STA. CRUZ, Laguna--Big corporations and influential individuals who have been occupying Laguna Lake with their huge fish pens will have to go while small fishermen will be assured of wider fishing grounds if and when presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao wins the Palace seat.
In a press conference here, Pacquiao vowed to look into the plight of fisherfolks who have been displaced from their usual fishing grounds as huge fish pens started to occupy large portions of the lake.
“Aalamin natin kung mga korporasyon at matataas na tao ang nakikinabang diyan. Kailangan mga taga-Laguna ang makinabang diyan (We must find out if corporations or big personalities are the only ones benefitting there. It should be those from Laguna who must benefit),” he said.
Pacquiao believes that the rich resources of the lake should benefit ordinary Laguna residents and fisherfolk.
Deputy Speaker and Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, who is Pacquiao’s running mate, has been demanding for the dismantling of fish cages and fish pens, many of which are illegal.
Atienza said the fishpens are owned by highly influential individuals while only a few fisherfolk are able to benefit from fishing in Laguna Lake.
Pacquiao has started campaigning in Rizal and Laguna provinces after holding his proclamation rally last week in General Santos City.
In between visits to local government officials, Pacquiao also held community forums that were attended by community, religious, and sectoral leaders, especially representatives of fisherfolks and farmers.
He was warmly received by thousands of supporters during his visit at the provincial capitol where the press conference was held.
Pacquiao and Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez held a closed-door meeting. He is reportedly the first presidential candidate to set foot at the provincial capitol since the start of the campaign period on Feb. 8.
Pacquiao was also welcomed at the municipal hall by incumbent Sta. Cruz Mayor Edgar San Luis, a former congressman like Pacquiao.
Board member Angelica Jones, a former actress, has reportedly endorsed him to Laguna voters.
Aside from Sta. Cruz, Pacquiao held a motorcade that covered the towns of Sta. Cruz, San Pablo, Liliw, Canlubang, San Pedro, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.