Writ of kalikasan issued vs Iloilo dam

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a writ of kalikasan on the construction of the Jalaur Mega Dam in Iloilo, which is allegedly  expected to displace thousands of indigenous people in the province.

In an order issued yesterday, the high court directed government agencies involved in the Jalaur River muti-purpose project phase II to answer the petition filed last Wednesday by former Iloilo representative Augusto Syjuco Jr.

The high court also ordered Senate President Franklin Drilon, the project proponent, to comment on the case within 10 days from receipt of notice. 

Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., who is the acting chief justice as Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio are on leave, issued the writ.

The order, which is just procedural and does not yet enjoin the implementation of the project, will be subjected to collegial approval of the magistrates.

In his petition, Syjuco asked the high court to stop the Departments of Public Works and Highways, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and other agencies from proceeding with the project.

“The benefits offered by this project will be miniscule when compared to the disastrous effects it will cause,” Syjuco said in the petition. 

The petitioner claimed the construction of the dam would displace about 17,000 IPs or around 600 households living in the affected areas.

He alleged the project would cause damage to the environment, as he cited a study conducted by environmental expert Ricarte Salgado Javelosa and findings by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. 

The project seeks to upgrade the irrigation system, supplement power supply in the province and provide employment to 17,000 workers.