Filipino communities, Greenpeace Philippines, and the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) hailed the Philippine government’s powerful statement at the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (ICJAO) proceedings in The Hague. The statement underscores the Philippines’ commitment to climate justice, following disappointing outcomes at COP 29 last November.
The ICJ, the highest court in the world, is examining states’ legal obligations regarding climate change and potential consequences for failing to meet these obligations. Advocates believe this process could redefine international law and clarify state responsibilities in addressing the climate crisis.
In its oral arguments on Dec. 2, the Philippines declared climate change an “existential human rights issue,” emphasizing the need to integrate international legal frameworks to combat its impacts. Significantly, the country invoked customary international law on transboundary harm and called for accountability:
“The commission of such internationally wrongful act triggers state responsibility with its necessary consequences… States affected by wrongful acts in respect of climate change may demand enforcement of remedial actions including cessation and/or reparation.”
LRC’s Atty. Ryan Jay Roset noted the potential influence of the ICJ’s advisory opinion, stating, “[It] has moral authority and persuasive authority… You can actually say that in this advisory opinion, the ICJ stated that states are liable, that states should actually do something to prevent or address climate change.”
Greenpeace Philippines applauded the Philippine government’s stance. “For decades, Filipino communities have led the way in demanding climate justice,” said Country Director Lea B. Guerrero. She urged the Marcos Jr. administration to champion a strong climate justice agenda, including enacting the Climate Accountability Bill, supporting climate litigations, and advocating for reparations and innovative financing mechanisms such as the Climate Damages Tax.
Community leader Ka Jimmy Ceguerra of Barangay Tumana, Marikina, stressed the need for mechanisms ensuring direct compensation access for disaster-hit communities. “There should always be a third party, such as civil society organizations, in negotiations to ensure funds reach those in need,” he said.
This landmark moment amplifies the Philippines’ voice in the global call for accountability and justice amid the intensifying climate crisis.
