DA must explain 'delayed release' of fuel subsidy to fishers, farmers --- Pangilinan
Aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is seeking the explanation of the Department of Agriculture over the "delayed release" of fuel subsidy for fishers and farmers amid the surging oil prices.

“Matagal nang kailangan ng tulong pero walang dumadating (Help has long been needed yet nothing is coming),” Pangilinan said as he reiterate demand to release the "Pantawid Palaot" subsidy to fishers and farmers.
Starting Tuesday, March 15, prices of diesel increased by at least P13 per liter while gasoline by P7 in what is so far the biggest round of hike following successive spikes.
Pangilinan said many small fishermen are finding it hard to go out to sea because they have to shell out extra money for fuel.
The senator further said that during his recent visit in a fishing community in Pangasinan, fishers lamented they fall deep in debt from expenses to be able to fish such as fuel and nets.
They also said that there are days when the catch is few, enough only to feed the family. Nothing is left to be sold in the market where they could get a little cash for their other expenses.
“Ito ang nakakalungkot na realidad ng ating mangingisda, kapos ang kita, may utang pa. Parang nagtatrabaho na lang para pambayad sa utang (This is a saddening reality in fishing, you don't earn enough and even have debts. It's like you're only working to pay for your debts),” Pangilinan lamented.
The vice-presidential aspirant reiterated that the government 's support is key to uplifting the quality of lives of small fishing communities.
Pangilinan earlier filed a bill pushing for the creation of a Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR).
As an archipelago with the fifth longest coastline in the world, he said the Philippines has enough fish for the Filipinos and does not need to import.