Pedro D. Arigo, et. al. vs. Scott H. Swift, et. al., G.R. No. 206510, 16 September 2014 (Philippines)

The USS Guardian, headed by Fleet Commander, Vice Adminral Scott Swift, ran aground the South Shoal of the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Petitioners filed a Writ of Kalikasan claiming that the grounding, salvaging and post-salvaging operations of the USS Guardian caused environmental damage and violated their constitutional rights to a balanced and healthful ecology. The Supreme Court ruled that it does not have jurisdiction over the United States respondents who did not file any pleading or manifestation in the case based on the doctrine of a State's immunity from suit. The respondents from the United States (US) were sued in their official capacity as commanding officers of the US Navy, and the grounding of the USS guardian on the Tubbataha was committed while they were performing official military duties. The satisfaction of any judgment against the said officials will require remedial actions and appropriation of funds by the US government. As such, the suit is deemed to be one against the US itself.