MANILA, April 21 -- A group of environmental advocates on Monday filed a Writ of Kalikasan before the Supreme Court seeking to halt the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project due to its alleged destruction of critical coral ecosystems in the Davao Gulf.

Petitioners Ecoteneo, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability Inc., Sustainable Davao Movement and Marvelous Camilo said the project threatens Paradise Reef in Samal Island and Marine Protected Area in Davao City.

"The construction of the SIDC project resulting in actual, serious, and irreversible damage to the coral reefs in Paradise Reef and in Hizon Marine Protected Areas violates the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology," the group said....