Environmental advocates hold a demonstration along Manila Bay near Baseco, Manila to mark the Global Days of Action Against Gas Expansion on Thursday. The group urge world leaders attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku to consider the dangers posed by massive investments in fossil gas. Jam Sta. Rosa, AFP

BAKU, Azerbaijan — Members of the House Committee on Climate Change are at the annual Conference of Parties to highlight and seek input on climate related bills.

The lawmakers had the opportunity to meet with representatives of civil society organizations at the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The lawmakers solicited input on provisions that they could include in bills that are currently in progress: The Climate Accountability (CLIMA) bill and the Low Carbon Economy Investment bill.

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“This is for all sectors, for businesses including the local government units,” said Bukidnon Rep. Jose Manuel Alba. 

The CLIMA Bill, which regulates businesses for environmental sustainability, penalizes polluters and sets up a Climate Change Reparations Fund, has been pending at the Committee on Climate Change since November 2023, according to House records.

A Technical-Working Group is also sitting down with members of the House climate change committee to ensure that goals are met for a “net zero economy.”

Meanwhile, the Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill is also under scrutiny by other house committees and will be discussed in plenary next year.

It includes guidelines to “decarbonize” the private sector and provide funding for low carbon investments. 

Both bills were filed in November 2023. 

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“We want to create a platform. There must be a balancing, I understand there are some successful climate models because of clean obligations,” added Leyte Rep. Anna Veloso Tuazon.

She adds panel members are “restructuring” some parts of the bill, to focus on more nature-based solutions. 

CSO representatives said they are eager to have it passed as soon as possible.

“We hope to accelerate the process, especially with methodologies,” said John Leo Algo, national coordinator of Aksyon Klima. 

He added that use of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, which accounts for 5% of a local government unit’s annual budget, has been poorly utilized.

“It brings higher risks and forced impacts. It is important to look at it as a whole, for implementation,” added Algo. 

Alba, Tuazon along with Negros Oriental Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichiong vowed to expedite passage of the bills.

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