Writ of Kalikasan A Writ of Kalikasan is a legal remedy under Philippine law which provides for the protection one's

right to "a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature," as provided for in Section 16, Article II of the Philippine Constitution. It is compared with the writ of amparo but protects one's right for a healthy environment rather than constitutional rights.[1] Provision for the Writ of Kaliksaan was made in 2010 by the Supreme Court of the Philippines under Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases as a Special Civil Action.[2] The Supreme Court under Chief Justice Reynato Puno took the initiative and issued Rules of Procedure for Environmental Case because Section 16, Article II of the Philippines' 1986 Constitution was not a self-executing provision.[3] The writ of Kailkasan may be sought to deal with environmental damage of such magnitude that it threatens life, health, or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.[4] Kalikasan to Stop Cutting of Trees, Leveling of Mountain Posted: June 21, 2012; By Joachim Florencio Q. Corsiga The Supreme Court recently granted the issuance of a writ of Kalikasan sought by Agham Party List Rep. Angelo Palmones, in an effort to stop a mining firm from cutting trees and leveling a mountain in Barangay Bolitoc, Sta. Cruz, Zambales. The special civil action for issuance of a writ of kalikasan with Application for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order was filed against LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, represented by Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje; Philippine Ports Authority, represented by General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana; and the Zambales Provincial Police Office, represented by PS Supt. Francisco DB Santiago. The Court also referred the case to the Court of Appeals for acceptance of the return of the writ and for hearing, reception of evidence, and rendition of judgement. The Court also ordered the respondents to answer the charges, by making a verified return of the Writ of Kalikasan before the Court of Appeals within a non-extendible period of (10) ten days from receipt. A writ of kalikasan, as provided under the Rules of Court, is a remedy available to a natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law, peoples organization,

non-governmental organization, or any public interest group accredited by or registered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces. (G.R. No. 201918, Agham Party List v. LNL Archipelago Minerals, Inc, June 13,

[edit] References
1. ^ Higgins, Polly (2010). Eradicating ecocide : laws and governance to prevent the destruction of our planet. London: Shepheard-Walwyn. ISBN 9780856832758. 2. ^ A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC: April 13, 2010, Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, Supreme Court of the Philippines. 3. ^ What is a Writ of Kalikasan?, notocoal.weebly.com. 4. ^ Access to Justice : Human Rights Abuses Involving Corporations, International Commission of Jurists, p. 17, ISBN 978-92-9037-148-X. http://www.undp.org.ph/Downloads/knowledge_products/DemGov/Laws%20Rules%20and%20Issuanc e%20for%20Environmental%20Cases.pdf