First ever “Writ of Kalikasan” filed in CA vs.

MERALCO GR No 197878.
NOVEMBER 11, 2010

In the first ever case for the issuance of a writ of kalikasan, residents of Pasay and Makati
are seeking the dismantling of electricity transmission poles and lines near their houses.
The residents of Barangay 183 in Villamor, Pasay City and Magallanes Village in Makati City
filed their petition before the Court of Appeals, arguing that the erection of electricity poles
carrying 115-kilovolt transmission lines near their residences was cleared by their
barangay officials without consulting them and without studying the possible adverse
effects of the lines to their health.
The petitioners are citing scientific studies that have shown that the energy produced by
the electricity running through the lines will bring hazardous effects to the health and
safety of the people living nearby.
Atty. Harry Roque, counsel for the petitioners, said that the local government officials failed
to comply with the legal requirements in the construction and installation of these
structures.
“Under Article II, Section 15 and 16 of the Constitution, they have a duty to protect and
promote the right of the people to good health and balanced ecology,” said Roque. He
added that the failure to conduct prior public consultation is a violation of Section 27 of the
Local Government Code.
As an injunctive measure, the petitioners have asked the Court of Appeals to issue a
Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO), which is a feature introduced by the
new Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (AM No. 09-6-8-SC), under which their
petition was filed. A TEPO will prohibit the further installation of new poles and
transmission lines while the case is pending with the court.
AM No. 09-6-8-SC, which governs the issuance of the writ of kalikasan, was promulgated
early this year to hasten the resolution of environmental cases. #
HERE’S the text of the Petition:
Republic of the Philippines
COURT OF APPEALS
Manila
GEMMA C. DELA CRUZ, FIDEL E. AMOYO, VIOLETA M. CRUZ, ZENAIDA C. MANGUNDAYAO,
ANDRES M. COMIA, MARJORIE N. PABLO, MARIA TERESITA R. CANON, JOEL JULIUS A.
MARASIGAN, GINALYN V. CACALDA, BABY LYNN E. TAGUPA, LYDIA B. RAYOS, JESUS R.
PUENTE, JACINTO R. RICAPLAZA, ARMANDO P. PADILLA, FLORENTINO MARTINEZ, MARIE
AMELITA R. MICIANO, LYDIA R. MICIANO, MA. LOURDES U. LACSON, JUAN CARLOS C.
GAON, MA. BLEZIE C. GAON, AUREA A. PARAS, REMEDIOS Z. MORENO, MARIA JUANA N.
CARRION, ALICIA K. KATIGBAK, JEDEDIA M. TUMALE, VICENTA M. MORALES, REYNALDO
G. MARQUEZ, MARIA LUISA V. GORDON, NOEMI M. GOMEZ, MARIA CHRISTINA D. RIVERA,
CATHERINE D. ROMERO-SALAS, MERCEDITA O. BELGADO, REV. FR. EDWIN EUGENIO
MERCADO, MA. CONCEPCION M. YABUT, REYNALDO Z. SANTAYANA, ANGELO D. SULIT,
ALFREDO A. GLORIA, JR., MICHAEL L. DE JESUS, JUSTIN MARC CHIPECO, KAREN HAZEL
GANZON and JIMMY FAMARANCO,
Petitioners,
– versus – CA-G.R. SP. NO. ________________
(Petition for Writ of Kalikasan with prayer for Temporary Environmental Protection Order
[TEPO])
MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY (MERALCO), BARANGAY CHAIRMAN CESAR S. TOLEDANES,
in his capacity as Barangay Chairman of Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City,
BARANGAY COUNCIL OF BARANGAY 183, ZONE 20, VILLAMOR AIR BASE, PASAY CITY,
RUTH M. CORTEZ, RICARDO R. DIMAANO, LEONARDO A. ABAD, NORMITA CASTILLO and
AMANTE C. CACACHO, in their capacity as Members of the Barangay Council of Barangay
183, Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City and MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
(MIAA),
Respondents.
x————————————————–x
PETITION FOR WRIT OF KALIKASAN
WITH PRAYER FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
ORDER (TEPO)
Petitioners, through the undersigned counsel, and to this Honorable Court, respectfully
state that:
PREFATORY STATEMENT
1. What use will modernization serve if it proves to be a scourge on an individual’s
fundamental right, not just to health and safety, but, ostensibly, to life preservation itself, in
all of its desired quality?[1]
NATURE OF THE PETITION
2. This is a petition for the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan, filed with this Honorable Court
pursuant to Rule 7 of A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC, otherwise known as the Rules of Procedure for
Environmental Cases, concerning as it is the violation of the constitutional rights of the
residents of the Cities of Pasay and Makati to a balanced and healthful ecology.
PARTIES
3. Petitioners are residents and inhabitants of Barangay 183-Villamor, Zone 20, Pasay City
and Magallanes Village, Makati City, all of legal age, Filipinos, with capacity to sue, and
residents of the following addresses, respectively:
Name
Address
GEMMA C. DELA CRUZ
40 Mata St. cor. Manlunas Extension, Barangay Villamor, Pasay City
FIDEL E. AMOYO
P 36-08 9th cor. 2nd Sts., Barangay Villamor, Pasay City
VIOLETA M. CRUZ
Barangay Villamor, Pasay City
ZENAIDA C. MANGUNDAYAO
F11 4th 21st St., Villamor Air Base,Pasay City
ANDRES M. COMIA
P36-10 9th St., Villamor Air Base,Pasay City
MARJORIE N. PABLO
B85 L9, 12-27th St., Villamor Air Base,Pasay City
MARIA TERESITA R. CANON
P-11-24 3rd St., Villamor Air Base,Pasay City
JOEL JULIUS A. MARASIGAN
U203 EAM Apratments 6th St., Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
GINALYN V. CACALDA
P57-05 17th St., Villamor Air Base,Pasay City
BABY LYNN E. TAGUPA
F1 4th St., Barangay Villamor, PasayCity
LYDIA B. RAYOS
P18-03 7th-12th St., AM’s Village, Barangay Villamor, Pasay City
JESUS R. PUENTE
P35-09 9th St., Airmen’s Village, Barangay Villamor, Pasay City
JACINTO R. RICAPLAZA
Block 72 Lot 25, 17th St., Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
ARMANDO P. PADILLA
18 Sta. Rosa St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
FLORENTINO L. MARTINEZ
20 Magdalena Circle, MagallanesVillage, Makati City
