E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly 31 of 40 http://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/65160 SECTION 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. While the provision does not contain a specific act required by the State, it certainly mandates the sensitivity of both the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and our courts to acquire a standpoint that is protective of our ecology. Shortcuts into the process through which the State assures minimal impact on the environment, weighed against the profits to be generated by businesses, must not be tolerated. This Court is witness to the transformation of Baguio City. There had been a time, in the distant past, when the smell of pine trees and fresh air, which could only have been brought by a natural environment, greeted Us in our youth. Yet, we have seen over the years the steady creep of steel and cement and the disappearance of many age-old pine trees, which may have witnessed the very history of both the Ibaloi, who occupied the grounds of Kafagway, and the political dynamics of the early settlers of the City of Pines. Commerce is important for human survival, but so is ecology. In addition to upholding what the law contains, let this Decision affirm our human stewardship of the planet. We belong to the land, its waters, and its forests. Protection of the environment on behalf of our present and future communities is progress. During our watch, we will be on constant guard not only on what is done beyond the law, but also against the hastened demise of the natural endowments entrusted to us. WHEREFORE, the Petition is PARTIALLY GRANTED. The March 24, 2015 Temporary Restraining Order, amended on April 19, 2016, is made PERMANENT without prejudice to the filing of an application for a new environmental compliance certificate. This is in compliance with the conditions in the October 17, 2011 Memorandum, as well as Executive Order No. 23, other applicable laws, regulations, and requirements. SO ORDERED. Bersamin, C.J. Carpio, Peralta, Caguioa, A. Reyes, Jr., Gesmundo, J. Reyes, Jr., Hernando, Carandang, and Lazaro-Javier, JJ., concur. Del Castillo, J., on wellness leave. Perlas-Bernabe, J., on leave. Jardeleza, J., no part and on wellness leave. 4/23/2020, 10:52 AM