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HCWH's Position Statement on the proposed bill establishing waste-to-energy technologiesThere is an urgent need for the health sector to rise up and support the fight against false solutions to plastic pollution. Global waste generation is set to double from 2015 to 2025, reaching over 6 million tonnes per day, with a projected increase to 11 million tonnes per day by the next century. In the Philippines, 362,000 metric tons of waste and 280 metric tons of medical waste are generated annually, posing challenges for proper waste management and segregation. Focusing on sustainable alternatives over disposal can reshape consumption habits and lead to better waste reduction outcomes. The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 clearly indicates the rights of Filipinos, including the right to breathe clean air, the right to utilize and enjoy all natural resources according to the principle of sustainable development, and the right to be informed of the nature and extent of the potential hazards of any activity. Incineration, also known as waste-to-energy, thermal treatment, energy-from-waste, and energy recovery, is not an effective solution to the waste management challenges and plastic pollution crisis. Beyond the health impacts and environmental degradation, false solutions, including WTE technology, do not effectively address waste disposal challenges and energy generation. Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, therefore, states our opposition to this bill. We are deeply concerned about the potential health and environmental risks associated with reintroducing incineration technologies, such as waste-to-energy facilities, for dealing with municipal waste, including medical and infectious waste. We urge for preventive measures to be taken, a just transition to be provided, and a precautionary approach to be supported in waste management.9 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia
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President Marcos Jr: Make SHELL and other oil, coal, & gas companies pay for climate disastersTogether with typhoon survivors and communities across the Philippines affected by climate impacts caused by the destructive operations of S and other oil, coal, and gas companies, we’re calling on President Bongbong Marcos: Hold these polluters accountable and make them pay!504 of 600 SignaturesCreated by Greenpeace Philippines
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PETITION TO SHUT DOWN ABUSIVE ONLINE LENDING APPSThis is crucial because numerous lives have been harmed and wasted as a result of Online Lending Applications (OLA). We seek justice for all victims, particularly those experiencing depression and contemplating ending their lives due to the extreme distress caused by the humiliation and intimidation from these OLAs. Many victims have lost their jobs because OLA agents have sent malicious messages to their bosses, tarnishing their reputations. Some are contemplating suicide due to trauma and depression caused by death threats, social media slander, and communication with friends and colleagues. These individuals can no longer return to their normal lives, experiencing broken relationships and friendships—all because of debts they did not intend to evade. Instead, they sought a delay in payment, only to face intimidation, threats, and humiliation on social media, affecting their friends and relatives.43,059 of 45,000 SignaturesCreated by Vanessa Burdeos
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STOP the mining operations of Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation and Hallmark Mining CorporationWe the Church people together with the farmers, fisherfolks, youth, professionals, the academe of Davao Oriental together with our national and international advocates hereby urge Hon. Roy Cimatu, DENR Secretary, TO STOPTHE MINING OPERATIONS NOW AND TO REVOKE ANY MINING AGREEMENTS WITH AUSTRAL ASIA LINK MINING CORPORATION AND HALLMARK MINING CORPORATION BOTH UNDER THE ASIATICUS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (AMCOR) IN MAGUM, PUJADA BAY AND SALINGCOMOT, MATI CITY, PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL. We are also against any large-scale mining activities in the whole province of Davao Oriental, as they are apparently detrimental to nature. The Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) was issued on June 8, 2004; hence, in 2020 they have been mining for 16 years already and still have 9 more years before the twenty- five years agreement expires! During these sixteen (16) years of mining operations, the residents of the localities have witnessed the deteriorating conditions wrought by the mining lodged between two protected areas: MT. HAMIGUITAN -proclaimed as a Wildlife Sanctuary (R.A. No. 9303) and a UNESCO World Heritage and PUJADA BAY - declared as a Protected Landscape/Seascape (R.A.7586, Executive Order no. 431 July 31, 