Civil Society to Marcos: Make climate action and environmental rights a top SONA priority

DAVAO CITy (July 24) — As communities continue to recover from devastating floods brought by intense monsoon rains and Typhoon Danas, civil society organizations are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize climate action and the protection of every Filipino’s right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

In a unified appeal led by the EcoWaste Coalition, advocates called on the President to take decisive action against the “triple planetary crisis” of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, citing the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming environmental rights as fundamental human rights.

“The monsoon rains which have again caused hardship to millions in the Philippines is further evidence that climate change needs action now,” said Atty. Gregorio Rafael Bueta, Legal Counsel of EcoWaste Coalition. “More than tariffs, trade, and politics, President Marcos must reassure the Filipino people of the government’s firm commitment to climate action. The ICJ advisory opinion makes it clear: States can be held liable for failing to act.”

Climate and Environmental Advocates Speak Out

Highlighting the recent flooding across the country, the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions.

“We urge the government to invest in wetlands restoration, forest protection, and watershed rehabilitation,” said Atty. Mark Peñalver, Executive Director of IDIS. “These are cost-effective, sustainable ways to reduce flood risks, protect biodiversity, and empower communities.”

Greenpeace Southeast Asia–Philippines called for stronger accountability from major polluters.

“President Marcos must make climate justice a centerpiece of his agenda by supporting the Climate Accountability Bill (CLIMA),” said Jefferson Chua, Climate Campaigner. “We must demand a swift and just fossil fuel phaseout and ensure that corporations responsible for environmental harm are made to pay.”

Rene Pineda, President of the Partnership for Clean Air (PCA), echoed this call, pushing for renewable energy over coal and nuclear power.

“The government should enable incentives for renewable energy and phase out deadly, pollutive power sources,” said Pineda. “This is key to mitigating emissions and protecting public health.”

Dr. Maricar Limpin, Executive Director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines, urged the administration to address toxic consumer products such as tobacco and vapes.

“We need stronger laws—higher taxes, plain packaging, and stricter advertising bans—to protect Filipinos from products that pollute the air, water, and soil,” Limpin said. “Environmental and health justice must go hand in hand.”

Push for Policy Reforms and Enforcement

The EcoWaste Coalition also called on Congress to support the passage of CLIMA and improve enforcement of existing environmental laws, including:

• RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act)
• RA 8749 (Clean Air Act)
• RA 9275 (Clean Water Act)
• RA 9729 (Climate Change Act)

Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, further urged the government to ratify the Basel Convention Ban Amendment and push for regulatory control of toxic chemicals and plastic waste.

“We support the passage of the Safe and Non-Hazardous Children’s Products Act, and international efforts like the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), which aims for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste,” Lucero said.

The GFC, while not legally binding, offers a comprehensive roadmap to eliminate hazardous chemicals, curb illegal waste trade, and transition to safer alternatives in agriculture, healthcare, and industry.

With the fourth SONA just days away, civil society is calling for leadership that places environmental integrity and the health of future generations at the core of national development.

“The Filipino people deserve policies that are rooted in justice, guided by science, and aimed at securing a livable future,” the groups said. “We urge President Marcos to rise to the occasion and take bold steps to make climate action and environmental rights a legacy of his administration.”