Writ of kalikasan issued vs Zambales mining project

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday issued a writ of kalikasan against a mining project of DMCI Holdings Inc. (DMCIHI) in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

The high court ordered the Court of Appeals (CA) to hear the petition filed by Agham party-list group last month and to determine if there is a need to issue temporary environmental protection order to stop the project in Barangay Bolitoc.

The SC directed the private firm, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau Region 3 and the Philippine Ports Authority to answer the petition within 10 days from receipt of notice.

The issuance of the writ, however, does not stop DMCIHI from proceeding with the project.