Environmental groups and residents filed a court petition to halt the construction of an esplanade and seawall in Antique, warning of threats to coral reefs, fishing grounds, and endangered sea turtle nesting sites. The over P95-million project is accused of violating environmental laws. They seek a writ of continuing mandamus and a Temporary Environmental Protection Order to prevent further damage.
On December 10, the Funda-Dalipe Fisherfolk Association (FDFA), Dihon sa ‘Raya Incorporated, and resident Remy Muescan filed a 20-page petition at the Regional Trial Court in San Jose de Buenavista to stop the Funda-Dalipe Esplanade project. Approved by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2017 as Package 2 with a P95.52 million budget, the project includes a 520-meter seawall in Barangay Funda-Dalipe.
The petitioners stated that the construction causes 'imminent and irreversible' damage to marine ecosystems, including active nesting sites for critically endangered Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Sea (Chelonia mydas) turtles. Burying sea turtle nests violates the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Additionally, sediments from the work are smothering nearby coral reefs and the Funda-Dalipe Marine Protected Zone, breaching the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.
"This esplanade has prevented us from safely mooring our boats," said FDFA president Rowel Saldajeno. "Our turtles are being crushed, our reefs suffocated, and our livelihoods destroyed. We fisherfolk demand justice before Antique’s seas become graveyards."
Muescan, manager of the Antique Provincial Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, added, "The right to a [healthy] ecology is non-negotiable. Our Constitution demands it – and so do we."
The petitioners highlighted the lack of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), with only a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) issued by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-VI, and no revocable permit for foreshore development under the Water Code. The project sits in a 20-meter no-build zone, amounting to grave abuse of discretion by DPWH-VI and EMB-VI. On July 11, DENR-VI issued a show-cause order to DPWH over permit non-compliance. On October 29, the Antique PENRO recommended a cease-and-desist order, noting no permit for the ongoing activities.
Respondents include the San Jose de Buenavista local government, contractor JE Tico Construction Company Incorporated, and Western Visayas offices of DPWH, EMB, and DENR. The petition alleges no building permit, zoning clearance, or community consultation.