THE COURT of Appeals (CA) has partially granted a petition that seeks to compel the Environment department to identify polluted areas and implement programs to prevent further environmental degradation at the Verde Island Passage, which is part of the so-called Coral Triangle.
The court, however, dismissed a plea by environmental groups to prohibit the issuance of new discharge permits and environmental compliance certificates to power plants operating around the marine corridor, citing lack of jurisdiction and violation of court hierarchy.
“The Court acknowledges the need to safeguard bodies of water from imminent threats that may endanger both the rich marine biodiversity and the sustenance and economic well-being of the populace,” the court said in a 59-page decision written by Associate Justice Rafael Antonio M. Santos.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga did not immediately reply to a text message seeking comment.
The Verde Island Passage, a marine-rich strait separating the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, provides food and livelihood to about 2 million Filipinos, according to Conservation International. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
