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This is not real development: Statement on the Enactment of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Law

Protect VIP is gravely alarmed by President Marcos’ signing of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, a law that threatens ecosystems and communities across the country by welcoming more gas developments under the guise of energy security.


The Verde Island Passage, touted as the world’s ‘center of the center’ of marine shore fish biodiversity, is the Philippines’ unfortunate epicenter of massive fossil gas developments. The marine corridor already hosts 5 existing fossil gas plants, with 10 more in the pipeline and 2 newly operating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. RA 12120 is expected to embolden these destructive projects, not only in the VIP but also in other vulnerable ecosystems in the country facing threats from gas developments. Aside from exacerbating threats to marine life and local livelihoods, the enactment of this law is a step backward in our transition to renewable energy. 


In a recent study by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, the Philippines, along with other countries in Southeast Asia, has rich renewable energy potential with a planned 398 GW capacity across the region. If President Marcos is truly concerned about energy insecurity, the focus must shift towards developing more renewables rather than clinging to fossil fuels.


There is no place for continued dependence on fossil fuels in a world already facing extreme climate warming. In a country that has already been ravaged by deadly heatwaves, embracing fossil fuels will only accelerate biodiversity loss, intensify climate disasters, and heighten vulnerabilities of communities and coastal environments. 


RA 12120 blatantly prioritizes the profits of fossil fuel companies at the expense of people and biodiversity. This is not real development. We challenge President Marcos to deliver his promise to “aggressively promote renewable energy” and work towards a just energy transition. With the Philippines' immense potential for renewables, doubling down on fossil fuels cannot be our way forward.



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