Summary
In July 2019 several organizations convened a Rights of Nature People’s Congress in Quezon City. The participants created a coalition called Rights of Nature PH and mapped out a plan for drafting a passing a rights of nature bill. They issued a call to President Rodrigo Duterte to take decisive political action in protecting the environment through the recognition of rights of nature. That year, the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines adopted the rights of nature concept by integrating it into their July 16, 2019 pastoral letter. In October 2019, a rights of nature bill was filed with the Senate (Senate Bill 1097) for a Rights of Nature Act by Senator Risa Hontiveros. In November 2019, a similar bill was filed with the House of Representatives by the Quezon City 6th District Representative, Kit Belmonte (House Bill No. 5603). The house bill states, “It is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize and protect natural ecosystems and processes, or distinct and identifiable portions thereof as legal entities possessing certain fundamental and inalienable rights.” Although through slightly different language, the senate bill also recognizes rights of nature as legal entities. Both bills’ progression in the legislature was stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, Rights of Nature PH has continued to promote the bills and are awaiting votes in the House and Senate.