“With its accession to the agreement, the Philippines confirms its commitment towards global climate action and affirms its leadership in pushing developed countries to undertake more ambitious action and to provide more support to developing countries,” the CCC said in a statement.
It said the instrument of accession will be deposited to the United Nations (UN) in time for the next round climate negotiations in May.
“Meanwhile, the commission shall work on finalizing and later on mainstreaming our country’s obligations under the agreement into national policies, plans and programs,” added the CCC.
During the climate negotiations in 2015, the Philippines submitted its intention to conditionally reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030.
Climate Secretary Vernice Victorio said the document to be submitted to the UN will include a statement laying the groundwork for the comprehensive review of the contributions that the country will provide to the efforts to address climate change.
“The review will include a wider consultation on the previously submitted conditional emission reduction pledge of 70 percent towards the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions and will take into consideration our capacity to implement such contribution, support received from developed countries for climate action, and our development pathway,” she said.
The CCC lauded the Senate for the swift passage of the ratification, citing this as a reflection of the urgency to address the increasing global temperature.
In a separate statement, CCC commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman also expressed gratitude to members of the Cabinet who supported the ratification of the agreement.
“Through the Paris Agreement, humanity – despite diversity and divergence – found common ground on which to build a common home, firmly founded on climate justice, human rights and ecosystems integrity,” De Guzman, who led the Philippine delegation during the 2015 climate talks, said.
President Rodrigo Duterte previously opposed the ratification of the deal, but later on changed his mind following consultation with the Cabinet.
Source: The Manila Bulletin | 15 March 2017
