Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday disclosed a plan to file an environmental case against China early next year over the "destruction of marine habitat" in the West Philippine Sea.

"We believe it is ripe for the world to know the loss we are suffering because of what China is doing in our sea, and this action could benefit the entire world," Remulla said.

It may be recalled that the Philippine Coast Guard reported last month the destruction of coral reefs in the WPS, saying there are tell-tale signs the corals were harvested.

The apparent coral theft was discovered in the area where Chinese militia vessels earlier swarmed.  

Remulla said they may file the case in February or March. "We have evidence and we will continue to look for more," he said. 

Remulla said they had consulted legal experts on the matter, including retired Supreme Court associate justice Francis Jardeleza and environmental lawyer and activist Antonio A. Oposa Jr., president of the Law of Nature Foundation.