Supreme Court resets oral arguments on writ of kalikasan for West Philippine Sea

The Supreme Court has rescheduled oral arguments on the petition of Palawan fishermen seeking the protection of the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea.

The justices reset the proceeding from June 25 to July 2, the Court's Public Information Office announced Tuesday.

Acting on a petition by Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association, the High Court earlier issued a writ of kalikasan to "protect, preserve, rehabilitate and to restore the marine environment" in Scarborough Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and Panganiban Reef.

A writ of kalikasan is a remedy available to persons or groups whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is threatened or violated by acts or omissions by public officials or private individuals.

The fisherfolks' group, along with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, asked the SC to order the Duterte administration to permanently stop from "neglecting" its duty to enforce Philippine environmental laws in the three West Philippine Sea features.

They said Chinese fishermen and vessels have harvested endangered species and used cyanide and dynamite in Scarborough and Ayungin Shoals.

They also assailed Chinese construction activities in Panganiban Reef. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News