Aplikante sa 2025 Elections: Ronnel Arambulo | Full Episode

Summary

Ronel Arambolo, Vice Chairman of Pamalakaya Philippines, discusses the dire situation of Filipino fishermen, highlighting the issues of foreign control over fisheries and the increasing poverty among fishermen, with 30% living in poverty. He emphasizes the need for reforms, such as subsidies and the protection of municipal waters, and critiques government policies, including reclamation projects, which harm both the environment and livelihoods. Arambolo stresses the importance of having true representation from grassroots sectors in the Senate to advocate for the welfare of fishermen and the Filipino people.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ronel Arambolo, a fisher and second vice president of Pamalakaya, Philippines, emphasizes the importance of reforms in the fishing industry to combat foreign control and advocate for the rights of local fishermen.
• 😀 Arambolo runs for senator to advocate for fisherfolk and marginalized sectors, aiming to challenge policies that harm local livelihoods and ensure fair representation for small-scale fishermen in government.
• 😀 The fisherfolk industry has a significant poverty rate, with over 30% of fishermen living in poverty, a figure Arambolo views as an underestimate, highlighting the severity of the problem.
• 😀 Subsidies, such as a P15,000 production subsidy for fishermen during calamities, are a key issue in alleviating the financial struggles of the fishing community.
• 😀 The ongoing reclamation projects, particularly around Manila Bay, are severely damaging fishing livelihoods, with over 180 reclamation projects negatively affecting both fishermen and local communities.
• 😀 The reclamation projects not only harm the environment but also worsen the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and landslides, making coastal communities more vulnerable to natural disasters.
• 😀 Arambolo disagrees with the PBBM administration's pivot towards the US in foreign policy, asserting that it compromises the Philippines' sovereignty and interests in the West Philippine Sea.
• 😀 Commercial fishing vessels being allowed to enter the 15-kilometer municipal waters, as decided by the Supreme Court, poses a significant threat to small-scale fishermen who cannot compete with the advanced technology and resources of commercial operations.
• 😀 The decision to allow commercial vessels into municipal waters is seen as unfair, as it undermines the livelihood of local fishermen and diminishes the legal protections meant to support their work.
• 😀 Arambolo emphasizes the importance of grassroots representation in government, arguing that only a representative from the fishing sector can truly understand and address the problems faced by small fishermen.
• 😀 The Makabayan Coalition, which includes various sectors such as farmers, workers, and fishermen, has a strong track record of advocating for the people's rights and remains untainted by corruption, making it a reliable choice for the Senate.

Q & A

Why did you decide to run for senator despite your active role in grassroots work?

The primary reason for running is the continuous and worsening poverty among fishermen, despite the efforts of past administrations. Fishermen are facing extreme hardship, with over 30% of them living in poverty. As a result, I believe it's essential to have a representative from the fishing sector in the Senate, as many existing lawmakers come from wealthy backgrounds and do not understand the challenges faced by the poor.

What do you think is the root cause of the high poverty rate among fishermen?

The root cause is the lack of adequate support and policies that cater to the needs of small-scale fishermen. Additionally, the destruction of our marine resources through reclamation projects and commercial fishing activities exacerbates the situation.

How do you propose to support fishermen in addressing poverty?

I advocate for providing subsidies to fishermen, specifically a 10,000-peso production subsidy to help alleviate the financial burden. However, it’s also crucial to protect municipal waters and ensure that small-scale fishermen are prioritized over commercial interests.

What impact have reclamation projects had on the livelihoods of fishermen?

Reclamation projects have been highly detrimental, not only destroying fishing habitats but also displacing fishermen from their traditional coastal areas. These projects lead to environmental degradation and increase vulnerability to climate change, as they disrupt natural coastal protection mechanisms like mangroves.

Do you support the current direction of the PBBM administration's policy regarding the West Philippine Sea?

I strongly disagree with the PBBM administration's pivot towards the US. While it might seem like a defense of sovereignty, both China and the US are ultimately after the Philippines' marine resources. We should focus on defending our interests without being dragged into the conflicts between major powers.

How does the decision of the Supreme Court to allow commercial fishing vessels in the 15-km municipal waters affect small-scale fishermen?

This decision is harmful to small-scale fishermen. The 15-km municipal waters should be exclusively reserved for them, as they use traditional methods that can't compete with the large-scale, technologically advanced commercial vessels. The Supreme Court ruling allows commercial vessels to exploit these waters, which could lead to a loss of livelihood for small-scale fishermen.

What are your thoughts on the ongoing red-tagging of activists and groups like yours?

Red-tagging is dangerous and needs to stop. It is an attempt to discredit and silence those who are advocating for the rights of marginalized sectors. Our fight is for the welfare of the people, such as opposing reclamation and protecting the environment, which are vital issues for the public.

Why do you believe you and the Makabayang Coalition deserve the votes of the Filipino people?

We have been consistent advocates for the marginalized sectors, especially fishermen, for over two decades. The Makabayang Coalition represents true people's interests, as we are not driven by power or wealth but by a genuine desire to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Our track record proves that we stand by the people, regardless of elections.

How do you respond to accusations that your group is anti-government or contrary to national development?

There’s nothing wrong with opposing harmful policies. We’re not against the government, but we are against policies that hurt the people, such as the destruction of natural resources through reclamation and the rising costs of living. Our actions are in line with fighting for the rights of the people.

What message would you like to send to the Filipino people regarding your candidacy?

I am running for senator because the current system is failing the Filipino people. We need true representation from the grassroots, especially from sectors like fishing, who understand the real issues. I have spent my life advocating for the welfare of fishermen, and I will continue to fight for their rights if given the chance to serve in the Senate.