President Marcos Likely to Approve Blue Economy Act
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to approve the Blue Economy Act, a bill aimed at boosting the country’s marine resources and safeguarding fisherfolk’s rights and welfare, sources said. This proposed law, known formally as Senate Bill No. 2450 and its House counterpart, House Bill No. 9662, has already passed both chambers last year.
At a recent briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the President’s support. “Yes. When it comes to anything that improves our environment and uplifts the lives of the people—especially our fishermen—the President will not oppose it,” she said in Filipino.
Renewed Senate Support and Future Prospects
Senators Loren Legarda and Risa Hontiveros have also expressed strong backing for the Blue Economy Act. They hope it will be highlighted among the priority measures during President Marcos’ upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). Although the 19th Congress ended on June 30 without enacting the bill, its champions remain determined.
Legarda, the principal Senate author and a well-known environmental advocate, pledged to continue pushing for the bill in the 20th Congress. “We’re committed to pushing for the immediate passage of this and other measures that respond directly to the needs of our people,” she said in a recent statement.
Importance of the Blue Economy Act for Fisherfolk
Hontiveros, a co-author of the bill, echoed this hope, emphasizing the bill’s significance for the nation’s maritime identity. “I’m very supportive of the Blue Economy Bill. I’m actually a co-author of it because we are truly a maritime and archipelagic nation,” she said in Filipino during a Senate interview.
She added, “It’s not just about the West Philippine Sea; it’s also about the rights and welfare of our fisherfolk and the health of our marine ecosystems. So yes, hopefully, that’s one of the many important things the President will mention in his SONA.”
With strong government and legislative support, the Blue Economy Act stands as a vital step toward protecting marine resources and empowering coastal communities.
For more news and updates on the Blue Economy Act, visit Filipinokami.com.
