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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SC urged to compel Pres Marcos to address perennial flood problems in PH

SC urged to compel Pres Marcos to address perennial flood problems in PH

Published Sep 11, 2025 04:50 pm
The Supreme Court (SC) was asked on Thursday, Sept. 11, to compel President Marcos, several government agencies, and private contractors to adopt measures to solve the perennial flood problems in the country.
Also, the SC was asked to compel the President to exercise control over various government agencies for the conduct of massive clean-up of the environment.
At the same time, the petitioners asked the SC to direct the Department of Interior and Local Government and local government units (LGUs) to conduct a comprehensive clean-up, clearing and de-clogging of silted rivers and streams, canals and embankments, drainage systems and other ways that contribute to the flooding problem. ‘
On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should be tasked to complete the rehabilitation of these waterways.
Also, the SC was asked to direct Congress to pass the National Land Use Act, a proposed legislation that is pending before the House of Representatives.
The non-passage of the National Land Use Plan prevented the mapping and identification of geo-hazard areas nationwide.
The Writ of Kalikasan petition was filed by lawyers Edna Selloriquez, Joseph Ferdinand Dechaves, Antonio Enrile Inton Jr., Cesar Manuel, Noel Vario, Euney Mata-Perez and Gerald Mosquerra.
A Writ of Kalikasan is a legal remedy for the protection of a person’s right to a healthy environment as mandated by the Constitution.
The petitioners asked the SC to order the prosecution of groups and individuals who took advantage of the country’s flawed flood control systems for their own benefits.
Aside from the President, named respondents in the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate, DPWH, DILG, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), River Basin Control Office (RCBO), all local government units (LGUs), and all flood control project contractors.
“The havoc or mayhem created by either malfeasance, mis-feasance and non-feasance, as well as the absolute negligence and deliberate corruption of those who are supposed to dispense, enforce and implement projects and programs funded by taxpayers money are unconscionable and shocking to the senses of the global humanity,” the petitioners said.
“The whole country must be rehabilitated, drainage systems de-clogged and retrofitted, rivers, creeks and canals must be cleaned up of trash and garbage, informal settlement in urban centers and the fringes of riverine systems must be demolished and transferred, dredging of heavily silted rivers including canals and creeks must be implemented in order to save the entire county from total destruction,” they added.
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