Supreme Court Issues Writ of Kalikasan on Samal-Davao Bridge
MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has issued a Writ of Kalikasan against several government agencies and a private firm involved in the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge project. This legal order aims to protect the constitutional right to a healthy environment, as guaranteed by the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
In this case, the writ of Kalikasan targets the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and the China Road and Bridge Corporation, according to statements from court spokespeople.
Legal Actions and Environmental Concerns
The Supreme Court has mandated the respondents to submit a verified return within 10 days after the writ’s service, without any extension. Meanwhile, the petitioners’ request for a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) has been forwarded to the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro.
If approved, the TEPO would halt all construction activities temporarily, allowing a thorough assessment of the environmental impact caused by the bridge project.
Petitioners’ Arguments Against the Bridge Project
The petition was filed by environmental advocates Carmela Marie Santos, Mark Peñalver, and the Sustainable Davao Movement. They argue that the ongoing construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge threatens to cause “actual, serious, and irreversible damage” to critical marine ecosystems. Specifically, they highlighted the coral reefs at Paradise Reef on Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City as being at risk.
These groups expressed deep concern over the potential harm to biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these marine habitats.
Protecting Marine Ecosystems Amid Development
The issuance of the writ of Kalikasan reflects the judiciary’s role in balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection. Local leaders and environmental advocates have urged the government to carefully review the environmental implications before proceeding with the project.
As the case unfolds, the court’s decisions will set important precedents for safeguarding natural resources while addressing the nation’s infrastructure needs.
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