Environmental case filed vs. Samal-Davao connector project

DAVAO CITY (April 23)— Environmental advocates and community leaders who filed a Writ of Kalikasan to halt the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will act in favor of their petition.

Atty. Manuel Quibod, one of the petitioners’ legal counsel, emphasized that the filing is only the first step in a broader legal battle.

“There is still much to be done. We are preparing for oral arguments before the Supreme Court and will present strong evidence on the environmental damage already inflicted,” Quibod said.

The group clarified that they are not opposed to the bridge project itself, but are strongly against its current alignment, which they claim has already damaged two critical marine ecosystems: the Paradise Reef in Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Davao City.

The families of the resort owners have been opposing the project since then.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which leads the project, earlier affirmed that it had undergone the proper process and technical studies before the start of construction. The groundbreaking ceremony for the SIDC was held in October 2023, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Construction has since progressed.

The Writ of Kalikasan, filed with the Supreme Court today, is a legal remedy that seeks to protect Filipinos’ constitutional right to a balanced and healthy ecology. The petitioners include Carmela Marie Santos, Director of Ecoteneo; Mark Peñalver, Executive Director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc.; the Sustainable Davao Movement; and Marvelous Dainty Camilo, Chairperson of Dyesabel Philippines, Inc.

The respondents named in the petition include the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and China Road and Bridge Corporation, the contractor implementing the SIDC project.

In a Facebook post, Atty. Toni La Viña, also part of the petitioners’ legal team, cited violations of environmental laws, including the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, the Wildlife Act, and other local ordinances. The alleged violations involve barge anchoring, borehole drilling, and crane installation, which have reportedly caused damage to the coral ecosystems.

The petitioners also questioned the validity of the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), claiming it failed to uphold environmental safeguards.

They urged the public to view their petition not merely as a legal move, but as a collective call for environmental justice.

The Supreme Court has given the respondents 10 days to respond to the petition. As of this writing, no official statement has been issued by the respondents.

Meanwhile, the SIDC Project Manager, Engr. Joweto Tulaylay stated in an interview with GMA Regional TV One Mindanao that construction will continue unless the Supreme Court issues a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO).

He added that mitigation measures are being implemented to minimize any environmental impact.

While the residents of Samal Island and visitors have longed for the completion of the project, which was conceptualized several decades ago.