Senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan has vowed to address the issue of the 15-kilometer municipal water zone through legislation if he wins a Senate seat in the May elections.

"Nangangako ako hindi lang sa mga mangingisda dito sa Romblon kundi sa buong Pilipinas na magpapasa ako ng panukala para amyendahan ang batas na may kinalaman dito upang maayos na ang problemang ito kapag tayo’y nakabalik sa Senado (I promise not only to the fishermen here in Romblon but in the entire Philippines that I will push for a legislation to amend the law regarding this problem if we are able to return to the Senate),” Pangilinan said.

The former senator made the commitment during his dialogue with farmers and fisherfolk in Romblon, saying he vehemently opposed the Supreme Court’s order upholding the Malabon Regional Trial Court’s decision (RTC) declaring preferential access of small-scale fishers to municipal waters as unconstitutional.

In an earlier press conference, Pangilinan expressed full support for the Department of Agriculture's (DA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) move to appeal the High Court’s decision, emphasizing that the 15-kilometer municipal water zone is vital to the livelihood of small-scale fishermen.

He emphasized that large commercial fishing vessels should keep out of municipal water zones and operate in other parts of the ocean instead.

If elected senator in the upcoming May elections, Pangilinan also promised to extend greater support to Romblon fishermen. In 2022, Pangilinan distributed 33 fishing boats to fishermen in the area, giving them more opportunity to increase their income.

He also committed to enacting new laws that will provide additional protection and assistance to small fishermen.

Pangilinan also plans to revive his push for the creation of a Department of Fisheries and work for the budget increase of the country’s fisheries sector.