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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Is adoption of Mombasa Declaration feasible? Brian Poe wants to know

Is adoption of Mombasa Declaration feasible? Brian Poe wants to know

Published Jun 19, 2026 07:40 am

At A Glance

  • Rep. Brian Poe filed House Resolution No. 1133 to explore the adoption of the Mombasa Declaration principles against illegal fishing.
  • The measure reviews laws and institutions on vessel monitoring, port State measures, and international cooperation while safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.
  • Poe stressed transparency and governance as key to protecting marine biodiversity and food security, in line with the Our Ocean Conference commitments.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe (Contributed photo)
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe (Contributed photo)


FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Rep. Brian Poe is seeking a congressional probe into the feasibility and implications of adopting the principles stated in the Mombasa Declaration on Advancing Fisheries Transparency to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
Embodied in House Resolution No. 1133, Poe says the move builds on the Philippines' commitments at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
The measure seeks to strengthen the country's legal and institutional framework against illegal fishing through improved fisheries transparency, vessel monitoring, information-sharing, and international cooperation.
According to the resolution, IUU fishing remains a serious threat to marine biodiversity, food security, sustainable fisheries, and the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos, while contributing to depleted fish stocks, environmental degradation, and economic losses.
Poe stressed that stronger transparency and governance are vital to protecting the country's marine resources and ensuring sustainable fisheries for future generations.
HR No. 1133 aims to determine whether existing laws and institutions are equipped to address emerging challenges in fisheries management and whether additional legislation is needed to strengthen the country's fight against illegal fishing.
Among the areas to be examined are the modernization of vessel registration and identification systems, improved monitoring and surveillance, enhanced information-sharing, implementation of port State measures, and greater cooperation with regional and international fisheries enforcement initiatives.
Poe, through the measure, also wants to identify opportunities for digital modernization, technical assistance, and capacity building, while ensuring that any future reforms uphold Philippine sovereignty, national security, data privacy, and the rights and welfare of municipal and small-scale fisherfolk.
Launched during the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, the Mombasa Declaration promotes greater fisheries transparency and stronger international cooperation in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Moreover, Poe intends to advance measures against illegal fishing guided by the principles embodied in the Mombasa Declaration, while safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and the welfare of Filipino fishing communities.

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Brian Poe Mombasa declaration Illegal fishing
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