Metropolitan Manila Development Authority vs. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, G.R. Nos. 171947-48, 18 December 2008 (Philippines)

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court held that the cleaning or rehabilitation of Manila Bay can be compelled through a writ of mandamus to require the execution of a ministerial duty. The Supreme Court explained that the government agencies are enjoined, as a matter of statutory obligation, to perform functions relating to the preservation of Manila Bay. By law, the concerned government agencies are mandated to clean up Manila Bay even if there are no pollution incidents therein. The Supreme Court further explained that the pollution of Manila Bay is of such great magnitude that it issued a continuing mandamus against the concerned government agencies to enjoin them to perform their mandates and duties towards cleaning up Manila Bay and preserving the quality of its water to the ideal level.