First ‘green justice zone’ launched in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) launched yesterday the country’s first-ever “green justice zone” in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The green justice zone will deal with matters concerning environmental protection and natural resource management within its jurisdiction with the aim of addressing climate change and environmental degradation, the Supreme Court (SC) said.

“Establishing a green zone is the justice sector’s concrete contribution towards affording our people their constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said in his speech during the launch.

For his part, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos stressed that environmental protection cannot be achieved without proper enforcement of the law.

“The protection of our environment must be parallel with our efforts to enforce our already instituted mechanisms,” he said.

The launch marks the establishment of the 12th justice zone in the country after those in the cities of Quezon, Cebu, Davao, Angeles, Bacolod, Naga, Calamba, Balanga, Baguio, Zamboanga and Tagaytay.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and SC Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh were also in attendance.

Created in 2010, the JSCC – composed of the SC, Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government – launched the justice zone project.

The initiative aims to strengthen the coordination among principal agencies in order to facilitate swift and fair administration of the criminal justice system.