MANILA – The Philippine government is likely to finalize the environmental damage case against China in the West Philippine Sea in a few weeks, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said they are in continuous coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to gather solid evidence for a strong environmental damage suit against China.
“Kailangan ho nating mapatibayan ang lahat ng ebidensiya na kailangang i-attach sa ating complaint. Although confident naman po tayo na in a few weeks ay mabuo na iyong ating complaint at iyong mga attachments na ebidensiya,” Clavano said.
“So, hopefully, with the help of the Office of the Solicitor General, we will be able to file an environmental case against China,” he added.
The OSG has been exploring legal options over the damage to corals and seabed in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the WPS, including the possible filing of a complaint for damages before an international tribunal with proper jurisdiction, such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague.
The National Security Council has previously challenged China to allow third-party inspectors to check on the current condition of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) following the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s denial of reports of environmental destruction despite proof presented by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The Philippines secured a landmark victory in 2016 a case against China that concluded Beijing’s claim to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea had no basis under international law.
China, which has refused to recognize the 2016 ruling and has chafed at repeated mention of the case by Western powers, has repeatedly denied the claims of destruction of coral reefs./PN
