This February 27, 2019 handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard shows marked giant clams in several piles made by Chinese militias at the shallow part of the Scarborough shoal, at the disputed South China Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard said. Philippine Coast Guard/AP/File 

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing to complete the complaint against China for environmental damage in the West Philippine Sea  "in a few weeks". 

In a televised interview on Thursday, DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano said the department continues to coordinate with the Office of the Solicitor General to ensure the complaint carries solid evidence against China.

"Kailangan po natin pagtibayin ang mga ebidensya na kailangan i-attach sa ating complaint. Although confident naman po tayo na in a few weeks ay mabubuo ang ating complaint at mga attachments na ebidensya," Clavano said. 

"Hopefully po with the help of Office of the Solicitor General we will be able to file an environmental case against China," he added.

Talks on the filing of complaint before an international tribunal came after the Philippine Coast Guard discovered in 2023 the damaged corals at the Rozul or Iroquois Reef and Escoda or Sabina Shoal, where China was allegedly doing illegal island-building activities. 

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said that the environmental case would hopefully force China to respect international maritime laws.

China destroyed at least 21,000 acres of coral reefs: CSIS report
China denies Philippines' claim that it is destroying disputed shoal's maritime environment

Maritime tension has been rising in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing, as the Philippines has accused China of using water cannons and blocking maneuvers through disputed shoals and reefs.

This month, China's coast guard published rules to enforce a 2021 law allowing authorities to fire on foreign vessels when its sovereignty and sovereign rights are infringed.

AFP 'on standby' as China's fishing ban, arrest policy take effect
• China 'out of their mind' for imposing 'unilateral' fishing ban in disputed sea: PH Navy

– With a report from Reuters