MARIE AMELITA R. MICIANO
23 Humabon St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
LYDIA R. MICIANO
23 Humabon St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
MA. LOURDES U. LACSON
29 Humabon St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
JUAN CARLOS C. GAON
AA 428 Galeria de Magallanes,Magallanes Village, Makati City
MA. BLEZIE C. GAON
AA 428 Galeria de Magallanes,Magallanes Village, Makati City
AUREA G. PARAS
16 Encarnacion St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
REMEDIOS Z. MORENO
14 Socorro St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
MARIA JUANA N. CARRION
AB 105 Galeria de Magallanes,Magallanes Village, Makati City
ALICIA K. KATIGBAK
35 Limasawa St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
JEDEDIA M. TUMALE
38 Trinidad St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
VICENTA M. MORALES
43 Magdalena St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
REYNALDO G. MARQUEZ
B102 Galeria de Magallanes,Magallanes Village, Makati City
MARIA LUISA V. GORDON
60 San Gregorio St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
NOEMI M. GOMEZ
22 Humabon St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
MARIA CHRISTINA D. RIVERA
18 Homonhon St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
CATHERINE D. ROMERO-SALAS
4 San Pablo St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
MERCEDITA O. BELGADO
30 Magdalena St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
REV. FR. EDWIN E. MERCADO
St. Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri Church, Humabon St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
MA. CONCEPCION M. YABUT,
Magallanes Village, Makati City
REYNALDO Z. SANTAYANA,
20 Limasawa St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
ANGELO D. SULIT
37 Homonhon St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
ALFREDO A. GLORIA, JR.
24 Mactan St., Magallanes Village,Makati City
MICHAEL L. DE JESUS
Asia Pacific College, Humabon St.,Magallanes Village, Makati City
JUSTIN MARC CHIPECO
36 Magdalena St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
KAREN HAZEL GANZON
36 Magdalena St., MagallanesVillage, Makati City
JIMMY FAMARANCO
Magallanes Village, Makati City
Petitioners may be served with the orders, resolutions, notices and processes of this
Honorable Court through their counsel of record, Atty. H. Harry L. Roque, Jr., at Roque and
Butuyan Law Offices, 1904 Antel Corporate Centre, 121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227
Makati City, Philippines.
4. Respondent MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY (MERALCO) is a domestic corporation
created and organized pursuant to the laws of the Republic of the Philippines with
principal office address atMERALCO Building, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, where it may be
served with summons and other processes of this Honorable Court.
5. Respondent BARANGAY CHAIRMAN CESAR S. TOLEDANES is the Barangay Chairman of
Bgy. 183, Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City where he may be served with summons and other
processes of the Honorable Court.
6. Respondent BARANGAY COUNCIL OF BARANGAY 183, ZONE 20, VILLAMOR, PASAYCITY,
composed of:
a. Respondent RUTH M. CORTEZ, of legal age, Filipino;
b. Respondent RICARDO R. DIMAANO, of legal age, Filipino;
c. Respondent LEONARDO A. ABAD, of legal age, Filipino;
d. Respondent NORMITA CASTILLO, of legal age, Filipino; and
e. Respondent AMANTE C. CACACHO, of legal age, Filipino,
are holding office at the Barangay Hall of Barangay 183 located at Barangay 183, Zone 20,
Villamor, PasayCity, where they may be served with summons and other processes of this
Honorable Court.
7. Respondent MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (MIAA) is a government
agency created and organized pursuant to the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,
vested with the power to administer and operate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport III
(NAIA 3), and with principal office address at MIAA Administration Building, NAIA Complex
Pasay City, where it may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable
Court.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
8. Barangay 183 Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City (hereinafter referred to as “Barangay 183”,
for brevity) used to be part of the Villamor Air Base. It was thereafter converted into a
private residential land pursuant to Republic Act No. 7227, otherwise known as “An Act
Accelerating the Conversion of Military Reservations Into Other Productive Uses, Creating
the Bases Conversion And Development Authority For This Purpose, Providing Funds
Therefor And For Other Purposes”. As such, the said parcel of land was subdivided and
afterwards sold and awarded to its inhabitants, including herein Petitioners.
9. Magallanes Village (hereinafter referred to as “Magallanes Village”, for brevity) is a
residential area located in Makati City adjacent to Barangay 183.
10. The Petitioners are existing residents and inhabitants of Barangay 183 and Magallanes
Village. Some of them have likewise established their respective businesses and livelihood
therein.
11. On 13 July 2009, without the prior authority from and approval by Respondent
Barangay Council of Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City (hereinafter
referred to as “Respondent Barangay Council”) and without the prior consultation with the
constituents of the barangay, Respondent Barangay Chairman Cesar S. Toledanes
(hereinafter referred to as “Respondent Toledanes”) issued a Barangay Working Permit
Clearance “for the installation of 115 KV sub-transmission lines and poles at the10th and
12th Streets of Barangay 183.”[2]
12. Belatedly, however, on 02 September 2009, Respondent Barangay Council, composed of
Respondents Cesar Toledanes, Ruth Cortez, Ricardo Dimaano, Leonardo Abad, Normita
