SC moves to protect coral reefs in Samal Bridge controversy

A writ of kalikasan has been issued by the Supreme Court against several government agencies and a Chinese contractor over the construction of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector Bridge, following allegations that the project endangers vital marine ecosystems.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Ting announced that the writ was served on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and China Road and Bridge Corporation.

The petition, filed by Santos Cañete Ver and the Sustainable Davao Movement, seeks to stop the project due to the risk of "actual, serious, and irreversible damage" to coral reefs in Paradise Reef off Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City.

“The Court has required the respondents to file a verified return of the writ within a non-extendible period of 10 days after service,” Ting said.

She added that the plea for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) was referred to the Court of Appeals for appropriate action.

Environmental groups and residents opposing the project warn that bridge construction could destroy coral habitats and disrupt marine biodiversity.

The writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy that protects the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology, particularly when environmental harm threatens a large number of people.