MANILA — The Department of Justice assured the public that the government is studying all legal options in response to what authorities suspect to be Beijing's reclamation efforts on Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.

Beijing has dismissed the allegation as "sheer rumor" and told the Philippines "to stop making irresponsible remarks, face up to the facts and return to the right track of properly handling maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation."

READ: Carpio urges gov't: File case vs China over marine destruction in Escoda Shoal

Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the department continues to work with the Office of the Solicitor General on a possible case against China before an international tribunal.

“The DOJ and OSG continue to coordinate and discuss the possible options and recommendations which will be submitted to the President as soon as it is done,” Clavano said.

Asked for comment on the call of Carpio, Solicitor General Menardo Guvarra said the OSG is not limiting its legal options to the filing of an environmental case.

“We think the situation is a lot more serious than that,” Guevarra said in a statement.

Guevarra however refused to provide details as to the other options.

Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio earlier called for legal action over the dumping of crushed corals, which he said could be a prelude to the construction of a Chinese outpost near the Recto (Reed) Bank. 

He said  the DOJ has been preparing an environmental case against China after the discovery of destroyed corals on Rozul Reef or Iroquois Reef last year.

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