Castillo and Amante C. Cacho, passed Barangay Resolution No. 40-S-2009, authorizing
Respondent Toledanes to issue a Barangay Permit authorizing respondent MERALCO to
install high voltage power lines and poles at the 10thand 27th Streets of Barangay 183.[3]
Similar to the Working Permit Clearance issued, Barangay Resolution No. 40-S-2009 was
issued without a prior consultation with the constituents of the barangay.
13. Also, despite the close proximity of the installation of the high tension wires and poles
to the nearby Magallanes Village in Makati City, the residents and inhabitants of the same
were not notified or consulted with respect to such plans.
14. Thus, sometime in August 2010, Respondent MERALCO began erecting towering posts
along the 10th, 12th and 27th streets of Barangay 183 and lining the perimeter wall
between Barangay 183 andMagallanes Village.[4] The thirty (30) foot-high poles will hold
the transmission lines that will supply more or less one hundred fifteen (115) Kilovolts
(KV) of electricity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport III (NAIA 3).
15. Petitioners were not informed that Respondent MERALCO was going to erect such
posts in Barangay 183 either by Respondent MERALCO, Respondent MIAA, who
administers and operates the Ninoy Aquino International Airport III (NAIA 3), and
Respondents Toledanes, Ruth Cortez, Ricardo Dimaano, Leonardo Abad, Normita Castillo
and Amante C. Cacacho, who are the barangay officials of Barangay 183. As such,
Petitioners were surprised to find out Respondent MERALCO had already begun erecting
the said posts without their knowledge and without public discussion.
16. The high tension transmission lines shall traverse the entire 10th and 12th streets of
Bgy. 183, and shall pass along the concrete wall separating Barangay 183 of Pasay City and
Magallanes Village of Makati City.
17. On 18 October 2010, Petitioner Gemma dela Cruz, on behalf of the other Petitioners,
sent a letter to Respondents Toledanes, Cortez, Dimaano, Abad, Castillo and Cacacho,
appealing for the recall of the Barangay Working Permit and Resolution No. 40-S-2009
earlier issued by them.[5] This, however, proved futile.
18. The alarming presence of the towering posts being erected in close proximity to–that is,
as near as one (1) meter from–the respective properties of Petitioners-Residents of Bgy.
183 and less than ten (10) meters from the respective properties of Petitioners-Residents
of Magallanes Village, and the hazardous effects of the high tension wires to their health
and safety, bring Petitioners to seek the intervention of this Honorable Court.
19. Due to the urgency of the situation, as the installation and energizing of the high tension
wires will be completed by December 2010, there is a need to protect the Petitioners from
the hazardous and ill effects of the same.
GROUNDS FOR THE ALLOWANCE OF THE PETITION
–I–
THE INSTALLATION OF THE HIGH TENSION WIRES POSES DANGER TO THE LIVES,
HEALTH AND PROPERTY OF THE RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY 183, PASAY CITY AND
MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY, INCLUDING HEREIN PETITIONERS;
– II –
THE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE THAT WILL BE CAUSED BY THE INSTALLATION OF SAID
HIGH TENSION WIRES WILL AFFECT THE RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY 183, PASAY CITY
ANDMAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY;
– III –
THE INSTALLATION OF THE SAID HIGH TENSION WIRES VIOLATES PETITIONER’S
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO A BALANCED AND HEALTHFUL ECOLOGY AS WELL AS
ESTABLISHED ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS.
– IV –
THE ISSUANCE OF THE BARANGAY WORKING PERMIT CLEARANCE AND RESOLUTION
NO. 40-S-2009 WAS TAINTED WITH IRREGULARITIES
–V–
THERE IS ANOTHER SUITABLE AND SAFER ROUTE FOR RESPONDENT MERALCO’S
POWER TRANSMISSION PROJECT
DISCUSSION
I- THE INSTALLATION OF THE HIGH TENSION WIRES POSES DANGER TO THE LIVES,
HEALTH AND PROPERTY OF THE RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY 183, PASAY CITY AND
MAGALLANESVILLAGE, MAKATI CITY, INCLUDING HEREIN PETITIONERS
================================
20. Scientific studies and research have revealed that there are health risks involved in
prolonged exposure to electromagnetic field or radiation. The risks include cancer,
leukemia in children, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, miscarriages, headaches, memory
loss and insomnia, to name a few.[6]
21. Alasdair and Jean Philips, in their book, The Powerwatch Handbook, published in 2006,
noted that there are links between disease – such as leukaemia – and electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) and cites several instances of such, thus:
“In Abergavenny, in Wales, 4 neighbors living near powerlines developed brain tumours
over a period of 18 months.
In the 8 houses closest to powerlines in Kilmarnock, Scotland, 9 people have died of cancer
over the last 15 years.
In Dalmally, also in Scotland, in a small estate of 36 houses under a 275,000-volt powerline,
8 people died of cancer in 5 years, and 3 of motor neurone disease (MND).
A street in Exeter, Devon, where a 132,000-volt electricity pylon looms outside the homes
of some of the residents has been dubbed ‘Death Road.’ In 28 houses, 23 people have died
from heart disease or cancer. In fact, the number of cancer deaths on the road is five times
higher than the norm for Devon and Cornwall. Residents also complain of depression,
headaches and memory loss.
xxxxxxxxx
In 1989, the Studholme family bought a bungalow in Great Manchester. An electricity meter
in a cupboard in the hallway emitted a strong electromagnetic field through the wall into
the front bedroom. Their son Simon slept with his head less than a yard from this meter. He
started to complain of pains, but the doctors found nothing wrong. Within 18 months he
