Atienza bares setting up of ‘green courts’

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza warned yesterday that violators and would-be violators of environmental laws, particularly Republic Act (RA) No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 will now face swift prosecution with the setting up of “green courts” in various parts of the country.

Atienza, who was guest speaker to the opening session of the Seminar-Workshop on Capacity-Building on Environmental Procedures organized by the Supreme Court and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said those found to be continuously degrading our bodies of water will be the first to be prosecuted in these green courts. Among those who choke our bodies of water are owners of fishpens and fish cages and other illegal structures.

The DENR chief explained that though there are many incidents of environmental violations, only a few reach the court and very few result in conviction. He said the green courts will now facilitate the speedy resolution of pending environmental cases. 

But he pointed out that the green courts will only be effective if the lawyers that will compose the government prosecution panel have an in-depth knowledge of environmental laws, its aspects and procedures.

“We should have an in-depth knowledge of laws and programs of the government for the benefit of all people, especially the poor, and being equipped with legal arsenal is the start of working effectively as environmental protectors.”