Debate on kalikasan writ for areas in West Philippine Sea moved to July 2

The high court will tackle the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolk
Association’s plea, filed through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, through
oral arguments.

The group is seeking the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan and a Writ of

Continuing Mandamus to “prevent and prosecute violations of Philippine
environmental laws in Philippine waters and in the Philippine Exclusive
Economic Zone.”

The writ of kalikasan is a remedy formulated by the court to better protect the
rights of the citizens to a balanced and healthful ecology as enshrined in the
Constitution.

It is a remedy available for persons whose constitutional right to a balanced

and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful
act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity.

Government neglecting duty to protect environment,

petitioners say
The group also asked the SC to compel the government to protect and
rehabilitate the Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and
Mischief Reef or Panganiban Reef, which are part of our EEZ.

They accused the respondents—Department of Environment and Natural

Resources, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast
Guard, Philippine National Police and Department of Justice—of “neglecting”
their duties which violate the environmental laws and result in damage in the
shoals that are part of our EEZs.

“Chinese fishermen harvested endangered and threatened species and used

cyanide and explosives in their fishing. Foreign entities engaged by Chinese
authorities constructed and damaged coral reefs in the process,” the
petitioners added. — Kristine Joy Patag with a report from The STAR/Edu
Punay

Read more at
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/18/1927530/debate-kalikasan-
 writ-areas-west-philippine-sea-moved-july-
2#66REUT6y2h1cDkTM.9986SHARES01
(Philstar.com) - June 18, 2019 - 2:40pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court moved the its debates on a plea
by Palawan fisherfolk to compel the government to protect parts of the West
Philippine Sea where Chinese fishermen reportedly harvest marine resources.

The SC, in a full court session on Tuesday, ruled to move the oral arguments
to July 2 from June 25.

Read more at
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/18/1927530/debate-kalikasan-
writ-areas-west-philippine-sea-moved-july-2#66REUT6y2h1cDkTM.99