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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ____________ 
Introduced by CIBAC Party-List Representative 
EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The fisheries sector plays a vital role in sustaining the economy and ensuring 
food security for millions of Filipinos. In 2023, the sector produced 4.26 million metric 
tons of fish and aquatic products valued at ₱328.74 billion.1 According to the Bureau 
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), over 2.29 million Filipinos were employed 
in fishing and aquaculture activities during the same year.2 
Despite their indispensable contribution, fisherfolk remain among the poorest in 
the country. In 2023, 27.4% of fisherfolk lived below the poverty line—nearly twice the 
national poverty rate of 15.5%—placing them among the most disadvantaged sectors 
alongside farmers and indigenous peoples.3,4 Their average daily income stands at 
only ₱343.38, underscoring the urgent need for targeted state intervention.5 
A major driver of their economic hardship is the high cost of fuel, which can 
account for up to 80% of fishing operation expenses.6 In early 2025, diesel prices rose 
by ₱4.80 per liter, increasing daily fuel expenses of small-scale operators by an 
estimated ₱144.00, or ₱4,320 per month.7 These rising costs threaten not only the 
1 BFAR. 2023 Philippine Fisheries Profile. Published in October 2024. Available at https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 
2 Ibid. 
3 PSA. 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics of the Philippines. Published in August 2024. Available at 
https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/phdsd/20230/o20FY%200fficial%20Poverty%20Statistics%20Publication 
_15August2024.pdf (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 
4 PSA. Poverty Incidence Declined from 2021 to 2023 in Ten Basic Sectors. Published in March 2025. Available at 
https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/poverty  (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 
5 PSA. Agriculture and Fisheries Indicators System: Employment and Wages (2019 - 2023). Published in November 
2024. 
Available 
at 
https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/mainpublication/AFIS%20Employment%20and%20Wages%20in%20Agri%20and
%20Fishing%202019-2023_esigned.pdf (Accessed on 03 July 2025). 
6 Pamalakaya, as cited by Inquirer. Fishergroup: Fuel subsidy notenough, seeks more fund to boostproduction. 
Published on 31 December 2023. Available at https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1881876/fisher-group-fuel-subsidynot-
enough-seeks-more-fund-to-boost-production (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 
7 Philippine Resource Center for Inclusive Development. How does the OH Price Hike affectthe Filipino 
Consumer? Published on 05 February 2025. Available at https://www.inklusibo.org/oil-price-hike/ (Accessed on 
05 July 2025).  
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livelihood of fisherfolk but also the stability of local food supply chains, especially in 
coastal and rural communities where alternative livelihoods are scarce. 
Recognizing these challenges, ₱75 million has been allocated under the 2025 
General Appropriations Act for fuel assistance to fisherfolk.8 Building on this initiative, 
this bill seeks to institutionalize a monthly fuel subsidy of ₱1,000.00 for eligible 
municipal fisherfolk using motorized vessels. To ensure responsiveness to changing 
economic conditions, the subsidy amount shall be subject to annual adjustments 
based on inflation. 
Beyond financial relief, the bill incorporates social protection mechanisms. 
Beneficiaries will be automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program 
under PhilHealth and provided with micro-insurance coverage through the Social 
Security System (SSS). These measures will provide fisherfolk with critical support 
during illness, accidents, or economic disruptions. 
This measure is not merely a financial lifeline. It is a strategic investment in food 
security, poverty alleviation, and economic resilience. By addressing the structural 
burdens faced by fisherfolk and extending meaningful support to one of the most 
vulnerable sectors of society, the proposed program will contribute to a more equitable 
and stable future for fisherfolk, their families, and the nation as a whole. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA 
8 DBM. 2025 GAA - Department of Agriculture. Available at 
https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/GAA/GAA2025/VolumeIA/DA/DA.pdf (Accessed on 05 July 2025). 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by CIBAC Party-List Representative 
EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING A FUEL SUBSIDY FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERIES, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Pantawid Pambangka 
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Act." 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the crucial role of 
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municipal fisherfolk in ensuring the food security of the country. It is hereby declared 
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a policy of the State to provide support to municipal fisherfolk, in recognition of their 
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sacrifices and contributions to the nation, and in pursuit of the Constitutional mandate 
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to promote social justice in all phases of development. 
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SEC. 3. The Pantawid Pambangka Program. - There is hereby established the 
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Pantawid Pambangka Program, herein referred to as the Program, which shall provide 
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a fuel voucher worth at least One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) per month to each 
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eligible beneficiary under this Act: Provided, That the amount shall be revised every 
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year to account for inflation. The Program shall be administered by the Department of 
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Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). 
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SEC. 4. Beneficiaries. - The beneficiaries of this Act shall be municipal fisherfolk 
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who fish within municipal waters, whether coastal or inland, and who operate a 
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motorized fishing vessel individually or through a fisherfolk organization, cooperative, 
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or association: Provided, That the beneficiaries are listed in the registry system of the 
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DA, mainly in the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration System (FishR): Provided, further, 
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That their fishing vessels are duly registered in the integrated boat registry system, 
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BFAR's Boat Registration, or the local government unit's boat registry system. 
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SEC. 5. Convergence of Social Protection Programs. - Beneficiaries of the 
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Program shall also be automatically enrolled and covered under the National Health 
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Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The 
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Social Security System (SSS) shall also provide micro-insurance mechanisms to 
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beneficiaries of the Program.  
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SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation 
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of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DA. 
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Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this 
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Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
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SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred twenty 
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(120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DA shall, in consultation with relevant 
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government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the implementing rules and 
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regulations (IRR) to carry out the provisions of this Act.  
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Failure of the relevant government agencies to promulgate the IRR within the 
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specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to 
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administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws.  
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Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of the 
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government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith or with 
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gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable. 
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SEC. 8. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
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unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall 
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remain in force and effect. 
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SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
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executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions 
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of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 10. Effectivity. – 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. 
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Approved, 
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