Environmentalists have filed a petition for a Writ of Kalikasan on Monday, April 21, 2025, asking the Supreme Court to stop the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project.

In a Facebook post, Atty. Toni La Viña, legal counsel of the petitioners, said the alleged destruction of the critical coral ecosystems – paradise reef in Samal Island and Hizon Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Davao City – through barge anchoring, borehole drilling, and crane installation of the project has prompted the petitioners to file the writ of kalikasan.

The environmental group said the construction of the bridge has allegedly violated the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and other local marine protection ordinances.

The group added that the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECCO) of the project is allegedly invalid.

A Writ of Kalikasan is a legal remedy under the Philippine law that protects one’s constitutional right to a balanced and sustainable environment.

The petitioners urged the public to look at the case not just as a legal filing but a unified stand to achieve environmental justice.

The respondents were given 10 days to answer the petition. The respondents have yet to issue a statement, as of this writing.

SIDC project manager, Engr. Joweto Tulaylay, said the construction will continue unless the court will issue a temporary restraining order (TRO).

Tulaylay said earlier that mitigating measures have been put in place to protect the marine environment.