Baku, Azerbaijan — Several members of the Committee on Climate Change from the House of Representatives are currently attending the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to advocate for climate-resilient bills for the Philippines.
A bilateral meeting was held between committee members and representatives from civil society organizations amid the ongoing negotiations at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The lawmakers solicited input on potential provisions to include in two bills currently under development: The Clima Bill and the Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill.
“This is for all sectors, including businesses and local government units,” said Bukidnon Representative John Manuel Alba.
The Clima Bill, which establishes the Philippines’ own Loss and Damage Fund, is now under review by the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Ways and Means.
A technical working group is also collaborating with these committees to ensure that goals are met for achieving a “net-zero economy.”
Meanwhile, the Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill is under scrutiny by other House committees and is expected to be discussed by the plenary next year. This bill includes guidelines to help “decarbonize” the private sector and provide funding for low-carbon investments.
Both bills were filed in November 2023.
“We want to create a platform. There must be a balance. I understand that some successful climate models are due to clean obligations,” added Leyte Representative Anna Veloso-Tuazon.
She also mentioned that they are “restructuring” parts of the bill to focus more on nature-based solutions.
Civil society organizations are eager to see the bills passed as soon as possible.
“We hope to accelerate the process, especially with the methodologies,” said John Leo Algo, National Coordinator of Aksyon Klima.
Others have noted that these bills are currently too reactive, which is slowing down the approval process.
Many also express concern that the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund is being underutilized by local government units.
“It brings higher risks and forced impacts. It is important to consider it holistically, for proper implementation,” added Algo.
Alba, Tuazon, along with Negros Oriental Representative Jocelyn Limkaichiong, have pledged to expedite the passage of these bills, addressing the points raised during the meeting. I via Annie Perez