1994). Likewise, Pujada Bay was also declared one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the world during the 15th World Bays Congress in Toyama prefecture, Japan held from October 16-20, 2019. In addition, the forested area of barangay Cabuaya in Mati City which is also located near the region was also declared a protected area as it is the natural habitat of the endangered Philippine Eagle. In Mt. Hamiguitan, the cutting of trees not excluding the pygmy forests and watershed areas, had caused forest denudation, soil erosion and siltation. The residents decried lamentations on the decreasing water supply to their communities. They were likewise saddened with the discovered wastage of cut logs left untended until they were rotten. There was also no rehabilitation nor replacement of cut trees. In Pujada Bay, researches on nutrient mapping showed its risk on eutrophication, reducing productivity and declining marine life diversity. Once more, we reiterate our main contention on opposing these mining corporations even at the onset of their mining application. Based on the study published on http://bhpbilitonwatch.net/2009/10/21pujada-hallmark-nickel laterite-project profile/, some 4,778 hectares of mining permits overlap on five major drainage water systems and watersheds which either drain to Pujada Bay or to the Davao Gulf. These bodies of freshwater are the main water supplies for the communities living within and around the area. Additionally, the Pujada region is situated on the Pacific Cordillera fault line. The 2008 report “Philippines: Mining or Food” recommended that “no mining should take place on Mt. Hamiguitan or near Pujada Bay which are centres of biodiversity with high ecotourism potential.” Under these conditions, any mining activity in the area should be strictly prohibited. The loss of forests and woodlands entails loss of species which may constitute extremely important resources in the future – not only for food but also for curing diseases and other uses. Different species contain genes which could be key resources in years ahead for meeting our needs and regulating environmental problems (Laudato Si # 32). With their extinction, they will no longer give glory to God in their very existence nor convey their message to us. People have no such right! (Laudato Si # 33). The Philippines is one of the 17 richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity; with more than half of it, found nowhere else on earth! In the final report: Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (2002), there was an appeal to take action now...“We are simply running out of time to meet the biodiversity crisis” Researches done by DOSCST have shown decreasing diversity indices of the different species on both Mt. Hamiguitan and Pujada Bay (2017- E 17; 2015 P8). Studies on Blue Carbon Stock Assessment (2016- D 4; 2017, D 5; 2019- E-22) have also shown that coastal vegetative habitats including sea grass resources capture carbon up to 70% in the marine realm; hence part of this threatened biodiversity is a crucial potential climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy! Because of the dire conditions of Philippine biodiversity, Eugene Linden (Environmental Journalist) and John Terbough (Plant Ecologist) assessed that our country was already being damaged beyond repair. But the DENR and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) still believe that there is still a small window of opportunity through urgent conservation action... “To stem the tide of destruction before a point of no return is reached.” (Theresa Mundita Lim, Treasures of Philippine Wild, 2014 by BMB and DENR). From the start of their existence, these mining firms have been existing illegally in violation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (R.A. 7942) Chapter III Sec.19 f – “Areas closed to Mining Applications include ‘old growth or virgin forests, proclaimed watershed forest reserves, wilderness area, mangrove forests, national parks, provincial/municipal forests, parks, greenbelts, game refuge and bird sanctuaries’ as defined by law and in areas expressly prohibited on the National Integrated protected Area system (NIPAS) under Republic Act No 7586, Department Administrative Order No. 25, series of 1992 and other laws.” Damages had been done and ‘the dangerous point of no return’ might be reached if mining operations are not stopped now. We ought to remember that the environment can exist without us but we can never exist without the environment. We have only one common home: planet Earth and there is no other.50 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Diocese of Mati
