00:00The Supreme Court issued on Tuesday, July 1, a writ of calikasan for the China-funded Samal Island Davao City Connector Bridge project.
00:09Environmental advocates had asked the court in April to stop the construction, saying it will harm coral reefs in Paradise Reef, Samal Island, and the Hezon Marine Protected Area.
00:19To be granted a writ of calikasan, petitioners must show, with scientific evidence, that the project violates people's constitutional right to a healthy environment.
00:27Environmental lawyer Tony Lavinia, the lead counsel for the petitioners, tells Rappler he welcomes this development.
00:34He says, quote,
00:35It is still a long way to go, but now the people and marine life of Samal Island has a fighting chance.
00:41The Supreme Court issued a writ against the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
00:47Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and China Road and Bridge Corporation.
