MANILA, Philippines鈥揟he Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the writ of kalikasan petition for the protection of the West Philippine Sea on request of the petitioners themselves.
鈥淭he Petition was dismissed based on the request of the petitioners to withdraw their signatures from the Petition and based on the motion filed by respondents. The Supreme Court did not pass upon any of the substantive issues raised,鈥� the High Court鈥檚 Information Chief and Spokesman Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said at a press conference.
Solicitor General Jose Calida, during the July 9 oral argument accused the聽Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)聽of defrauding the fishermen. He revealed that the fisherfolk from Palawan and Zambales have executed affidavits stating that they are not aware that such a petition will be filed against the government.
The High Court ordered the counsel/petitioners Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to coordinate with the fisherfolk from Zambales and Palawan about the case.
However, the IBP and the fishermen withdraw from the case.
The High Court, in its recent ruling said 鈥淭he counsels were cautioned that they should be ready with the necessary evidence before they seek the issuance of extraordinary writs.鈥�
The Supreme Court through the ponente of the case, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, emphasized that counsels should establish and maintain a form of communication with their clients at all times.
鈥淢ere difficulty in contacting clients聽 should not be used by counsels in as an excuse to renege on their duties and to disengage from their commitments,鈥� Justice Leonen said.
The Court issued a stern warning against the counsel of petitioners, the IBP 鈥渢hat the commission of the same or similar infractions in the future would be dealt with more severely.鈥� /muf
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