SINCE the Supreme Court institutionalized the “writ of kalikasan” or “writ of nature,” the judicial branch of government showed its true and genuine caring for the environment. This special legal remedy is unique to Philippine law for it provides for the protection of one’s right to “a balanced and healthy ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.” Environment advocates and activists have availed themselves of this remedy from the High Tribunal in their fight against mining companies violating the law in Palawan.
In 2008, the Supreme Court ordered government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay. Again in 2011, the SC ordered the agencies to execute directives in order to implement the 2008 decision. This time, the city of Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other government offices complied, with the help of the private sector.
The justice sector continued with this environmental initiative under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos. Last week, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province became the country’s 12th Justice Zone and the first ever “Green Justice Zone,” the premiere showcase of collaboration between the national and local governments for efficient delivery of justice for environmental protection. The undertaking is a project of the Supreme Court, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Justice — the government institutions that comprise the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC).
‘The fact that these alleged violations continue up to this day is a matter the JSCC, founder of the Green Justice Zone, should be interested in.’
The green justice zone will deal with matters concerning environmental protection and natural resource management within its jurisdiction with the aim of addressing climate change and environmental degradation, the Supreme Court said.
“Establishing a green zone is the justice sector’s concrete contribution towards affording our people their constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said in his speech during the launch which marks the establishment of the 12th justice zone in the country, after those in the cities of Quezon, Cebu, Davao, Angeles, Bacolod, Naga, Calamba, Balanga, Baguio, Zamboanga and Tagaytay.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who has supervision over the PNP, said environmental protection cannot be fully achieved without proper law enforcement.
Since Abalos also holds supervisory powers over local officials, it is time to ask him now if the 95 local government units (LGUs) within the Manila Bay watershed that were identified by the DILG as violating environmental laws have reformed and complied with regulations. His own department previously reported that of this number, 56 are in Central Luzon, 37 in Calabarzon, and two are in Metro Manila.
The DILG promised to file administrative complaints against the mayors if they still refuse to shape up, even as the department said it did not discount the possibility of asking Malacañang for disciplinary action against erring local officials.
We hope this campaign against abusive mayors and local officials who use their power over their localities will also extend to the provinces. A case in point is the degradation of the forest land which was converted into a poultry farm with processing plant in Palompon, Leyte. The mayor, Ramon Oñate, was told that three plants which are allegedly owned by his wife – DBSN Breeder Farm in San Joaquin, the DBSN Dressing Plant in Barangay Antiplo, Albuera, Leyte and Zachary farms in Barangay Lat-osan in Palompon – violated environmental laws.
In 2017, the barangay council of Barangay Tinag-an in Albuera, Leyte endorsed a petition to DENR calling for concrete action against DBSN Farms for discharging waste into the river and releasing obnoxious odor which pose a significant threat to health and livelihood of residents. The fact that these alleged violations continue up to this day is a matter the JSCC, founder of the Green Justice Zone, should be interested in.
