QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Environmental advocates successfully launched a nationwide signature campaign Friday in a bid to hold “carbon majors”—oil, coal, and gas companies responsible for the largest carbon emissions globally—accountable for their role in the climate crisis.

National launch of the Courage for Climate campaign in Quezon City © Jilson Tiu / Greenpeace

Initiated by Greenpeace Philippines, the “Courage for Climate” drive aims to collect at least 70,000 signatures from online and offline supporters all over the country to boost various climate actions. These include supporting Filipinos who have joined international court cases[1] against fossil fuel companies and pushing for landmark legislation such as House Bill 9609 or the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Act.

The proposed law opens the possibility for corporate climate responsibility being recognized by a state—potentially the first in Southeast Asia—and provides a mechanism for reparations to survivors.[2]

“The figure of 70,000 commemorates the estimated number[3] of people who have died due to countless floods, landslides, and cyclones since 1990. Not only are disasters increasing, they’re getting more and more destructive because of climate change,” said Greenpeace Philippines Senior Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin. 

The gathering commenced days after Severe Tropical Storm Enteng (Yagi) left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, leaving behind 21 people dead and over P1.87 billion worth in agricultural and infrastructure damages.[4] With the country topping the world risk index[5] for the third straight year, the Philippines is again in the spotlight for its exposure, vulnerability, and lack of coping capacities during disasters.

Joining Greenpeace during the launch, held at Kandle Cafe, Quezon City, were environmental advocates representing different sectors, several youth groups[6 such as National Anti-Poverty Commission Youth and Students Sector Council and Tara Kabataan, and Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, who co-authored the CLIMA bill.

“CLIMA was conceived as a way to gather resources to protect our citizens,” said Representative Tuazon during the launch. Of the three pillars of climate action – 1) adaptation, 2) mitigation, and 3) loss and damage, the CLIMA Bill aims to address the third.

“We hope to do this through the setting up of a resource fund that will help restore, help compensate. In addition, there are also provisions in the… bill for climate justice. There’s accountability in the sense [that] we ask businesses to report and show how they conduct due diligence to make sure they don’t add to the global warming situation… how they are able to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.”

Greenpeace Philippines has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. multiple times to certify the CLIMA bill as urgent. Just this year, the nation has suffered once-in-a-decade flooding caused by a superstorm, as well as record-breaking heat, like what happened in May in Eastern Samar, when the heat index went as high as 55°C. [6]

Courage for Climate simultaneous campaign launch in Eastern Samar © Eastern Samar Youth 4 Climate Justice

“Yung heat index na naranasan namin dito sa Salcedo, [Eastern Samar], hindi ka magtatagal sa labas dahil sobrang init … Kapag bumabagyo, sobrang nagpre-prepare na ang mga tao kumpara sa dati. Dahil noong nag-Yolanda, natakot na, nagka-trauma,” said community youth leader Tony Abletes.

(You won’t last too long outside here in Salcedo, Eastern Samar due to the heat index. It’s too hot… Whenever there are storms, people prepare more compared to before. Ever since Super Typhoon Yolanda [Haiyan] in 2013, people have been more afraid and developed trauma.)

According to Benosa-Llorin, Filipino communities bear the disproportionate burden of being at the front lines of the climate emergency despite the country’s small contribution to global emissions. 

“For us, it is starkly felt in daily life. Climate change causes many of us intense anxiety for our futures and our loved ones’ futures,” she said. “This signature campaign is meant to bolster courage by giving the ordinary Filipino a means to truly do something about the climate crisis: with enough small acts of courage, we’ll be able to achieve something big. 

“It’s time we keep these corporations in check amid climate change. By signing this petition, we are taking a clear stand in supporting communities taking fossil fuel companies to court. We deserve a sustainable, fear-free future for the Philippines!” Benosa-Llorin ended.

Notes to editors:

[1] Filipino joins landmark transnational climate litigation against oil company

[2] House Bill 9609 or the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Act

[3] Since 1990, the country has faced 565 such disasters, killing 70,000 and costing $23 billion in damages – Climate Change Knowledge Portal

[4] SitRep No. 18 for the Effects of TC ENTENG and Southwest Monsoon (2024) – NDRRMC

[5] Philippines has highest world risk index anew in 2024 report

[6] PAGASA recorded highest heat index of 2024 in Eastern Samar

[7] Our partners:

  • National Anti-Poverty Commission Youth and Students Sector Council
  • Tara Kabataan
  • AngatGenC Bohol
  • AngatGenC Camarines Sur
  • Camparang Youth Organization – Guiuan, Eastern Samar
  • CARAGA Youth Coalition of Leaders for Empowerment (CYCLE) Dinagat Islands
  • CARAGA Youth Coalition of Leaders for Empowerment (CYCLE) Siargao
  • Eastern Samar Youth for Climate Justice (ESY4CJ) – Salcedo, Eastern Samar
  • Greenpeace Local Volunteers Group – Iloilo
  • Greenpeace Local Volunteers Group – Bohol
  • Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE)

For requests for interviews and other information, please contact:

Karl Orit, Communications Campaigner
Greenpeace Philippines
[email protected] | +63 919 4571064