Case against JOMARA challenged by OSG

CEBU, Philippines —  JOMARA Konstruckt Corporation and JOMARA Agri Foods and Supply Corporation welcomed a recent filing by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), which challenged the evidentiary basis of several allegations raised in the environmental case currently pending before the Regional Trial Court.

Acting as counsel for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the OSG questioned the admissibility and evidentiary value of various materials presented before the court, including photographs, videos, social media content, and other electronic documents.

The filing likewise emphasized the need for competent scientific and technical evidence in establishing claims of environmental harm.

In a statement, JOMARA said the development reinforces the importance of allowing environmental issues to be resolved through verified facts, expert findings, and established legal processes.

“For weeks, allegations against JOMARA have circulated widely in both traditional and social media, creating a public narrative that often treated accusations as established facts,” the company said.

“The recent OSG filing highlights a principle that is fundamental in any environmental proceeding: allegations must be supported by competent evidence, proper authentication, and scientific basis,” it added.

JOMARA stressed that it has consistently respected the right of individuals and groups to raise environmental concerns.

However, the company maintained that public claims involving environmental damage should ultimately be subjected to the objective scrutiny and evidentiary standards required by law.

“Environmental protection is too important to be driven by assumptions, speculation, or unverified claims. It must be guided by facts, science, and due process,” the company stated.

The company reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with government regulators and the courts as the proceedings continue.

“As this case moves forward, we remain confident that the proper legal process will allow all parties to present evidence and establish the facts objectively. We trust that science, technical findings, and due process will ultimately guide the resolution of this matter,” the company added.

JOMARA likewise reaffirmed its commitment to responsible environmental management, regulatory compliance, and constructive engagement with the communities where it operates. — (FREEMAN)