THE SUPREME COURT has moved the oral argument for the April 16 petition for writ of kalikasan filed by fisherfolk in Palawan and Zambales and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) seeking to enjoin the government to protect the country’s shoals in the West Philippine Sea. In an advisory, the SC Public Information Office said the justices moved the oral argument from June 25 to July 2. The petitioners said the government has refused to take legal action against violators of environmental laws and thus sought the Court to compel it to protect Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) and Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef). The respondents include Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, and Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Elson E. Hermogino.

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