The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed strong support for House Bill (HB) No. 9609, known as the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Act, which aims to create institutional mechanisms to address the adverse effects of climate change in the Philippines.
The bill, introduced by Representatives Edgar Chatto, Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, Fernando Cabredo, Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Christian Tell Yap, and Jose Manuel Alba, seeks to establish a legal framework that would ensure accessible remedies for climate-related human rights violations for all Filipinos.
The CLIMA Act proposes policies to combat climate change, protect vulnerable communities, and hold accountable those responsible for contributing to climate change, including major carbon-emitting corporations.
“The CHR commends the filing of HB No. 9609 as it reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to climate justice,” the Commission said, emphasizing that the bill represents a crucial step toward both climate justice and the protection of human rights.
The CHR highlighted the link between climate change and human rights, citing its National Inquiry on Climate Change (NICC) report, which underscored the collaborative efforts needed between states and private enterprises to effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The Commission also pointed to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which outline the responsibility of governments and businesses to prevent and address human rights abuses related to environmental harm.
By supporting HB No. 9609, the CHR believes that the Philippines is making a significant move toward holding corporations accountable for their climate impacts while advancing human rights protections.
The Commission stressed the importance of this legislative effort in ensuring a sustainable and just environment for future generations.
“We commend the filing of HB No. 9609 with its alignment to CHR’s recommendations from the NICC report, which encourages businesses to engage in practices that respect, protect, and uphold human rights in addressing climate change,” the CHR added.
