SC junks environmental case against Bulacan airport construction

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5) — The Supreme Court has dismissed the writ of kalikasan filed by a marine conservation group against the construction of San Miguel Corporation's Bulacan airport.

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta confirmed this in a text message to reporters. The court said the case was junked "due to insufficiency in form."

Oceana Philippines filed the case last December 15, saying the ₱734-billion airport project will negatively affect Manila Bay's marine life and migratory bird population.

A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy for anyone who feels their constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology has been or could be violated.

Oceana said one of the dangers of building the 2,500-hectare airport city was its possible disruption of Manila Bay's biological diversity, which serves as a habitat for marine life like sardines, crustaceans and shrimp, and also a source of livelihood for residents living near it.

Birds also often flock the bay as part of its migration route and the presence of airplanes could threaten their lives, it added.

In response, SMC President and COO Ramon Ang said they will address the issue. He also noted that the company has been implementing programs to ensure sustainability of the airport project.