had developed acute lymphatic leukaemia. He died in 1992 at the age of 13. Subsequent
tests revealed that Simon had been sleeping in an electromagnetic field over 2.5 microtesla
(a measurement of electromagnetic field strength), more than sixty times the average
exposure level in UK homes. x x x”[7]
22. Moreover, there are also a good number of evidence that electromagnetic fields play a
role not only in the development of brain and breast cancers but also of Alzheimer’s
disease, depression and suicide, ALS or the Lou Gehrig’s disease which is a form of motor-
neurone disease, incidents of miscarriages, and the development of the condition, known
variously as electrosensitivity or electromagnetic hypersensitivity.[8]
23. Another concern that should be raised is the inevitable devaluation of the properties
exposed to these high powered transmission lines. Because of their close proximity to the
properties of Petitioners, the high voltage transmission lines would certainly restrict the
height of the buildings, houses and structures that could be built on Petitioners’ properties.
The presence itself of these gigantic steel posts, with huge cables strung to them, towering
over Petitioners’ properties would surely scare away prospective buyers in case Petitioners
decide to sell their properties. Undoubtedly, these circumstances mean a diminution of the
value of their properties and loss of possible income and business opportunities.
24. Also, these high tension transmission lines shall transmit one hundred fifteen (115)
Kilovolts of electricity to NAIA 3. However, the actual voltage may turn out to be higher
considering the thirty (30) Megavolt (or 30,000 Kilovolt) requirement for the full operation
of the NAIA 3. This increased electric currents passing through these high tension
transmission lines would concomitantly result in the increased risk that the Petitioners and
the other inhabitants of Barangay 183 and Magallanes Village are faced with.
25. Granting that the voltage that would be transmitted by these powerlines is only
equivalent to 115KV, still the required distance for the electromagnetic field level to be
within safe limits is around eighty seven (87) meters away.[9] In the instant case, the high
tension transmission lines being erected by Respondent MERALCO are being constructed
within a distance of less than one (1) meter from the houses and properties of the
Petitioners-residents of Barangay 183 and less than ten (10) meters from the houses and
properties of Petitioners-residents of Magallanes Village. Worse, there are two rows of
these MERALCO posts holding the high tension wires and they are installed within close
distance from each other, flanking residential houses, which will unfortunately absorb the
concentrated EMFs that will be emitted by the transmission lines from both sides.
26. Sadly, if this kind of power transmission project is not immediately aborted, Barangay
183 and Magallanes Village, will one day have their own versions of the so-called “death
roads” with their inhabitants as the “guinea pigs in this great electro-magnetic
experiment.”[10]
27. The health risks linked to exposure to electromagnetic fields were raised by the
residents of Dasmariñas Village, Makati as their battlecry in seeking an injunctive relief
against the Power Transmission Project of the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR)
within the said Village in the case of Eduardo F. Hernandez, et al. v. National Power
Corporation.[11]
28. In the aforementioned case, NAPOCOR’s 230 Kilovolt Sucat-Araneta-Balintawak Power
Transmission Project was supposed to pass through the Sergio Osmeña, Sr. Highway (South
Superhighway), the perimeter of Fort Bonifacio, and Dasmariñas Village proximate to
Tamarind Road, where the Dasmariñas villagers’ homes are. Recognizing the health and
safety risks posed by the high voltage transmission lines, the Supreme Court enjoined the
NAPOCOR from further preparing and installing high voltage cables to the steel pylons
erected near the villager’s homes and from energizing and transmitting high voltage
electric current through said cables.
29. Living up to its reputation as the ultimate guardian and defender of the rights of the
people, the Supreme Court, in all its wisdom and good judgment, declared:
“In the present case, the far-reaching irreversible effects to human safety should be the
primordial concern over presumed economic benefits per se as alleged by the
NAPOCOR.”[12] (emphasis, supplied)
30. In another case, the Supreme Court even observed that construction of residential
structures in areas where there are high tension transmission lines, was declared to be
unsafe and prohibited. Said the Supreme Court —
“It is not safely habitable. It is built in a subdivision area where there is an existing 30-
meter right of way of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) with high-tension wires over
the property, posing a danger to life and property. The construction of houses underneath
the high tension wires is prohibited as hazardous to life and property because the line
carries 115,000 volts of electricity, generates tremendous static electricity and produces
electric sparks whenever it rained.[13] (Emphasis supplied.)
31. If because of the danger and hazard that high tension transmission lines pose,
construction of residential houses is prohibited in areas where said transmission lines
exist, then why allow the same hazardous transmission lines to be installed in established
residential areas? Clearly, for health and safety reasons, high-voltage transmission lines
and residential areas should never co-exist in the same place. By logical inference, high
voltage transmission lines, which are hazardous to life and property, should be prohibited
and should never be allowed in residential areas, especially in densely populated ones like
