Government agencies sued for violation of environmental laws

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Some 300 lawyers will simultaneously file a string of cases against government agencies in courts nationwide on June 5, World Environment Day, for their alleged failure to strictly implement 300 environment laws.

Antonio Oposa, an environmental lawyer and the only Asian named to the Board of Trustees of the Center for International Environmental law (CIEL), said it is disheartening to know that only one percent of the 300 existing environmental laws is being implemented.

“Thus, unscrupulous and enterprising individuals and groups are now making a killing in exploiting the country’s natural resources,” he said.

Oposa said on Oct. 24, in time with the celebration of United Nations Day, numerous individuals and groups worldwide will also be filing cases against individuals, groups, and governments as a wake-up call for humanity to be vigilant about what is happening to the planet.

“It is not yet too late to wage an all-out war against environmental degradation, thus, it is high time to inform and educate the people that laws exist that protect the environment for the sake of future generations,” he said.

Oposa said lawyers must be attuned to existing environmental laws that need to be strictly enforced.

“Thus, the handiwork of the SC in initiating a simultaneous forum on environmental justice deserves the highest recognition,” he said.

Oposa’s group will also be holding a series of organized commitments in the Visayas and Mindanao to solicit the active participation of lawyers in the nationwide crusade on the environment. — Artemio Dumlao, Philippine Star