Climate year: Philippines ratifies Paris deal

MANILA, Philippines — After months of shifting policy positions, the Philippines finally ratified last year the 2015 Paris climate agreement that aims to address the adverse effects of climate change worldwide.

The Office of the President in March transmitted to the Senate the document containing the certificates of concurrence of President Duterte and other officials of the executive branch supporting the ratification of the deal.

Within two weeks, the Senate unanimously voted to ratify the agreement, which aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide by 2030.

The Philippines officially became part of the deal on April 22, in time for the celebration of Earth Day.

Vernice Victorio, then chair of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), said the ratification would allow the Philippines to push for stronger compliance with the provisions of the pact negotiated in Paris in December 2015.

“As one of the developing countries most vulnerable to climate change, it is important that we remain a strong voice and advocate of principles of historical responsibility and common but differentiated responsibilities,” Victorio stressed.

The Philippine accession to the agreement, according to CCC, would include a statement laying the groundwork for a comprehensive review of contributions the country will provide to the efforts to address climate change.

“The review will include a wider consultation on the previously submitted conditional emission reduction pledge of 70 percent towards the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions and will take into consideration our capacity to implement such contribution, support received from developed countries for climate action, and our development pathway,” the CCC said.

Despite its support during the negotiation phase, the Philippines did not immediately ratify the agreement because of the change in administration.

Duterte initially said he would not ratify the agreement as it would limit carbon emissions that will slow down economic development. But he later backtracked following a meeting with members of the Cabinet.

US pulls out

In June, the CCC expressed alarm over the decision of US President Donald Trump to pull out of the deal. To him, the deal would undermine the US economy as it would decapitate its coal industry.

World leaders denied Trump’s request to renegotiate the deal that was supported by his predecessor, former US president Barrack Obama.

The CCC said the US pullout, which may take full effect after four years, may have a significant impact on the campaign against global warming.

“The US, as the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and more importantly, one of the world leaders, would have played a key role in creating the much-needed global paradigm shift toward a more climate-resilient and climate-smart future,” the climate body said.

It stressed the need for everyone to work together to address climate change, adding that the “Philippines, as one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse effects of climate change, affirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement.”

“We call on all other countries to become even more vigilant in ensuring that the Paris Agreement achieves its goal, as the future of our children and this world depends on it,” the CCC said.

The US is the only country that opposes the deal after Nicaragua and Syria expressed support for the agreement last year.

CCC reorganized

Meanwhile, CCC secretary Emmanuel de Guzman was reinstated to the agency’s top post by President Duterte in 2017, replacing Victorio who headed the climate body from January to June.

Victorio will remain as a commissioner, along with Noel Gaerlan. No explanation was given for the reorganization of the CCC leadership.

Before joining the climate body, De Guzman was the senior advisor on disaster risk reduction of the World Meteorological Organization.

He was also a consultant of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction on its efforts to mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation with gender considerations in national policies and plans.

De Guzman led the Philippine delegation during the climate negotiations in Paris in 2015.

CHR climate inquiry

At the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), a technical panel has begun its inquiry on the alleged impact of the so-called “carbon majors” on climate change.

CHR commissioner Roberto Cadiz said they would begin public hearings on the complaint filed by environment groups against some of the world’s largest fuel, cement and mining companies.

The petitioners alleged that these companies have contributed to global warming due to their huge contributions to carbon dioxide and methane emissions into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Cadiz said they expect to release their final report containing policy recommendations by 2019. He stressed that their inquiry is not prosecutorial in nature.

“Our Constitution mandates the CHR to investigate allegations… Since there is that allegation, we as a matter of mandate, should pursue and conduct an investigation,” he said.