the herein residences of Petitioners.
32. These health hazards linked to exposure to EMFs are not the only matters which cause
alarm to the Petitioners.
33. Some of the posts which will carry the tremendous amount of electricity have not been
erected properly. Thus, some of the posts are tilting in an apparently unstable position.[14]
Thus, not only are the lives, health and property of the residents of Barangay 183 and
Magallanes Village at risk of EMF radiation but also run the risk of being physically tumbled
upon should these unstable and tilting posts give way.
34. Moreover, most if not all of the said posts erected by Respondent MERALCO encroach
into the drainage canals of Barangay 183.[15] In case of heavy rains and typhoons, dangers
of flooding will have to be expected in Barangay 183 which will certainly affect adjacent
areas, including Magallanes Village. As a matter of fact, some areas of Barangay 183 which
do not usually experience flooding caused by moderate rainfall are now experiencing slight
inundation in their area.
35. By way of example, attached herewith as Annex “E” to E-1”, are photographs of the
effects of Typhoon Ondoy in Barangay 183.
II- THE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE THAT WILL BE CAUSED BY THE INSTALLATION OF
SAID HIGH TENSION WIRES WILL AFFECT THE RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY 183, PASAY
CITY ANDMAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY
================================
36. Considering the high voltage that will run through the subject high tension wires, the
environmental damage is expected to have adverse effects to the inhabitants of two (2)
cities, Barangay 183 of Pasay City and Magallanes Village of Makati City. The construction
of these posts by Respondent MERALCO transcends the boundaries of Barangay 183 in
Pasay City and extends to Magallanes Village of Makati City. Presently, a 115KV a couple of
electricity pylons have already been constructed very near the wall separating the two
cities.[16] The distance separating these posts and the residential area of MagallanesVillage
is only about four (4) to five (5) meters, which undoubtedly does not comply with the safe-
distance requirement of at least 87 meters.
III- THE INSTALLATION OF SAID HIGH TENSION WIRES VIOLATES PETITIONER’S
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO A BALANCED AND HEALTHFUL ECOLOGY AS WELL AS
ESTABLISHED ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
================================
37. As shown hereinabove, the implementation of Respondent MERALCO’s project violates
Petitioners’ right to health as enshrined in Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution,
viz.:
ARTICLE II
Declaration of Principles and State Policies
“Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them.” (Emphasis supplied.)
38. In the same manner, Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Code of
Sanitation of the Philippines, categorically prohibits the installation of high tension
transmission lines in residential areas. Its Implementing Rules, issued on 16 April 1998, in
fact, provides in no uncertain terms that —
“7.3 Electric and Electronic Industries
7.3.1 High-tension transmission lines shall never pass overhead or underground
ofresidential areas.” (emphasis, added)
39. P.D. No. 856 is cited in the recent Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (A.M. No.
09-6-8-SC), promulgated on 29 April 2010, as one of the bases for filing cases involving
enforcement or violations of environmental and other related laws, rules and regulations.
On the basis of the above-quoted implementing rules of P.D. No. 856 alone, it follows that
the implementiation of Respondent MERALCO’s high power transmission project in
Barangay 183, a residential area, is illegal and should never be allowed.
40. Also, the fact that these MERALCO posts obstruct the drainage system of Barangay 183,
is a clear violation of Commonwealth Act No. 548 otherwise known as the Regulation and
Control of the Use of and Traffic on National Roads and Constructions, which effectively
provides that —
“SECTION 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to convert any part of any national road to
his private use or in any manner to obstruct or damage the same or any bridge, culvert,
drainage ditch, road sign, or other appurtenance pertaining thereto.” (Emphasis supplied.)
41. Finally, as mentioned above, the distances alone at which these high tension
transmission lines and posts are being constructed alongside the properties and homes of
Petitioners and the inhabitants of Barangay 183 and Magallanes Village, do not pass the
standards required therefor. Thus, the high tension transmission lines being erected by
Respondent MERALCO are being constructed within a distance of less than one (1) meter
from the houses and properties of the residents of said barangay contrary to the required
distance for the electromagnetic field level to be within safe limits, which is around eighty
seven (87) meters.
IV- THE ISSUANCE OF THE BARANGAY WORKING PERMIT CLEARANCE AND RESOLUTION
NO. 40-S-2009 WAS TAINTED WITH IRREGULARITIES
===========================
42. Section 27 of the Local Government Code[17] was also breached when Respondent
MERALCO and Respondent MIAA failed to comply with the requirements of prior
consultation with the residents of Barangay 183 and Magallanes Village as regards the
implementation of its project. As held in the similar case of Hernadez, et. al. vs. NAPOCOR
(supra.) —
“To boot, petitioners, moreover, harp on respondent’s failure to conduct prior consultation
with them, as the community affected by the project, in stark violation of Section 27 of the
Local Government Code which provides: “no project or program shall be implemented by
government authorities unless the consultations mentioned are complied with, and prior
approval of the Sanggunian concerned is observed.
