Recent reports present a rash of problematic incidents regarding the Philippines’ natural resources, foremost among which is China’s expansive seabed dredging in the disputed Spratlys—a reckless and dangerous move that is destroying corals and the creatures inhabiting them. National Scientist Angel Alcala has raised the alarm regarding an imminent drop in Philippine fishery production as a result of the destruction of the corals. “The widespread dredging being done by China is an irresponsible act because all the nations around the South China Sea are going to be affected,” Alcala, a former environment secretary, said at a seminar in Palawan last June 11.

Corals and garbage. (2015, June 27). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A16.