Government mulls environment case vs China over corals

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is considering filing a new complaint against China before an international tribunal following the reported harvesting and destruction of corals in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said yesterday that his office is in the “fact-finding and data gathering stage” in studying its legal options regarding issues on the West Philippine Sea.

“We shall evaluate the merits of each and every legal option, including the possible filing of a new complaint against China before an international tribunal,” he told The STAR in a text message. “These matters require a lot of prudence and circumspection in view of their potential impact on our national interests.”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of cases against China over the harvest and destruction of corals in the West Philippine Sea.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he will discuss the matter with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at “the soonest possible time.”

He said the case is a “very good” one to file on behalf of the Philippines “for the sake of humanity itself.”

In 2013, the Philippines filed a complaint against China for its massive claims in the South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, in 2016, ruled in favor of the Philippines, saying the nine-dash line has no legal basis under international law. China, however, refused to recognize the ruling.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (AFP-WESCOM) earlier reported the discovery of missing and destroyed corals after Chinese militia vessels left Rozul Reef.

“Tandaan natin, with or without a territorial dispute, the destruction of the environment is a sin