xxxxxxxxx
Moreover, the Local Government Code, requires conference with the affected communities
of a government project. NAPOCOR, palpably, made a shortcut to this requirement. In fact,
there appears a lack of exhaustive feasibility studies on NAPOCOR’s part before making a
go with the project on hand; otherwise, it should have anticipated the legal labyrinth it is
now caught in.”
43. In the same vein, the Barangay Working Permit Clearance issued by Respondent
Toledanes to Respondent MERALCO obviously suffers from patent irregularities.
44. First, the Barangay Working Permit Clearance was issued without the authority of the
Respondent Barangay Council. The Respondent Barangay Council only approved Barangay
Resolution No. 40-S-2009 on 02 September 2009 while the Barangay Working Permit was
issued on 13 July 2009.
45. Second, the Working Permit issued by Respondent Toledanes allowed the installation of
the high voltage wires power lines and poles at the 10th and 12th Streets of Barangay 183,
while the Resolution of the Respondent Barangay Council only authorized the construction
of power lines along 10th and 27thStreets, excluding 12th St.
46. Indubitably, Respondent Toledanes, in a series of meetings requested by Petitioners,
admitted that he and the Respondent Barangay Council did not conduct any consultation
with the affected constituents before they issued the subject permit. Thus, the Barangay
Working Permit which actually gave life to the power transmission project of MERALCO
should be struck down as illegal, issued in grave abuse of discretion and in excess of or
without authority on the part of Respondent Toledanes.
V- THERE IS ANOTHER SUITABLE AND SAFER ROUTE FOR RESPONDENT MERALCO’S
POWER TRANSMISSION PROJECT.
================================
47. Respondent MERALCO may very well install the subject transmission lines along Sales
Street, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, where there are no residential houses or buildings and
which provides a shorter distance from Respondent MERALCO’s source of electricity as
compared to the circuitous route along the 10th and 12th Streets of Barangay 183.
48. Thus, it makes no sense that the said high tension transmission lines are being erected
in an inhabited and populous area, endangering the lives of the people therein, when it may
be erected in an alternative location, which would result in a negligible effect on the
Petitioners and the inhabitants of Barangay 183 and Magallanes Village.
ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION ORDER (TEPO)
49. For reference, Petitioners replead all the foregoing allegations in support of their
prayer for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO);
50. The foregoing allegations undoubtedly demonstrate Petitioners’ clear and unmistakable
right to a healthful ecology and to be protected against any unlawful acts involving
environmental damage that tend to endanger their life, health and property;
51. Respondents MERALCO and MIAA are poised to continue with and complete the
installation of the high tension wires along the entire stretch of 10th, 12th and 27th of
Barangay 183 the soonest time possible as in fact Respondent MERALCO has been working
almost twenty-four (24) hours within the said areas of Barangay 183 to hasten the
completion of the acts complained of;
52. The acts complained of, aside from being unconstitutional, illegal and contrary to
established environmental rules and regulations, are clearly in violation of the foregoing
rights of the Petitioners;
53. The matter is thus of extreme urgency that, unless immediately restrained, will
inevitably cause damage to the environment, the inhabitants of Magallanes Village of
Makati City and of Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor of Pasay City, including the herein
Petitioners who will all suffer grave injustice and irreparable injury;
54. If not curtailed, the continuous commission by the Respondents of the acts complained
of might also render the final judgment granting the reliefs sought in the instant petition
ineffectual.
55. An Affidavit of Merit in support of Petitioners’ application for the issuance of a
Temporary Environmental Protection Order is hereto attached as Annex “F”.
EPILOGUE
56. Progress is desirable. The operation of the NAIA represents economic advancement. It
promises convenience to international travelers. A way to attract foreign investors and
bring more income for the government. The purpose is admirable, but to attain it at all
costs, even at the expense of lives and well-being of people, for whom the desired economic
development is intended in the first place, is unacceptable if not immoral. For then, the way
of accomplishing it altogether defeats its purpose. Economic gain has never been more
important than a person’s right to life and well-being.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed of the Honorable Court that:
1. Immediately upon the filing of this petition, a Temporary Environmental Protection
Order (TEPO) and or a Writ of Kalikasan be issued, ordering Respondents and any person
acting on their behalf, to cease and desist from conducting excavation works, installing
poles and transmission lines along the entire stretch of 10th, 12th and 27th Streets of
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City and from energizing and transmitting high
voltage electric current through the said powerlines.
2. After a summary hearing, issue a Resolution, extending the effectivity of the TEPO until
the termination of this case; and
3. After due proceedings, a Decision be rendered–
(a) Making the TEPO and/or Writ of Kalikasan permanent, directing Respondents and any
person acting on their behalf, to cease and desist from conducting excavation works,
installing poles and transmission lines along the entire stretch of 10th, 12th and 27th
