Concerned Lawyers’ Statement on the Oil Spill Tragedy

Sharing with you highlights of the March 17 Statement of concerned lawyers on the oil spill tragedy.

They raise issues that we ourselves are asking and demanding from government: the immediate and effective protection of our ecosystems/our people/communities, our right to demand transparent/impartial investigation of the oil spill, accountability of those responsible for the oil spill,  science-based/coordinated action/response to this environmental catastrophe, for the present/future generations, and more.

Let us join hands together with our concerned lawyers to have the oil spill immediately stopped/effectively managed and press for comprehensive, immediate assistance for all affected.

“We, concerned Filipino lawyers as citizens, strongly condemn the lackluster response of the government in addressing the oil spill contamination ravaging our seas, biodiversity, health and income of affected coastal residents in Oriental Mindoro.

This grave evolving environmental catastrophe has caused significant harm to the sacred ecosystems in the area, has affected the lives/livelihood of local communities who depend upon fishing/tourism for their income (and) posing serious health risks compromising the well-being of the people, the elderly/the women/and the children.

The protection/conservation of the Verde Island Passage, an ecologically significant/and one of the most highly productive ecosystems in the Philippines, should be a top priority for the government.

The government must take immediate and effective measures to address this ecological nightmare and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future by ensuring that our laws/regulations are strictly enforced.

This is a disaster of national and international proportions; thus, we urgently call on President Marcos to take immediate action, thoroughly assess the impact area and contain the oil spill, declare a state of national calamity in the affected areas to provide necessary relief/assistance to the affected communities.

Whole-of-nation actions are needed to address the urgent needs of affected communities, including providing adequate compensation/short-term/long-term health care/rehabilitation measures.

We demand a thorough/transparent/impartial investigation into this disaster, hold accountable those responsible, including those in agencies who were in dereliction of their duties.

To date, there is still incomplete information as to who owns the oil, what kind of oil(s) is/are present in the vessel, and what are the harmful impacts of contamination, among others.

The public has the right to know what happened, who is responsible, what measures are being taken to address the extensive damage caused by the oil spill, including the posting of a bond on the part of the polluters to cover containment/clean-up costs/damages estimated thus far, and what punitive actions will be pursued to deter tragic/avoidable instances like this in the future.

Furthermore, the critical role of quick/timely/science-based/and effective oil spill response according to existing laws and guidelines cannot be overemphasized.

Also, a coordinated approach is necessary to address this national crisis, already provided for in the Philippine Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10121) and related laws.

More importantly, the local government units/coastal communities deserve to be heard, involved in decision-making and fully supported as the state of uncertainty looms in the hearts of their constituents.

The continuing pollution of our waters and destruction of critical marine habitats are clear violations of the people's constitutional right to a clean, healthy, and balanced ecology, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions, omissions and negligence.

The Philippine Constitution declares that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

Even the United Nations General Assembly declared the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right.

We urge the government to take swift and decisive action to ensure that the right to a clean, healthy, and balanced ecology is upheld and protected for the benefit of present and future generations of Filipinos.”