The Court of Appeals (CA ) has given the go signal for the full-blown trial of the class suit filed by a group of fishermen seeking damages against Marcopper Mining Corporation, almost two decades since the disastrous mine tailings leak on Calancan Bay in Marinduque that adversely affected their livelihood and resulted in sickness and death in surrounding communities. In a 10-page decision penned by Associate Justice Jose Reyes, Jr., the CA’s Fifth Division thumbed down the petition filed by Marcopper seeking the reversal of the order issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 on July 5, 2013, denying its motion to dismiss the class suit. The appellate court rejected Marcopper’s argument that the trial court committed grave abuse of discretion in not junking the complaint filed by Calancan Bay Fisherfolk Federation, et al, based on prescription and laches or undue delay in seeking relief.

Postrado, L. D. (2015, July 13). CA OKs trial of fishermen's class suit vs mining firm. Manila Bulletin, p. 4.