DOJ eyes completion of environmental case vs China ‘in a few weeks’

FILE PHOTO: A survey conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea shows the destruction of the coral bed in the area, which has been blamed on the Chinese. The Department of Justice or DOJ said completion of the case against China for environmental damage in the West Philippine Sea may be “in a few weeks.” (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said completion of the case against China for environmental damage in the West Philippine Sea may be “in a few weeks.”

DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said their coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General is ongoing as they make the environmental complaint against China solid.

“Kailangan po natin mapatibayan ang lahat ng ebidensya na kailangan i-attach sa ating complaint. Pero confident naman tayo na in a few weeks mabuo na ‘yung ating complaint at mga attachment na ebidensya,” Clavano said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing Thursday.

(We need to strengthen all pieces of evidence that need to be attached. But we are confident that in a few weeks, we will complete our complaint and the attached evidence.)

DOJ chief: Case vs China for environmental damage to be filed early 2024

“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.

READ: Justice sought as China intrusion brings ‘immeasurable’ destruction to PH coral reefs

Talks about filing an environmental case against China have been ongoing since 2023, as Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea have long damaged the area’s marine biodiversity.

Authorities said China’s intrusion in the West Philippine Sea has led to the destruction of an estimated 2,000 hectares of coral reefs.