Malacañang said that it will follow the order of the Supreme Court to actively protect the marine life in the West Philippine Sea but protested the contention of government inaction in the disputed waters.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after the SC issued a Writ of Kalikasan to protect, preserve, and rehabilitate as well as restore the marine environment in the Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and Mischief Reef.
Panelo said that while they have not yet received a copy of the order, Malacanang is duty-bound to implement all laws.
“The Executive branch is duty-bound to implement all laws regardless of the existence of orders from a co-equal branch. We find no issue of enforcing our laws as well as performing such enforcement pursuant to our Constitution and principles of international law,” he said.
“We note that the writ was issued to prevent violations of our environmental laws in our territorial waters and in our exclusive economic zone located in the subject areas,” he added.
Panelo also said that Malacañang has always respected the orders and decisions of the Judiciary, especially the SC, “subject to the availment of possible legal remedies.”
He also said that the protection of the marine ecosystem of the West Philippine Sea is already a top concern and agenda of the government.
However, the Palace official contested accusations that high-ranking government officials neglected their duties under the law to protect the Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and Mischief Reef.
“We take exception, however, to the contention that there has been inaction on the part of the administration with regard to the environmental concerns brought about by Chinese activities in the contested areas,” Panelo said. “Our Coast Guards as well as other government agencies are performing their task in securing the subject of the writ,” he added.
Panelo reiterated that the government is just being careful in dealing with the issues in the contested waters since provocative acts may spark unwanted tension between countries. (Argyll Geducos)