Dec. 16—Various groups on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to stop the construction of an airport in Bulacan, saying pushing through with the project would violate environmental laws.
Oceana led fisherfolk and civic groups in filing a petition for writ of kalikasan against San Miguel Corp.'s (SMC) Aerocity airport project in Bulakan, Bulacan.
The fisherfolk group was represented by Teodoro Bacon and Rodel Alvarez. Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Roger Martinez of the Archdiocese of San Jose del Monte City and Aniban ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura Chairman Renato de la Cruz were among the petitioners.
The group assailed the project, particularly the reclamation of Manila Bay, which would affect their livelihood.
A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy that provides protection of a person's constitutional right to a healthy environment. The writ is upheld by Article II Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution states that the "state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
Named respondents are Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu, Environmental Management Bureau Region 3 Regional Director Wilson Trajeco, Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade, San Miguel Aerocity President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang, and Silvertides President and CEO Hercules V. Galicia.
SMC Aerocity, with its subsidiary-contractor Silvertides Holdings, plans to construct a state-of-the-art airport to be called the New Manila International Airport.
"We have to keep on working together in the protection, rehabilitation, and conservation of Manila Bay, not only for its economic importance and contribution to national food security, and for its historical, cultural, and aesthetic value but to make ecosystems and people resilient to the impacts of climate change," Estenzo-Ramos in a statement.
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