Streets of Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City and from energizing and
transmitting high voltage electric current through the said powerlines;
(b) Nullifying the Barangay Working Permit Clearance dated 13 July 2009 issued by
Barangay 183 Respondent Chairman Cesar S. Toledanes in favor of Respondent MERALCO,
for being unconstitutional, illegal and for having been issued with grave abuse of discretion
amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction or authority;
(c) Nullifying Resolution No. 40, S-2009 date 2 September 2009 issued by the Barangay
Council of Barangay 183, authorizing its Respondent Barangay Chairman Cesar S.
Toledanes, to issue a clearance/permit to Respondent MERALCO to construct/install the
high tension transmission lines that will traverse the entire stretch of 10th and 27th
Streets, for being unconstitutional, illegal and for having been issued with grave abuse of
discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction or authority; and
(d) Directing the Respondents MIAA and MERALCO to remove or cause the removal of the
installed MERALCO posts and transmission lines along 10th, 12th and 27th Streets of
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor, Pasay City, at the expense of said Respondents.
Petitioners pray for such other reliefs as are just and equitable under the premises.
Makati City for the City of Manila, 11 November 2010.
ROQUE AND BUTUYAN LAW OFFICES
Counsel for Petitioners
Unit 1904 Antel 2000 Corporate Centre
121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village
Makati City 1227
mail@roquebutuyan.com
Tel. No. 02 887 4445/887 3894
Fax No. 02 887 3893
By:
H. HARRY L ROQUE, JR.
Roll No. 36976
PTR No. 2115877, 01.13.10, Makati City
IBP No. 499912, Makati City, Lifetime Member
MCLE Exemption No. III-001000, 04.26.10
DEXTER DONNE B. DIZON
Roll No. 54013
PTR No. 2115880, 01.13.10, Makati City
IBP No. 811903, 01.12.10, Laguna
MCLE Compliance No. III-0013474, 04.21.10
Copy furnished:
MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY (MERALCO)
MERALCO Building
Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City
BARANGAY CHAIRMAN CESAR S. TOLEDANES
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
BARANGAY COUNCIL OF BARANGAY 183
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
RUTH M. CORTEZ
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
RICARDO R. DIMAANO
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
LEONARDO A. ABAD
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
NORMITA CASTILLO
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
AMANTE C. CACACHO
Barangay Hall
Barangay 183, Zone 20, Villamor
Pasay City
MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (MIAA)
MIAA Administration Building
NAIA Complex Pasay City
EXPLANATION ON SERVICE BY REGISTERED MAIL
Due to distance, time constraints and lack of messengerial services, this Petition for Writ of
Kalikasan is being served on the Respondents by registered mail.
DEXTER DONNE B. DIZON
[1] Eduardo F. Hernandez, et al. v. National Power Corporation, G.R. No. 145328, March 23
2006.
[2] A copy of the said Working Permit Clearance dated 13 July 2009 is hereto attached as
Annex “A”.
[3] A copy of the said Resolution dated 02 September 2009 is hereto attached as Annex “B”.
[4] Attached herewith as Annex “C” to “C-24” are copies of the photographs of the
electricity pylons already erected and currently being erected by Respondent MERALCO in
Barangay 183.
[5] A copy of the letter is hereto attached as Annex “D”.
[6] Asmus, Richard, http://www.ehow.com/about_5506934_health-power-lines-near-
houses.html, rerieved 11 November 2010.
[7] Alasdair and Philips, Jean, The Powerwatch Handbook, 2006, pp. 3-5, 248.
[8] Id., pp. 28-29, 248 citing the following references, California Report, a 560-page report.
An Evaluation of the Possible Risks from Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) From Power
Lines, Internal Wiring, Electrical Occupations and Appliances, 2002; Lee, G.M. et. al., A
nested case-control study of residential and personal magnetic field measures and
miscarriages, Epideomology Jan, 13(1):21-31, 2002; Perry, F.S., Environmental power-
frequency magnetic fields and suicide, Health Physics, 41:267-277, 1981; Perry, F.S., Power
Frequency magnetic field: depressive illness and myocardial infraction, Public Health,
103:177-180, 1989; Savitz, D.A., Prevalence of depression among electrical workers,
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 25:165-176, 1994.
[9] Alasdair and Philips, Jean, The Powerwatch Handbook, supra., p. 43. The ratio of the
recommended distance over the voltage of the powerlines having been computed at 0.76.
[10] Alasdair and Philips, Jean, The Powerwatch Handbook, supra., p. 2.
[11] G.R. No. 145328. March 23, 2006.
[12] Supra.
[13] Jumalon vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 127767, 30 January 2002, citing the case of Cebu
Shipyard and Engineering Works, Inc. vs. William Lines, Inc. (366 Phil. 439, 452 [1999]).
[14] Annex “C-8”.
[15] Annexes “C-9” to “C-14”.
[16] Annexes “C-17” to “C-22”.
[17] SEC. 27. Prior Consultations Required.- No project or program shall be implemented
by government authorities unless the consultations mentioned in Sections 2 (c) and 26
hereof are complied with, and prior approval of the sanggunian concerned is obtained:
Provided, That occupants in areas where such projects are to be implemented shall not be
evicted unless appropriate relocation sites have been provided, in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution.
Roque & Butuyan Law Offices
1904 Antel Corporate Center
121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village
1227 Makati City, Philippines
‘ +632.8873894 7 +632.8873893
: mail@roquebutuyan.com
www.roquebutuyan.com
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14 thoughts on “First ever “Writ of Kalikasan” filed in CA vs. MERALCO”

