SC issues writ versus China-funded bridge in south
SC issues writ versus China-funded bridge in south
THE PHILIPPINE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the government to respond to allegations that the construction of a four-kilometer China-funded bridge in southern Philippines would endanger nearby reefs.
The tribunal issued a so-called writ of kalikasan (nature) against the proponents of the P23.5-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge project, led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Environment department.
The order also covers the respondents Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board and China Road and Bridge Corp., the private contractor.
They have 10 days to answer allegations that the project would damage the ecosystem, the court said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Environment and Public Works departments did not immediately reply to separate e-mails seeking comment.
“The petitioners in this case seek to stop the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge project, claiming it will cause actual, serious and irreversible damage to coral reefs in Paradise Reef, Samal Island and Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City,” court spokeswoman Camille Sue Mae L. Ting separately told a news briefing.
The high court referred the plea for a temporary environmental protection order, which would stop the project, to the Court of Appeals-Cagayan de Oro for action.
The writ protects citizens from environmental damage that threatens life, health or property in two or more cities. It compels government agencies and private companies to respond to allegations of environmental harm.
The bridge is expected to cut travel time between Samal and Davao City to five minutes, driving growth in tourism and economic activity across the region, according to the Public Works department.
The DPWH in January said the four-lane was on track for completion by September 2028.
Also on Tuesday, the Supreme Court started allowing the electronic filing of petitions, including petitions for review and writs of habeas corpus, amparo and kalikasan.
Lawyers must first create an account on the Philippine Judiciary Platform before they can electronically file their pleadings through the SC’s eCourt PH application, Ms. Ting said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
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