DOJ recommends filing of case against China for coral harvesting, destructive activities in WPS

Transcript

00:00 It is common knowledge that people take good care of things they own.

00:04 Hence, China's wanton disregard and reckless behavior in the country's exclusive economic

00:10 zone underscores the simple fact they don't care because it is not theirs to own.

00:15 Our Luisa Errizpe has more on the vast extent of the damage visited on our marine resources

00:22 and coral reefs in the nation's exclusive economic zone by the Chinese.

00:29 The Department of Justice strongly recommends filing a case against China for its reckless

00:35 and irresponsible acts in the West Philippine Sea.

00:38 This after the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that vast patches of corals in the

00:43 Grozel Reef are gone after the Chinese militia left the area.

00:47 According to Remulia, even without a territorial dispute, it is an evil act and inhumane to

00:53 destroy a natural habitat regardless of who owns it.

00:57 Because we are recommending the filing of such cases against the perpetrators of this

01:04 evil act, destruction of the environment.

01:07 Remember, even without a territorial dispute, the destruction of the environment is a sin

01:16 against humanity.

01:17 Remulia also stressed the case is for adjudication and strong enough to be filed with the proper

01:23 courts because the country has enough evidence to prove its claims against China.

01:28 The DOJ will also work hand in hand with top environmental lawyers of the country to build

01:33 a concrete case against China.

01:35 This has been happening for many years but the documentation started a couple of years

01:42 ago but leading up to the last few months, we have gotten more documentation on this

01:48 matter.

01:49 It's a very right case for adjudication.

01:50 I think we can go on and we will talk to the best legal experts in the country to help

01:57 us.

01:58 We have access to the best environmental lawyers in this country.

01:59 I think we will pursue this case against China because we are a pilot.

02:05 We have a lot of evidence.

02:10 Remulia is expected to discuss the recommendation with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, after

02:15 which they are expected to tackle the next steps to take in the litigation.

02:20 Luisa Errizpe for the Nation.