A group of fishermen on Thursday called for monthly assistance and removal of the excise tax in the face of a series of oil price hikes affecting their livelihoods.
The group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) asked for them in a protest held in front of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Quezon City this eve of the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary.
Pamalakaya believes that the commemoration of People Power is an opportunity to express the grievances of the fishers.
“Burden ng maliliit na mangingisda, lalo na ‘yong mga gumamgamit ng motor sa bangka. Sa bawat pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina, malinaw na bawas ‘yan sa kita ng mangingisda,” said Pamalakaya National Chairman Fernando Hicap.
The group also demanded a P10,000 production subsidy per month for crude oil and repair of nets and boats.
According to Hicap, the Fisheries Code should be amended, which is said to be oppressive to small-scale fishers.
One of their complaints is the arrest of fishermen for illegal entry into various towns.
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Fishers ask for aid, removal of excise tax
“Higit na nakikinabang dito, mga may fishing vessel. Kapag hindi ka rehistrado sa municipal fishing grounds, kapag pumasok ka roon, huhulihin ka kahit legal kang mangingisda,” said Hicap.
They also called for an end to the importation of fish because local fishers will be able to supply the country’s needs, and their industry will not be affected.
This week, the price of galunggong rose by P20 in some markets in Metro Manila due to 8 consecutive weeks of oil price hikes.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar had earlier announced that P500 million had been set aside for fuel subsidy in the agricultural sector.
But for the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), suspension of value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products is the solution to alleviate the hardships of those in the agricultural sector.
“Kasi ‘yong fuel subsidy, mahina ‘yong distribution nila,” said Sinag Chairman Rosendo So.
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