(Eagle News)–The Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 3, junked the petitions filed by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and 40 fishermen aimed at forcing the government to enforce environmental laws in Ayungin Shoal, Panganiban Reef and Scarborough Shoal.
In a statement, the SC said the petition for a writ of kalikasan and continuing mandamus were junked based on a motion filed by the government after some of the fishermen themselves requested for a withdrawal of their signatures in the petitions.
This was after the Office of the Solicitor General presented in open court on July 9 some of the affidavits of some of the fishermen who disavowed the petition.
The SC did not rule on any of the substantive issues raised.
In the resolution penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the High Court also reminded the parties of the “procedural and substantive” requirements in petitions for a writ of kalikasan and continuing mandamus upon their filing.
The High Court said counsels should establish and maintain a form of communication with their clients at all times, noting that mere difficulty in contacting clients should not be used as an excuse to renege on their duties.
The counsels for the petitioners were warned the commission of the same or similar infractions would be dealt with more severely.