Environmental advocates are readying the filing before the court of a Writ of Kalikasan to stop the dumping of allegedly hazardous crushed dolomite along the coast of Manila Bay.
Manila Baywatch, a coalition of environmental protection activists, revealed that they have started a case buildup to back the petition.
Various environmental groups have also vowed to file their own petitions for the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan, a legal remedy available to individuals or groups of individuals seeking protection of their constitutional right to a healthy environment.
Lawyer Terry Ridon, InfraWatch convenor and Manila Baywatch coalition member, said the court order is needed to stop the dumping of dolomite at Manila Bay as part of the clean-up and beautification drive in the area.
“By proceeding with project implementation without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), the project is subjecting the public and the environment to undetermined environmental and health risks,” said Ridon.
Ridon had previously petitioned and was granted by the Supreme Court a Writ of Kalikasan against the coal-fired power plant in Subic Bay in 2012.
“More important, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had violated DENR regulations on environmental compliance, because the project location is in an area with tourist potential and unique historical interest,” he said.
The former Kabataan party-list congressman said these are two requirements for coverage, not exemption from the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
“As such, admitting that the project did not undergo the proper process, there is a clear prima facie case for a Writ of Kalikasan and an environmental protection order,” he stressed.
The watchdog convenor noted that the jurisdictional requirement for a writ is met, given the 190-km bay covers two provinces and several cities.
Given these deficiencies, the petition should be in order to prevent further destruction of the Manila Bay ecological system.
Meanwhile, the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan) has stated that the writ is a necessary step to mitigate the negative impact of the dolomite dumping with the fishing communities in the area.
“The dumping has already reduced our fishing grounds and the possibility of re-establishing mangroves forest in the area. The consequences, including economic, health, and environmental impact necessitates a Writ of Kalikasan to assert our right for a balanced and sustainable marine ecosystem in Manila Bay,” said Gia Glarino, Research and Communications Coordinator of Kalikasan.
Science and Technology group Agham stated that the white sand dumping is only a short-term intervention with no contribution to the Manila Bay rehabilitation. The organization added the white sand erodes, as Manila remains vulnerable to typhoons.
“The coastline of Manila Bay is prone to strong waves during typhoons that can erode the coasts. The risk remains, given the number of typhoons in the country” said Narod Eco of Agham.