jasmin profeta nunag

March 10, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Dear Atty. Harry Roque,
I’m jasmin nunag of zamboanga city. May I ask for comment from you please. We are
residing beside PLDT compound here in Zamboanga city. Right now PLDT has two tall
satellite towers within its compound. I suppose knowing its PLDT the towers are
communication antennas. A few weeks ago a representive of Megalux Construction and
Development Corp., a contractor of PLDT started the erection of another tower within
PLDT’s premises for the broadcast tower of TV5. We the sorrounding residents living
immediately around pLDT was able to secure a cease and desist order from the local city
planning department on the basis of Megalux’s non-compliance of a building/construction
permit.
Can we cite the Writ of kalikasan to stop PLDT from seeking clearance and getting
permission from the city governemnt for a construction permit. We theresidents are
innundated with 3 towers around us and to add another one , we feel would surel be
detrimental to our health and the future generation.
I’m seeking your opinion if you think the writ of kalikasan can be used by the residents vs.
PLDT.
Thank you and looking forward to your reply. Thank you very much.
Sincerely yours, Jasmin nunag

harryroque
March 10, 2011 at 1:36 pm
My experience is that the writ is given only to gross environmental destruction and not the
type you are contemplating. Sorry for this opinion

Mennen C. Tesalona
July 14, 2011 at 2:27 pm
There was one time that a big telecom company would like to erect a tower near my
daughter’s school. The good thing here is, the company had a dialogue with the PTA and the
school administration. And of course, we vehemently refused their request. Good thing,
they did not pursue the project.
 Deliuz Fermin Jr.
August 21, 2011 at 1:04 am
Dear Attorney Roque.
I am Jun Fermin from Baguio City and one of the Admins of the Save Mount Pulag facebook
page that was created on Aug 4, 2011. We have posted your blog on our page, i hope you
don’t mind, and we want to start an online petition. We want to know if this is accepted as a
legal remedy and if so, how many online signatures do we need to collect for the petition?
Is there a way you could point us on the right direction on the best approach of getting a
TEPO? Hiring you maybe, but we don’t have the means to! I hope you consider our request
for help and have a good day Atty.
Sincerly Your,
Save Mount Pulag

harryroque
August 25, 2011 at 7:18 am
Let’s talk. We’ve been having some success with TEPO’s recently.

cherie
October 16, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Dear Atty. Roque,
May i ask if the case is still on going? and if not, may i ask for the G.R number of the case? im
doing a study on the writ of kalikasan and i need your case as a reference.

Barrett Ristroph, American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative

January 18, 2012 at 1:24 am
Hi Atty Roque, I am an American lawyer here in Manila, working an a law review journal
article about the role of the judiciary in Philippine environmental law. The article considers
the impact of the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases. I was wondering if I could
ask you some questions about your experience with this case, as well as some more general
questions about Philippine environmental law.

harryroque
January 19, 2012 at 12:33 pm
SURE! harryroque2003@yahoo.com
 lourdes
August 28, 2012 at 8:09 am
Hi Atty Roque. I’m a student and i’m working on a paper about environmental cases. I came
across your blog and was interested in using this as reference. May I know the G.R. no. of
this case?

harryroque
August 31, 2012 at 6:32 am
GR No 197878. We’ve appealed the case to the Supreme Court

lui
January 21, 2014 at 6:43 am
Hi Atty, is there a decision/resolution already?

harryroque
January 23, 2014 at 12:44 pm
In SC

Emanuel B. Mercurio
January 5, 2014 at 1:25 am
Hi Atty Roque
I built a house and I will not be able to construct the second floor because the meralco line
strung by 1 foot over the top of 1st floor. Meralco engineer told me that I need to pay 100k
for them to relocate the post so that the said line will be remove. Is the meralco engineer
correct?
Thank you

harryroque
January 8, 2014 at 11:06 pm
So sorry. I do not have the answer to your query. You can contact though the ERC. Its the
government agency that has jurisdicition over Meralco