DOJ, SolGen to discuss possible cases vs. China

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he plans to meet with Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra next week to discuss possible cases that may be field against China before the arbitral tribunal over the destruction of corals in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“So we can discuss the cases that may be filed in relation to the violations of the— from the environmental loss in the West Philippine Sea,” Remulla said in a news briefing.

“And do this as our responsibility to the world. To take a hand in matters where environmental destruction is being done,” he added.

The Justice chief declined to comment on China’s denial of responsibility over damage to the corals in the WPS, reiterating that the department is making its move against China.

This came after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the country’s allegations that the Chinese were responsible have “no factual basis” and urged the government to “stop creating a political drama from fiction.” 

“I will have no comment about the spokesman saying anything. What I’m saying is that we are moving here as the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Republic of the Philippines,” Remulla said.

On Tuesday, he said the DOJ is recommending the filing of cases against China concerning instances of extensive coral harvesting while Guevarra said his office was considering filing a new complaint.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command on Saturday said that there were cases of massive coral harvesting in the Rozul Reef.

AFP-Western Command Commander Vice Admiral Albert Carlos said the military sent out divers after Chinese military militia vessels left the swarmed area “to do an underwater survey.”

The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday confirmed "severe damage" to the marine environment and coral reef in the seabed of Rozul Reef and the Escoda Shoal.—LDF, GMA Integrated News