Fisherfolk and civil society groups on Tuesday, December 15, asked the Supreme Court (SC) to issue a writ of kalikasan against the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, a project of Ramon Ang-led San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

In a 95-page petition, the groups asked the Court for a temporary environmental protection order to stop SMC subsidiary San Miguel Aerocity Incorporated (SMAI) from developing the land at the site and from constructing the airport.

They also sought the cancellation of the environmental compliance certificate issued to Silvertides Holdings Corporation, a contractor for the project.

“We have to keep on working together in the protection, rehabilitation, and conservation of Manila Bay, not only for its economic importance and contribution to national food security, and for its historical, cultural, and aesthetic value, but to make ecosystems and people resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Oceana vice president Gloria Estenzo Ramos.

A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy protecting the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Aside from Ramos, the petition was filed by fisherfolk from Bulakan, Bulacan, represented by Teodoro Bacon and Rodel Alvarez. They were joined by Archbishop Roger Martinez of the Archdiocese of San Jose del Monte and Aniban ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura chairperson Renato de la Cruz.