Pilar Cañeda Braga vs. Hon. Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, G.R. No. 223076, 13 September 2016 (Philippines)

The Department of Transportation and Communication conducted a feasibility study for the expansion of the Sasa Wharf, a seaport in Davao, which was being pegged for privatization under the Public-Private Partnership scheme and proceeded with the bidding process for the implementation of the project. Petitioners argue that Respondents have begun the process of transgressing their right to health and a balanced ecology through the bidding process which would thereby warrant the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan. 

The Supreme Court clarified that the prayer for the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan is premature, as it failed to see an environmental risk that threatens to prejudice the inhabitants of two or more cities or municipalities if the Court does not restrain the conduct of the bidding process. It stated that the bidding process cannot conceivably cause any environmental damage.