The Climate Change Committee pushes for a policy for reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Cong Edgar Chatto, Chairman, presided the last committee meeting on Climate Change in the 19th Congress last Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the same day the Plenary approved on 3rd and final reading House Bill 11375 on Low Carbon Economy, a consolidation of House Bill 7705 which Chatto principally authored and House Bill 10633 of Cong Marrisa “del mar” Maxino.
Usec. Alu Dorotan -Tiuseco, Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary and Chief of Staff of Sec. Ralph Recto, presented a report on their policy recommendations for Carbon Pricing.
Present as resource persons were key officials of different agencies – DOF, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (formerly NEDA), Department of Energy and Climate Change Commission.
The measure seeks to promote investments in low carbon economy, establish a carbon emission pricing framework, and implement a mechanism to achieve low carbon and resilient economic development.
It aims to attract investments in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and support green technologies.
This is in recognition that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human activity are the dominant cause of observed climate change since the mid-20th century.
Thus, the promotion of renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices help minimize carbon emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Chatto, as Chair of the House Committee on Climate Change, also expressed gratitude to the Committee Vice Chairpersons including Cong. Josie Limkaichong, Cong. Ana V. Tuazon, Cong. Joeman Alba, Cong Christian Tell Yap and other members for their dynamic participation in the legislative discussions leading to the approval of various policy recommendations.
He also acknowledged the dedicated Committee Staff led by Committee Secretary Rommel Reyes and all resource persons who shared their expertise in the committee deliberations.
The committee in the 19th Congress made significant strides in addressing climate change such as the passage of Republic Act 12019, the landmark law known as the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act which granted legal personality and capacity to the Loss and Damage Board.
It also transmitted the Integrated Coastal Management Bill, National Peatlands Conservation Bill, and Climate Change Resilience Act to the Senate.
The committee also pushed the resolution for the declaration of a Climate Change emergency and enhancing resiliency and adaptability to the effects of climate change.
It further supported the establishment of a Multi-Actor Partnership on the enhancement of Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance in the country.
In this Congress, the Committee, under Chatto’s leadership, also sought climate justice with the proposed Clima Bill, to protect climate systems for the benefits of its citizens and generations yet to be born on the basis on the precautionary principle, climate justice, common but differentiated responsibilities, and just transition.
This bill also adopts the polluter pays principle which requires the carbon majors or polluters to pay for the damage they caused to the environment consistent with the existing environmental laws.
Priority measures also included the promotion of the rights of nature, creation of Climate Change Committee in Every Barangay, and mapping of low lying areas vulnerable to sea level rise, among others.
As Chatto closed the last Climate Change Committee Meeting in the 19th Congress, he thanked all Vice Chairpersons and Members, Committee Staff, National Agencies, NGOs, CSOs, Private Sector Groups and resource persons who shared valuable insights and inputs to the Committee in its task of shaping legislative measures to address Climate Change and achieve sustainable development.