Media Coverage

The destructive impacts of massive gas expansion and other fossil fuel activities in the Verde Island Passage drew the spotlight at this year’s Climate Week in New York, with the plight of the marine biodiversity hotspot among cases presented at an international tribunal on violations against nature. Themed “The End of the Fossil Fuel Era,” the 6th International Rights of Nature is an initiative convened in 2015 by the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN). It is a judicial, non-binding institution, promoting the harmonious co-existence of humans and other beings by providing a new framework for informed legal analysis that pushes governments and courts to “look beyond economic incentives and make decisions based on the interests of both humanity and the Earth community as a whole.”

MANILA, Philippines — Fossil fuel expansion projects along the Philippines’ Verde Island Passage, a biodiversity hotspot, were recognized as a case of ecological destruction during an international tribunal session in New York. During Climate Week in New York, the International Rights of Nature Tribunal convened its sixth session on Sunday, September 22, to explore how countries can strengthen efforts to protect environmental resources, marine ecosystems and wildlife by holding key actors accountable amid an expanding fossil fuel industry.

September 24, 2024 – The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) stands in solidarity with global environmental advocates as the 6th International Rights of Nature Tribunal convened a session titled “The End of the Fossil Fuel Era” during Climate Week in New York City. This session began a pivotal journey toward addressing one of the most pressing global threats-the fossil fuel industry-and its impacts on nature and human rights. The expert panel at this Tribunal session examined numerous global cases where the fossil fuel industry has violated nature’s rights, caused extensive harm to communities, and accelerated the climate crisis. Cases included false climate solutions, devastating pipeline projects, oil spills, and the creation of sacrifice zones. These testimonies will be highlighted for the UNFCCC COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025 to advocate for a “New Pact with Mother Earth.”

Over 80 faith-based, government, and non-government organizations have signed a declaration calling for the Philippine government to declare a climate emergency during a press conference last Thursday, March 23, 2023. The Rights of Nature Philippines (RoN PH) movement, steered by the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc, Laudato Si Movement Pilipinas, Caritas Pilipinas, Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines, and the Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association Inc., compels duty-bearers to take immediate action to address the ongoing climate crisis. The declaration emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and our responsibility to protect and respect nature’s inherent right to exist and flourish.

The Catholic Church’s social action centers in the Philippine have banded together to again press for a legislative measure that gives trees, rivers, and ecosystems the legal right to exist and thrive.

The Catholic Church’s social action centers have banded together to again push for a legislative measure that gives trees, rivers and ecosystems the legal right to exist and thrive.

Advocacy groups under the Rights of Nature PH movement declare a climate emergency and urge the national government to do the same.

Quezon City, Philippines – A social development and advocacy network, Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) and NASSA/Caritas Philippines, the social arm of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, both pushing for ‘Rights of Nature bill’ intended to recognize nature to have its own legal rights just like humans, lobbied to the office of Quezon City 6th District Rep. Kit Belmonte, have been filed today at the House of Representatives.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on Saturday urged all the three district representatives of Bohol province to support the passage of Rights of Nature bill which was filed last November 25 at the House of Representatives by Quezon City Sixth District Rep. Jose Christopher “Kit” Belmonte. Rev. Alberto S. Uy, D.D. sent an official letter to First District Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, Second District Rep. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, and Third District Rep. Kristine Alexie B. Tutor on November 29, asking them pledge their support for the passage of the Rights of Nature Bill.

Quezon City, Philippines – The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. demands from DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu an immediate investigation on the 12-Year Extension granted to Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated (SMI) and the Tampakan Mining Group for its Tampakan Copper and Gold Project as executed by Leo Jasareno, former Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau..

The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. demands from DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu an immediate investigation on the 12-Year Extension granted to Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated (SMI) and the Tampakan Mining Group for its Tampakan Copper and Gold Project as executed by Leo Jasareno, former Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. According to the MGB Order, the 12-year extension was due to “Force Majeure” or “acts or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of contractor,” underscoring the following circumstances in the SMI case: rebellion, insurrection, civil disturbance, blockade, sabotage, any dispute with surface owners, and adverse action.

During an Ash Wednesday gathering of environmental activists in Manila, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos said the faithful need to see “ecological sin as the rupture of relationships.” “This sin has triple layers, against God, human beings, and the rest of creation,” the prelate said in his keynote speech at the general assembly of the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc., a network of civil society groups and faith-based institutions.