MANILA, Philippines (Update 2, 6:49 p.m.) — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines, lawyers of fisherfolk, withdrew its petition for Writ of Kalikasan over parts of the West Philippine Sea. The IBP said it filed a motion on Friday, asking the SC that they and seven fishermen to be allowed to withdraw the petition. The IBP and rights lawyer Chel Diokno also withdrew as counsels in the plea. Calida: Plea filed without fishermen’s consentDuring the oral arguments on July 9, Calida told the SC that 19 of the fishermen manifested they are withdrawing the plea. The solicitor general manifested to the tribunal that the IBP filed the petition without express consent and knowledge of fishermen from Palawan and Zambales.

Source: Philippine Star July 19, 2019 10:03 UTC