Philippines Launches First ‘Green Justice Zone’ in Puerto Princesa for Environmental Cases

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – The Philippines’ first ‘Green Justice Zone’ was launched in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to address environmental issues more effectively through legal and judicial services. The initiative, part of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council’s (JSCC) effort, marks the country’s third specialty justice zone.

According to Philippines News Agency, the previous specialty zones were established in Zamboanga City for trafficking cases and in Tagaytay City for cases related to economic development projects.

The JSCC, formed by the Supreme Court, Department of Justice, and Department of the Interior and Local Government in 2010, has since included the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, during the launch, highlighted that the Green Zone is a concrete step towards ensuring the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the importance of intensified coordination among the criminal justice system’s pillars in Puerto Princesa City, particularly for environment-related cases. The Green Zone initiative involves creating a ‘Green Book,’ a comprehensive manual for handling environmental cases, covering aspects from monitoring and reporting to investigation, prosecution, trial, and post-judgment processes, including restoration, indemnity, and reparation steps. This manual aims to streamline the handling of environmental cases, ensuring effective and timely justice.