CHINA may face formal legal action as Justice Department is seriously considering filing a case for the degradation of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea.
“We have been strongly motivated to pursue what we believe is a compelling case, not only in the interest of the Filipino people but also for the benefit of all humanity,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
He further said, “We have meticulously documented the evidence. The critical step now is to organize this evidence and present it before the appropriate international tribunal. It is of utmost importance that we bring forth a case addressing the environmental harm caused by China.”
The Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations ruled in 2016 that China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters is invalid.
Since then, the arbitral ruling has been repeatedly invoked by the Philippines and other nations with overlapping claims in response to Chinese maritime aggression.
But Beijing has largely dismissed the international ruling, claiming it has no legal basis.
On September 16, the military reported the discovery of suspected coral damage at Rozul Reef, also known as Iroquois Reef, in the WPS.
Navy personnel made this discovery during an initial assessment after Chinese vessels were removed from the reef in July.
Furthermore, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS, confirmed the “severe damage” to the marine environment and coral reefs on the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, areas frequently frequented by Chinese maritime militia.
