MANILA, Philippines – Environmental groups, advocates filed a petition Monday, April 21, before the Supreme Court to stop the construction of Chinese-funded Samal Island-Davao City connector.
Petitioners said that the P23.52 billion bridge can damage coral reef ecosystems in Paradise Reef, Samal Island, and Hizon Marine Protected Area.
Sustainable Davao Movement, a network of environmental groups and advocates, and a representative from marine conservation group Dyesabel Philippines are asking the High Court to issue a writ of kalikasan and a temporary environmental protection order.
The writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy that protects the rights of Filipinos to a balanced and healthful ecology.
Drilling operations, sampling activities, construction of craneways and a port are affecting the marine ecosystems, the petitioners claimed. Further, petitioners said the project violated laws on protected areas, wildlife conservation, Davao City’s land use plan, among others.
“Clearly, the ongoing construction has already begun taking its toll on the fish population due to the pollution and destruction of the coral reefs,” the petition read.
The project not only affects the environment but livelihoods of fishers and safety of residents in the affected areas as well, they said.
“According to reports from local fisherfolk in the project area, the fish population has significantly decreased due to silted waters, resulting in a 50% reduction in their catch.”
Respondents to the case are the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and China Road and Bridge Corporation.
The DENR issued an environmental compliance certificate for the project in 2020. The groups said there had been a violation of ECC conditions, saying the DENR did not respond to compliance issues raised previously regarding the ECC for “nearly three years.”
The four-kilometer bridge will link the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City.
The DPWH said in a release in 2024 that the connector will be “instrumental in spurring economic growth and development in the Southern Philippines.” – Rappler.com