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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SEN A T„
S. No. 12^8
25 AUG 27 R2 33
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FUEL SUBSIDY FOR FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The fishing industry in the Philippines generates roughly 1.6 million jobs, which is around 
4% of the country's labor force. The industry contributes 1.3% to the GDP and is a source 
of protein for more than 50% of Filipino families1. According to the Bureau of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while there are 2.3 million fisherfolk, there are only 
407,215 municipal fishing vessels all over the country with a capacity of three gross 
tonnage or lower. However, despite their contribution to the economy, they still remain 
one of the poorest sectors in the country. In 2021, poverty among fisherfolk reached to 
30.6% - the highest rate among basic sectors for the said year.2
Recent tension in the Middle East has triggered oil price hikes around the world. 
Under the 2025 budget of the Department of Agriculture, fuel subsidy is only released to 
fisherfolk when the barrel of Dubai crude oil reaches USD 80 per barrel. According to the 
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the current process of distributing 
subsidies to fisherfolk is only through voucher or card schemes, which shall be used with 
partnered gas stations instead of giving out cash. It is evident that the current practice
1 World Bank Group (May 30, 2023). New Fisheries Initiative Wiii Benefit Over a MHiion People in the Philippines." 
Information retrieved from httDs://www.worldbank.orq/en/news/pre5s-release/2023/05/31/new-fisheries-initiative- 
will-benefit-over-a-million-peoDle-in-the-phi
2 BFAR. "2023 Philippine Fisheries Profile. "Information retrieved from https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp- 
content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf


implemented is such a tedious process that it needs to be improved in order to expedite 
the releasing of subsidies for fisherfolk.
It is imperative that the government provide support to achieve sustainable growth 
in the fishing industry. The proposed bill aims to provide a fuel subsidy worth at least 
PHP 5,000.00 per month, which shall be directly deposited through the bank accounts of 
beneficiaries to immediately help cushion the impact of fuel price hikes.
It is for this purpose that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
FFY T.TU1FO


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SEN
S. No. 15^8
25 AUG 27 PI 2 33 
1
RECEIVED 3V
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FUEL SUBSIDY FOR FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines, in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Pantawid Pambangka Act
2 
of2025".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State acknowledges the vital role that the
4 
municipal fisherfolk play in providing food for the nation. Thus, it is the declared policy
5 
of the State to support these fisherfolk, recognizing their hard work and contributions,
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and to promote social justice in all phases of development.
7 
Sec. 3. The Pantawid Pambangka Program. - There is hereby established the
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Pantawid Pambangka Program, herein referred to as the Program that shall provide cash
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assistance of at least Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00) per month which shall be
10 
directly deposited through the bank accounts of eligibie beneficiaries under this Act:
11 
Provided, That the amount shall be adjusted every year to account for inflation. The
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Program shall be administered by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
13 
Sec. 4. Beneficiaries. - This beneficiaries of this Act shall be municipal fisherfolk
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who fish within municipal waters, whether coastal or inland, and who use motorized
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fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less: Provided, That registration under the
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National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) of the Bureau of Fisheries
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and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shall be a precondition for the receipt of benefits under
1


1 
this Act. Provided, further, That their fishing vessels are duly registered in the National
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Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration (BoatR) of the BFAR.
3 
Provided, finally. That fisherfolk who are not yet registered under FishR and/or BoatR
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may still be served provided they enroll in the FishR and/or BoatR.
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Sec. 5. Non-Diminution of Benefits. - No benefit, assistance, or privilege currently
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enjoyed by the fisherfolk under existing laws, ordinances, policies, or programs—such as
7 
subsidies, livelihood support, insurance coverage, training, access to fishing grounds, and
8 
other socio-economic interventions—shall be reduced, withdrawn, or eliminated without
9 
due process and consultation with the affected fisherfolk and relevant stakeholders.
10 
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amounts as may be necessary for the implementation
11 
of this Act shall be indicated under the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the
12 
BFAR.
13 
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- Within ninety (90) days from the
14 
effectivity of this Act, the BFAR shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
15 
carry out the provisions of this Act.
16 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force
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and effect.
19 
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, and
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administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
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hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
22 
Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,