By Liz Lagniton | 2026-03-30

Philippine lawmakers are pushing for more subsidies and protections for fishers in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as rising fuel costs and encounters with Chinese vessels strain operations in contested waters.

The WPS is Manila's name for the part of the South China Sea within its Exclusive Economic Zone.

At a March 23 dialogue with fishing groups in Puerto Princesa, Palawan province, officials said they would prioritize fuel assistance, livelihood support and safety measures at sea. The event focused on mounting economic and security pressures on coastal communities. Viewers could watch it online, not just in person.

The consultations, organized by civil society coalition Atin Ito, brought together more than 100 fishers, local officials, lawmakers and civil society representatives. The event gathered firsthand accounts of challenges in the WPS.

During the dialogue, fishers described a tightening squeeze: higher fuel prices limit how far small boats can travel, while access to traditional fishing grounds has grown increasingly uncertain.

Chinese harassment

In recent years, China has sent coast guard and other vessels to harass Philippine fishing boats in the WPS. China claims more than 80% of the South China Sea, even though an international court threw out China's case in 2016.

"Every time we go out to fish, we are gripped by fear. We try to locate where they (Chinese vessels) might be gathering, because our primary concern is our safety; we worry that we may not make it back," said Rogelio Hingpit, representative of Kalayaan Fisherfolk from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island.

Pag-asa Island, part of Palawan province, serves as a key outpost representing the Philippines' sovereignty and territorial claim in the WPS.

Recounting harassment in the WPS, Hingpit said Chinese vessels block access to traditional fishing grounds, including an islet about three nautical miles off Pag-asa Island that fishers could previously reach.

They can no longer access the area because Chinese vessels now surround what local fishers call the "secret island," he said.

Hingpit is among many small-scale Filipino fishers whose livelihoods depend on the WPS. But Chinese patrols have blocked access to traditional fishing grounds, leaving them with smaller catches and lower income.

"We hope that we can fish freely again, without fear or anxiety about whether we will return home safely," he said. He appealed to lawmakers for assistance in confronting Chinese fishermen and the harassment that Filipinos face from the China Coast Guard in the area.

"We urgently need help," he added.

Boosting subsidies

Lawmakers vowed to advocate more-robust protection mechanisms, greater funding for fishing boats and faster distribution of fuel subsidies.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo said the government must safeguard both sovereignty and livelihoods.

"While we are here, we will defend it. As long as I am chairman of Foreign Relations in the Senate, we will fight for it. Do not give up. Let us all stand together and fight for the [WPS]," Tulfo told fishermen. He reiterated his call for faster and more efficient fuel assistance amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Malabon Rep. Antolin Oreta III said stabilizing fishers' income is critical to national food security. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, meanwhile, pointed to pending legislation that would raise fuel subsidies for small-scale fishers to 5,000 PHP from 3,000 PHP ($82 from $49).

The frequency of the subsidy was not reported.

Beyond subsidies, lawmakers said they would seek stronger safety protections and support for fishing vessels to help sustain a civilian presence in contested waters.

"This is not just a matter of territory. It is about livelihood and dignity, and the future of our communities," said Rafaela David, Atin Ito co-convenor. Fisherfolk remain the "true face" of Philippine presence in the area, her counterpart Edicio Dela Torre said.

Raising awareness

A student assembly later that day drew about 1,000 participants and focused on raising awareness of the WPS dispute while countering misinformation. Organizers called for mandatory instruction on the area's legal and historical background.

In a video message to students, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said tensions persist in the region despite the favorable international arbitral ruling of 2016 and called on the public -- especially youth, whom he described as the "spark of change" -- to stay engaged.

Pangilinan said he has pushed Senate resolutions rejecting and condemning China's actions. "We will not allow insults to go unchallenged. We will stand our ground, and with your support; we will continue to fight for what is ours [under international law]," he said.