G.R. No.

101083 July 30, 1993

Oposa (Petitioners) vs Factoran (Respondent)
Facts of the Case:
- A class suit action was filed by several minors represented by their parents
against the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to cancel existing
timber license agreements in the country and to stop issuance of new ones. The
petitioners brought up the concepts of “inter-generational responsibility" and
"inter-generational justice,” specifying on the need to protect the health of the
ecology of the country and even naming the unborn children of the future as
victims of this action which affects the environment. The respondents filed a
motion to dismiss the case under the grounds that the plaintiff has no cause of
action against him and (2) the issue raised by the plaintiffs is a political question
which properly pertains to the legislative or executive branches of Government.
(LawPhil Project).
Issues:
- Whether the petitioner has a cause of action to file a class suit
Decisions (Holdings)
- Yes. The instant petition is therefore granted and the respondents request for
dismissal is set aside. The Petitioners are now given the permission to amend
their complaint to law suit as the respondents and the holders of the questioned
timber license agreements. No pronouncement as to its costs. (LawPhil Project)
Reasoning (Rationale)
- The Supreme Court granted the peptitioners the privilege of filing a class suit in
behalf of their generation and the future generations to come in the hopes of
protecting themselves and others from the permanent damage the timber license
issuers may cause by approving such actions. Their cause for such actions is
based on Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which pushes
for a balanced and healthful ecology. As Filipino Citizens, it is their right to
protect themselves and the generations to come from tragedies forseen and
unforseen.