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DOJ to recommend to Malacanang filing of cases vs China on harvest, destruction of coral reefs in WPS

Philippines | National

DOJ to recommend to Malacanang filing of cases vs China on harvest, destruction of coral reefs in WPS

By Jeffrey Damicog

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will recommend to Malacanang the filing before the international tribunals of cases against China for harvesting and destroying coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Pag-uusapan namin yan ni Executive Secretary (We will talk with Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin) the soonest possible time because we are recommending the filing of such cases against the perpetrators of this evil act,” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla during a press briefing on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

“Tandaan natin with or without a territorial dispute (Remember that with or without a territorial dispute), the destruction of the environment is a sin against humanity,” Remulla explained.

Because of this, the justice secretary pointed out “it’s a very good case to file in behalf of Philippines for the sake of humanity itself.”

He lamented that the destruction of the coral reef in the WPS “has been happening for many years, and thus, we will pursue these cases against China because marami na tayong ebidensya (we already have many pieces of evidence)."

He noted that "the documentation started a few years ago and the last few months nakakuha pa tayo ng (we were able to secure) documentation on this matter.”

"It’s a very ripe case for adjudication. Ang tingin ko (I think) we can go on and tap the best legal experts in the country to help us,” he added.

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