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It’s now up to the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro if it will grant petitioners’ prayer for a temporary environmental protection order, which will stop construction in the meantime
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) issued on Tuesday, July 1, a writ of kalikasan over the China-funded Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge Project.
Environmental advocates previously asked the High Court in April to stop the construction of the bridge, saying the project will harm coral reefs in Paradise Reef, Samal Island, and Hizon Marine Protected Area.
For the privileges of the writ of kalikasan to be granted, petitioners should demonstrate — with scientific basis — that the project imposes a violation of people’s constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology.
Environmental lawyer Tony La Viña, the lead counsel in the petition, told Rappler in a message on Tuesday that they “welcome this development.”
“It’s still a long way to go but now the people and marine life of Samal Island has a fighting chance,” La Viña said.
The SC has referred the advocates’ request for a temporary environmental protection order to the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro, which means the lower court will decide whether or not to stop the construction temporarily.
The High Court issued the writ against respondents Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and China Road and Bridge Corporation.
DPWH recently reported “a 38% accomplishment rate” of the 4.76-kilometer bridge. – Rappler.com
