CA junks kalikasan writ vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed a petition for writ of kalikasan filed against the Manila Electric Co. by residents of villages in Pasay and Makati who claimed Meralco’s electrical posts and transmission lines near their houses pose health hazards.

In a 24-page decision, the former CA 17th division ruled that Meralco’s power lines “do not pose a threat, immediate or otherwise” to the health of residents. The CA dismissed the data submitted by petitioners as “purely statistical in nature” and could not be held as basis for concluding that the high-tension wires emit electromagnetic fields that cause leukemia in children.

Saying that scientists themselves are currently unable establish the link between leukemia and electromagnetic fields, the CA said “the burden of proof lies with petitioners.”

The CA also ruled that Meralco complied with all the environmental standards mandated under existing laws, as shown in the clearances issued by pertinent government offices, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Meralco’s posts, according to the CA, also met the height and distance requirements under the Philippine Electric Code.