Supreme Court’s Writ of Kalikasan in Samal-Davao Bridge Case: A Victory for Environmental Rights and People’s Participation
- greenjurisateneo
- Jul 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Issued by: APILA, Green Juris, & Ecoteneo
Davao City - We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court En Banc to issue a Writ of Kalikasan in G.R. No. 279512, Santos et al. v. DPWH et al., in response to the petition filed by environmental advocates Carmela Marie Santos, Mark Peñalver, and the Sustainable Davao Movement. This is a critical affirmation of the public’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology, enshrined under Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution.
The Court’s issuance of the writ sends a strong signal: no development, no matter how grand or well-funded, is above the law—especially when it threatens the environment and the lives and livelihoods of communities.
The petitioners raised grave concerns over the irreversible damage that the Samal Island–Davao City Connector Bridge Project could inflict on vital marine ecosystems—particularly the Paradise Reef in Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City. These sites are not only ecologically rich; they are part of the natural heritage and identity of Davaoeños and the people of Mindanao.
We note that the Supreme Court has ordered the respondents—the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape PAMB, and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)—to file a verified return within a non-extendible period of 10 days.
Furthermore, the Court’s referral of the petitioners’ prayer for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) to the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro signals the urgency and seriousness of the matter.
We call on all government agencies and private entities involved to respect the process and prioritize environmental integrity over profit or expediency. Infrastructure must never come at the cost of environmental destruction and the disenfranchisement of communities.
We also commend the courageous petitioners and all citizens who continue to stand up for our planet, for future generations, and for a development model that is just, inclusive, and sustainable.
This is not the end of the road—but it is a significant step forward.
Nature has spoken through the people. Now, the law has listened.
