April 15, 2010

Environmental activists laud Supreme Court's issuance of Writ of Kalikasan as an early Earth Day gift

Environmental groups have reason to celebrate Earth day as the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday issued the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, the rules and regulation which will govern the procedure in legal actions involving enforcement or violations of environmental and related laws.

"We commend the SC for issuing an ‘environment-friendly' Rules of Procedure. This early Earth Day reward is a result of grassroots communities' arduous and untiring struggle to protect the environment and natural resources and uphold their basic rights," said Clemente Bautista Jr. national coordinator of progressive environmental organization Kalikasan-PNE.

"The Rules of Procedure provisions on the Writ of Kalikasan, Writ of Continuing Mandamus, Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPP), and Precautionary Principle is very meaningful and useful. Through these provisions environmental advocates and ordinary citizens can further assert and defend their constitutional rights to life, a balanced and healthful ecology and their patrimony," Mr. Bautista explained.

12 April 2010

Arroyo's biodiversity award an affront to genuine environmental activists and struggles- militant green groups

The biodiversity conservation award given to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an affront to genuine environmentalists and advocates who have been struggling for their basic rights and welfare of their communities contends progressive green groups.

"What green credentials does Gloria Macapagal Arroyo have? From day one in Malacanang, Ms. Arroyo pushed for and implemented projects and policies that proved detrimental to our environment and communities. The Philippines remain one of the "hottest of the biodiversity hotspots" meaning we have one of the worst rates of forest degradation, biodiversity loss and highest number of endangered species," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE).

"The award is not only a big lie but an insult to and a conspiracy against the struggles of the communities and environmentalists in the country and elsewhere. Add to the country being a dangerous place for flora and fauna, the country is also a hotspot for environmental defenders and vocal critics of Arroyo's policies and projects," said Mr. Bautista.

26 March 2010

Militant groups to Arroyo government: live Earth Hour, address climate change with genuine solutions

Progressive environmental and sectoral groups staged a protest action in front of the National Power Corporation (NPC) the morning before the country is set switch off its lights for an hour as a call to combat climate change.

The groups, headed by Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA) and Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), urged the government and its agencies to employ genuine solutions to climate change and practice the essence of Earth Hour by providing the majority of the people with clean, cheap and renewable energy not through private and foreign-owned corporations.

"Earth Hour is a symbolic action that aims to inspire people and nations to take a stand and part in addressing climate change. While simple solutions such as turning off the lights are effective in getting its message across, much drastic solutions are needed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change such as stopping the construction of coal power plants and reversing the energy privatization policy of the government," said Meggie Nolasco, spokesperson of PCWA.

22 March 2010

Environmental activists set 'green' demands to electoral aspirants

Weeks before the May 2010 Elections and exactly a month before the Earth Day, green groups challenged those running in office to adhere to a ‘green' set of demands and actions if they are indeed pro-people and pro-environment.

The alliances, Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) and League of Youth for the Environment (LFYE), urged voters to choose candidates on the basis of their stand and track record on critical environmental issues.

"If a political candidate is genuinely one with the people, then they would correctly align and adopt the people's electoral platform and oppose any national policy or project that is detrimental to the people and environment's welfare, " said Meggie Nolasco of Kalikasan PNE.