The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has joined the opposition of residents in the construction of a causeway project in Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City where water quality and biodiversity are reportedly threatened.

In a statement, the CHR said the ongoing construction of the 2.56-kilometer road embankment and reclamation project is said to "withstand disasters and high humidity while also offering protection to nearby communities against erosive tidal actions." 

However, the CHR said that residents themselves of Cancabato Bay have reportedly been opposed to the causeway project for its effects to the water quality and biodiversity in the area.

Cancabato Bay has long been identified as a protected mariculture park in the area, and is a major source of livelihood for fisherfolk in Tacloban City, the CHR said. 

Aside from the concerns expressed by the residents, the CHR said the causeway project may also hinder the restoration of a mangrove forest in the area, which was originally planned by residents as a response to their experiences during Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

"While the CHR recognizes the importance of infrastructure projects in improving the overall experience of residents and visitors, we highlight the critical responsibility of project developers and local government units in understanding the environmental impacts that these plans may bring to the affected communities, thereby rendering both residents and the environment more vulnerable compared to their status quo," the CHR said.

It said the Cancabato Bay issue brought to the forefront the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP BHR), which sheds light on the responsibility of both the State and corporations to protect and respect human rights, it said.

States are required to "protect against human rights abuse within their territory and/or jurisdiction .... including business enterprises," while corporations hold the responsibility to “avoid infringing on the human rights of others and should address adverse human rights impacts with which they are involved," it also said.

"The CHR will continue its monitoring in the Cancabato Bay, and investigate if there are possible human rights violations and abuses committed before and during the implementation of the causeway project," the CHR said.

"Environmental rights are also human rights and every Filipino has the inherent right to a balanced and healthful ecology, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution," it pointed out.