Environmental lawyers and fisherfolk representative from Cebu who petitioned the Supreme Court in behalf of the fisherfolks and the Resident Dolphins and Whales of Tañon Strait against the foreign off-shore oil and gas mining company the Japan Petroleum Exploration Inc (JAPEX Inc.) were ecstatic over the Forum on Environmental Justice: Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology organized by the Supreme Court.
Vince Cinches, Executive Director of FIDEC Inc. said that the activity of the supreme court offers a glimmer of hope for poor communities and environmentalists who have been very active in environmental defense.
“This activity encourages us to actively pursue more actions to protect our environment. Truly the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Puno now remain as the only institution who stood by the people under attack by oppressive anti-environment policies of the government”
He added that the forum is an affirmation of grave environmental problems whose solution needs stronger participation from communities and civil societies.
“The forum is most welcome in a time where global climate change is wrecking havoc to our lives and is opening more fronts of vulnerability for poor communities.”
“Social and Environmental movements should now be more daring and bold in their campaigns for people’s right and environmental protection. Militarization of environmental issues should not stop communities from pursuing environmental defense action.. This forum organized by the Supreme Court vindicates fisherfolks, the dolphins, lawyers, and environmental advocates all over the Philippines.”
Ghianne Rada
Program Officer, FIDEC Inc.