The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is a reality that the Philippines faces with increasing intensity. With typhoons becoming more destructive, sea levels rising, and extreme heat waves affecting livelihoods, the Senate is stepping up to address these environmental challenges.
In the 19th Congress, several bills and resolutions have been introduced by senators aiming to bolster climate resilience, promote sustainability, and future-proof the nation.
Below is a rundown of the most significant legislative efforts currently in the pipeline.
Senate Bill No. 650: Climate Change Emergency Declaration Act (Author: Senator Imee Marcos)
This bill seeks to officially declare a climate emergency in the Philippines, recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change through aggressive policies and sustainable solutions.
“A need for resiliency and adaptability to the effects of climate change is imperative and the declaration for an environment and climate emergency is necessary for the protection and preservation of the environment,” Marcos stated in her explanatory note.
The bill puts the spotlight on the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to mitigate climate risks and adapt to their consequences.
The measure also mandates a climate change emergency summit to be held in the second week of September every year, spearheaded by the Climate Change Commission and shall be participated by all relevant stakeholders.
Senate Resolution No. 153: Declaring a Climate and Environmental Emergency (Author: Senator Loren Legarda)
Similar to SB 650, this resolution calls for government agencies, local government units, and various institutions to mobilize resources and align policies with existing climate laws.
LGUs will be encouraged to issue Climate Change Declarations and adopt a “No to Coal” or “No to New Coal Policy” within their respective jurisdictions; and a national integrated risk information system and a national loss and damage registry will be established to support science-based policy formulation and risk governance at national and subnational levels.
“In declaring a climate emergency, a government admits that global warming exists and that the measures taken up to this point are not enough to limit the changes brought by it, stressing the need for the government and administration to devise measures that try and stop human-caused global warming,” the senator stated in the resolution.
Senate Bill No. 18: Sustainable Cities and Communities Act (Author: Senator Pia Cayetano)
With urbanization accelerating, this bill proposes a framework to develop environmentally sustainable and resilient cities.
It mandates the integration of green infrastructure, efficient transportation, and waste management systems into urban planning.
The measure also calls on the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to provide the necessary technical assistance and resource augmentation to LGUs to assist them in transitioning into sustainable cities and communities.
“This rapid urban migration resulted from the popular view that urban areas offer better opportunities for the rural poor. However, this has instead led to the increase in the incidence of urban poverty and inequality, as well as homelessness and Informal settlement in our cities,” Cayetano said.
Senate Bill No. 157: National Energy Policy and Framework for a Clean and Just Energy Transition Act (Author: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian)
Recognizing the urgent need for a shift to sustainable energy sources, this bill lays the groundwork for a national energy transition framework.
It seeks to promote renewable energy adoption, increase energy efficiency, and ensure a just transition for workers affected by the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels.
“The Philippine Energy Plan (2020-2040) fails to provide a clear energy transition framework given the country’s NDCs (nationally determined contributions) and the aforementioned policies laid out in RA 7638, RA 9136 and RA 9513,” Gatchalian said.
“Through this bill, it is hoped that the country will be able to comply with its commitments under the Paris Agreement while ensuring that the transition shall be fair and inclusive,” he added.
By aligning the country’s energy policies with climate goals, the bill aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Senate Resolution No. 549: Inquiry on the Impacts of Natural Extreme Events, Disasters, and Climate Change on the Agricultural Sector (Author: Senator Joel Villanueva)
This resolution highlights the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate change.
With over 10 million Filipinos dependent on agriculture, the resolution calls for an investigation into climate-induced crop losses and the effectiveness of the government’s agricultural insurance programs.
“There is a need for the government to determine the gaps in the current agricultural insurance system and put in place a whole-of-government approach in determining solutions,” Villanueva said.
Senate Bill No. 869: Mandatory Environmental Insurance Coverage Act (Author: Senator Grace Poe)
This measure proposes mandatory environmental insurance for businesses and industries, ensuring that financial resources are available for ecological rehabilitation in cases of environmental disasters.
“There remain lapses in the protection of the people’s right to a healthy and balanced ecology. In particular, environmental degradation and manmade disasters which arise from economic activities are extremely underregulated,” Poe said.
The measure states that the said insurance will be used to compensate for damages and to rehabilitate any environmental impairment caused by their operation.
It will also answer for all claims for the payment of damages to health and property; and the environmental rehabilitation, remediation and clean-up costs and expenses.
Senate Bill No. 2609: Philippine Environmental Assessment System Act (Author: Senator Loren Legarda)
This bill proposes the establishment of a comprehensive environmental assessment system to ensure that all government and private-sector projects comply with stringent environmental protection standards before implementation.
“The bill advocates for the selection of the most environmentally friendly alternatives that can effectively meet national demands and priorities. This approach aims to ensure that environmental factors are considered at a strategic level, providing a comprehensive framework for decision making,” Legarda said.
Senate Bill No. 1887: Climate Change Education Act (Author: Senator Imee Marcos)
Recognizing the role of education in climate action, this bill seeks to integrate climate change topics into the national curriculum to raise awareness and foster proactive environmental stewardship among students.
“Mandating the subject on climate change will help people, especially the youth, in understanding and addressing the impact of global warming, increasing ‘climate change literacy,’ and encouraging changes in their attitudes and behavior to protect and preserve our environment,” Marcos said.
Senate Bill No. 113: National Coastal Greenbelt Act (Author: Senator Nancy Binay)
The bill seeks to create a national framework to protect coastal areas, establish a greenbelt zone, and regulate urban development along the coast to mitigate environmental damage and preserve biodiversity.
“The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, an average of twenty-two (22) tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility…coastal communities become vulnerable to such tropical storms due their natural exposure and lack of resources for preparation and recovery,” Binay explained.
“Studies from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization show that coastal forests and mangroves are helpful in mitigating cyclone damages and are affordable than artificial sea defenses which, in many cases, were found to be ineffective,” she added.
Senate Bill No. 34: Climate-Resilient Agriculture Act (Author: Senator Lito Lapid)
The proposed measure aims to strengthen the agricultural sector’s resilience against the effects of climate change by promoting adaptive practices, sustainable agriculture technologies, and policies.
“The government must exert all efforts to make our agricultural industry more resilient and adaptive to climate change. Our Department of Agriculture must continuously look into innovative ideas and technologies, as well as the best practices, and determine which should be implemented to help our local farmers withstand the challenges brought about by climate change and weather disturbances,” Lapid said.
Senate Bill No. 1694: Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act (Author: Senator Raffy Tulfo)
The bill seeks to promote energy efficiency within the industrial sector by encouraging research and development (R&D) activities.
“As we strive to become more self-sufficient in energy generation, it is critical that we not only seek alternative energy sources, but also promote energy efficiency in industries, particularly the energy-intensive manufacturing sector,” Tulfo said.
It aims to establish frameworks for the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and processes, reduce energy consumption, and foster sustainable practices to address rising energy costs and environmental concerns.
Senate Bill No. 1561: Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act (Author: Senator Ramon Revilla Jr.)
The proposed measure aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the environmental assessment and management of beaches and coastal areas in the Philippines.
Its goal is to protect and improve the health of coastal ecosystems, monitor environmental conditions, and ensure that beaches remain safe and sustainable for both locals and tourists.
“World class beaches are one of the things that our country is truly proud of. The Philippines is known for its prime beaches, and rest and recreation facilities. Not only does this give pride to our country, but it also provides for employment and income for many of our kababayans,” Revilla said.