The Supreme Court (SC) has reset oral arguments on the petition of fishermen from Palawan and Zambales to compel the government to protect disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea where Chinese fishermen have reportedly been harvesting marine resources. In session yesterday, the SC justices decided to move the public hearing on the writ of kalikasan case from June 25 to July 2. Insiders revealed that the magistrates moved the oral arguments to a later date to allow longer preparation by petitioners and respondents. The petition filed by the group led by Monico Abogado through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines sought the issuance of writ of continuing mandamus to protect, preserve and rehabilitate the environment in Scarborough or Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal and Mischief or Panganiban Reef.

Punay, E. (2019, June 19). Writ of kalikasan hearings on WPS reset. The Philippine Star, p. 5.