BFAR to appeal Supreme Court ruling on vessel monitoring rule

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will appeal a Supreme Court ruling that declared its vessel monitoring regulation unconstitutional, seeking to preserve a key tool against illegal fishing. The agency plans to ask the high tribunal to reevaluate issues raised by both parties. The Department of Agriculture expressed confidence the court would uphold the regulation, arguing that commercial fishing licenses are privileges subject to state rules. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the system uses electronic data rather than manual reports from fishing companies. The regulation, Fisheries Administrative Order 266, requires Philippine-flagged commercial boats to install vessel monitoring systems and submit electronic catch reports. The DA said the measure aligns with Filipinos' right to a healthy environment and helps protect nursery areas during closed fishing seasons.