PHThe Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 266, which mandated electronic monitoring of commercial fishing vessels, is unconstitutional. The court determined that the regulation exceeded what was necessary to combat illegal fishing and infringed upon constitutional rights. The order required vessels to install a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and use an Electronic Reporting System (ERS), aimed at enhancing fisheries management, enforcing laws, and aiding in disaster response. The court ordered the Department of Agriculture to address deficiencies in the order and report back. This decision raises questions about the future of vessel monitoring and whether commercial fishing vessels can operate freely in municipal waters.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal challenge and judicial decision regarding a government regulation without overtly favoring any side. It provides background on the regulation, the court's reasoning, and the implications, maintaining neutrality in tone and framing.
