MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has rescheduled the oral arguments originally scheduled next week on a “writ of kalikasan” suit questioning government action on a disputed territory off Palawan.
“The oral argument on G.R. No. 246209 (Monico A. Abogado, et al. vs. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Represented by Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, et al.) set on June 25, 2019, has been moved to July 2, 2019, Tuesday,” the SC said in an advisory sent to newsmen Wednesday.
Last week, the High Court originally scheduled oral arguments on a petition for writ of kalikasan against the government to protect and rehabilitate the marine environment in Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and Panganiban Reef.
A writ of kalikasan was sought by petitioners Monico A. Abogado, citing supposed violations of environmental laws in the Philippine waters and in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in said areas.
The suit was brought by members of the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association who are members of the fisherfolk community in the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, while the others are residents of Sitio Kinabukasan, Cawag, Zambales.
The group cited supposed violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, the Philippine Fisheries Code, and Presidential Decree 1586 or Establishing the Environmental Impact Statement System in the Philippines.
Writ of kalikasan (nature) is a legal remedy under Philippine law that provides protection of one’s Constitutional right to a healthy environment, as provided in Section 16, Article II of the Constitution, which says the “state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.