PMPI visited the office of Senator Joel Villanueva last September 14 to present the Rights of Nature bill. Leading the delegation were Ms. Yolly Esguerra, National Coordinator of PMPI, and Ms. Melody Asia, Policy Officer, who personally engaged with Senator Villanueva’s legislative team—namely, Atty. Bernadette Sioson and Atty. Veron Requejo. Their aim was to introduce and emphasize the significance of the Rights of Nature bill in safeguarding our environment and natural resources.
The dialogue delved into crucial aspects of the bill, including its accessibility for legal action and a comprehensive analysis of its pros and cons. PMPI’s campaign lawyer, Atty. Josiah Quising, provided a comprehensive overview of the Rights of Nature bill, touching upon the international landscape by highlighting countries that have already enacted similar legislation.
In conclusion, the meeting yielded a resounding success, with the legislative staff expressing their unwavering commitment to thoroughly scrutinize the bill and engage Senator Villanueva in a discussion. This fruitful encounter laid the foundation for future deliberations, whether in committee sessions or during plenary gatherings.