Before former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte get nailed by the International Criminal Court for extra-judicial killings related to his war on drugs during his 2016-22 term and earlier as mayor of Davao City, let us be reminded that it is not the only serious damage he inflicted on the country and the Filipino people. Let me cite at least one other “victim”: the Philippine environment.
Global Witness, a London-based non-profit global organization founded in 1993 which researches and investigates abuses of governments and corporations to protect human rights and secure the future of the planet, had tracked the Duterte government’s actions on the tandem concerns. GW referred to promises and progress the president cited in the annual State of the Nation address and the actual happenings on the ground to draw a true picture and share with international and national media.
In one report, the watchdog organization concluded that the Philippines was the country with the most number of killings of land and environmental defenders in 2018. In its “Defending the Philippines” report, it documented how land and environmental defenders – from indigenous communities to forest enforcers – came under attack after opposing local projects. Further on, “Under Philippine president Duterte, the numbers murdered rose dramatically, almost double the figure for the three years prior to his election. High impunity rates and the relentless vilification of human rights advocates by the government are some of the reasons for the increase.”
It was not only by direct human rights abuses but also by giving special favors to friends and allies that the considered “strongman” compromised the country’s environment health and sustainability. His friends and allies (cronies) included big-time miners, plantation owners, and real estate developers. A big part of it was his accommodations to imperial China which colored his policies and actions, the effects of which we are belatedly experiencing and squirming about.
Among these are the lifting of the moratorium on open-pit mining, massive reclamations along Manila Bay which are a cause of heavy floodings in Metro Manila and most of the National Capital Region, a dolomite beach creation in the Roxas Boulevard baywalk which necessitated materials extraction from a province to simulate a tourist-attracting white sand, temporarily closing the Boracay paradise for the construction of China-owned businesses. And the worst as it greatly compromises our sovereignty and economy, is allowing military installations and yielding to China dominance in the West Philippine Sea where oil and marine resources abound and can make a big difference in the future of the country.
Rappler drew down the curtains on his six-year rule, as far as the environment aspect is concerned, with this article opening in June 2022: “ Duterte’s administration leaves the country's rich ecosystem and natural resources threatened by big development projects that have been met by strong local opposition. Environmental defenders are caught in the crosshairs, targeted by the government that once promised to be their ally. “
Erlie Lopez is a writer, poet, PR consultant, and environment advocate.
Contact: erlielopez@gmail.com
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