The resolution authored by Cong. Edgar Chatto, together with Cong. Loren Legarda and Cong. Sarah Jane Elago was among those adopted by the 18th Congress of the House of Representatives just before adjournment on June 1, 2022, according to reports from the office of the 1st District Representative of Bohol.
The House of Representatives adopted Resolution 2605 which is “Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives for Climate Justice, Strengthened Implementation of the Philippines Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Laws, and for the Developed Countries to Deliver on Their Commitments.”
The said resolution, calls for the urgent and effective implementation of the country’s ten environment and climate change laws, projects, and programs.
Chatto is confident that climate change will continue to be a priority of the incoming administration.
President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in a meeting with senators, stated his intention to put climate change at the center of governance, according to Legarda.
As the pandemic and other health challenges continue, agriculture and food security are all impacted by climate change.
Chatto agrees with Legarda’s statements that efficient implementation of environmental laws will allow for sustainable resilient, green, regenerative economy.
As chair of the House Committee on Climate Change, Chatto successfully pushed for climate emergency and climate justice measures.
In the last quarter of 2020, the House approved Resolution 1377 declaring a climate and environmental emergency, which is the first of its kind in the country.
The resolution seeks to put climate action at all levels of policy decisions in government
LAUDED
Environmental group Climate Reality Philippines lauded the adoption by the House of Representatives of the said resolution.
Nazin Castro, manager of Climate Reality Philippines, thanked the 18th Congress for standing in solidarity with climate and environmental groups in the Philippines in calling for the global community to align its actions with the goal of the Paris Agreement and moving forward towards sustainable development.
ADJOURN
The 18th Congress adjourned on June 1, 2022 with House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco expressing gratitude to his colleagues for a productive legislature despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Even with the pandemic, Congressional representatives continued to serve their respective constituents, adopting to new normal set up.
Chatto himself participated in hearings, consultations, and plenary debates virtually at the height of the pandemic as he opted stay in Bohol.
Moreover, Chatto strongly supported the Bayanihan laws and exercised oversight functions in its implementation in the first district of Bohol.
Although greatly challenged by the pandemic, Chatto said the 18th Congress displayed outstanding work and service to the Filipino people.