registry system of the DA, mainly in the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration System (FishR): Provided, further, That their fishing vessels are duly registered in the integrated boat registry system, BFAR's Boat Registration, or the local government unit's boat registry system.
SEC. 5. Convergence of Social Protection Programs. - Beneficiaries of the
7 Program shall also be automatically enrolled and covered under the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The Social Security System (SSS) shall also provide micro-insurance mechanisms to beneficiaries of the Program.
SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation
of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DA. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this 14 Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within one hundred twenty
(120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DA shall, in consultation with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to carry out the provisions of this Act. Failure of the relevant government agencies to promulgate the IRR within the specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws. Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of the government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith or with gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable.
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,