A board member of Davao del Norte is mulling filing a resolution to urge the provincial government to press charges against those who filed a petition for a Writ of Kalikasan opposing an aspect of of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge.

“Part also of the whereases is urging other affected constituents nga maghimo og signature campaign addressed to the Honorable Supreme Court nga ipakita namo especially ang Samal kay kami man gyud ang pinaka-affected ani, kung unsa ka-importante ang tulay sa progress of Samal,” Board Member and former Samal Island Mayor Al David Uy said.

Uy said they are considering filing charges of economic sabotage.

“Right now, we are looking at economic sabotage kasi very dako ang impact ani in terms of general livelihood apil na ang peace and order, ang health, tanan na,” Uy added.

Atty. Mark Peñalver, one of the petitioners and executive director of the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), said it is Uy’s right to file such resolution and that they will address the matter at the proper venue.

It can be recalled that the Supreme Court (SC) has issued a Writ of Kalikasan in response to the petition filed by environmental groups, citing environmental concerns.

IDIS earlier said they are not against the construction of the bridge itself but are opposing the alignment, which they say could destroy marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.

Despite the petition and the issuance of the writ, the construction of the bridge continues, with the project currently at 38 percent complete.

SC has directed the respondents, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Chinese contractor, to submit a verified return on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days after service of the writ.

A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy under Philippine jurisprudence that protects a person's constitutional right to a balanced and healthy ecology.

The issuance of the temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) will be decided by the Court of Appeals-Cagayan de Oro.

“The properties nga affected, dili man protected area, commercial man. I am hoping and praying that the will of the majority will prevail,” Uy said.