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OSG studies legal options vs China on destruction of corals in WPS

Philippines | National

OSG studies legal options vs China on destruction of corals in WPS

By Jeffrey Damicog

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has begun studying the best legal course of action to take against China concerning the destruction of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The OSG is in the fact-finding and data gathering stage of its study on legal options regarding WPS issues,” Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra told reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

“We shall evaluate the merits of each and every legal option, including the possible filing of a new complaint for damages against China before an International Tribunal,” he said.

Guevarra explained: “These matters require a lot of prudence and circumspection in view of their potential long-term impact on our national interests.”

Recently, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla declared that he will recommend to Malacanang the filing of cases against China before international tribunals.

“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,” he revealed 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 stressed.

Thus, he said "it’s a very good case to file in behalf of Philippines for the sake of humanity itself.”

The OSG is under the DOJ.

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