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Pay the 7 months delay in salaries of Bantay Gubat Rangers from Ipo WatershedThe Bantay Gubat of Ipo Watershed are the forest rangers who roam the 6,600 hectares of Ipo Watershed to protect it against deforestation which is very rampant in the area. While the Ipo Management Plan was still pending for approval, a Memorandum of Agreement dated September 2014 between MWSS and DENR was made wherein MWSS agreed to hire selected members of the People’s Organizations (POs) as Bantay Gubat to assist in forest protection and anti-illegal logging operations. Furthermore, it was stipulated that the DENR will be responsible for the deputization and day to day supervision of Bantay Gubat while the MWSS, through the water concessionaires shall provide funds for the payment of their salaries. Each Bantay Gubat was hired without individual job contract which was signed by them. Since the time they were hired, the salary that they received was delayed by almost one (1) year from the MWSS. There were also no fringe benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth and even insurances that were very essential considering their job as forest rangers involves imminent danger on their lives. Moreover, these Bantay Gubat failed to received equipments and uniforms from the MWSS that were necessary to carry out their function as forest rangers. They left themselves unarmed and defenseless patrol of the 6,600 hectares of Ipo Watershed against the high powered gun of illegal logging syndicates. In fact, sometime in May 2017, a group of 60 men armed with guns and rifles surrounded a group of Bantay Gubat when they were doing their rounds near Sitio Ilas and Sitio Lubog in Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal. Hence, it was decided by the MWSS with the help of DENR to hire additional Bantay Gubat, therefore, increased from 23 members to 91 members. However, the MWSS is still delayed in paying them their below-minimum wage salaries. As of this writing, no TWG or even implementation of Ipo Watershed Management Plan and Supplemental MOA was done. Despite several meetings done and complaints filed before the MWSS pertaining to the delayed salary of Bantay Gubat, the problem remains unheeded and unaddressed. Since the time the MWSS hired the Bantay Gubat, there is no individual employment contract indicating the terms and conditions of employment as required under the Civil Service Rules and COA. In fact, even PENRO Emelita Lingat notice the same during the meeting held on December 6, 2018. The Bantay Gubat should be paid at least once every two (2) weeks or twice a month pursuant to Article 103 of P.D. 442 otherwise known as the “Labor Code of the Philippines”. The processing of salaries of the Bantay Gubat done at bulk every four months is, up to this day, a clear violation to the labor standards. The MWSS should observe compassionate and social justice towards the Bantay Gubat. Hence, when conflicting interests of labor and capital are to be weighed on the scales of social justice, the heavier influence of the latter should be counter-balanced by sympathy and compassion the law must accord the underprivileged worker. In view of the afore-said policy, the MWSS had a solemn obligation to assist and provide the Bantay Gubat a membership with Social Security System, PhilHealth and other insurances considering their duties as forest rangers involve the assumption of risks. Even the law dictates the afore-said requirements, the MWSS failed to act on that matter and neglect their duties to the Bantay Gubat. MWSS through Watershed Division failed to act on this matter and fell deaf ear to the pleas of Bantay Gubat. Moreover, MWSS failed to immediately facilitate the Ipo Watershed Management Plan which was pending for almost nine (9) years from 2011 up to the present. The Bantay Gubat are considered as “modern heroes” as they protect the Ipo Watershed, the source of Metro Manila’s drinking water. They risk their lives so that millions of Filipino could have an adequate supply of potable drinking water. Hence, the Bantay Gubat do not deserve this labor discrimination and abuse. Without these modern heroes the deforestation in Ipo Watershed will be more rampant and most of the mountains within will be totally denuded. If this happen, there would be a water shortage in Metro Manila and millions of Filipinos will be affected especially this time of pandemic when water is essential.57 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Forest Watch Philippines
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Scrap Waste-to-Energy BillWaste incineration can not solve the waste management problem of the country neither it can provide clean, safe and affordable energy for electric consumers. The reality is opposite. It will only encourage generation of more waste because it will undermine the proper waste management practices such as reusing, repurposing and recycling. It also runs contrary to our aspirational goal of keeping the temperature rise of climate to 1.5 degrees because waste incineration especially plastic waste produces significant greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, it will only convert ordinary wastes to poisonous residues and fumes and persistent organic pollutants including dioxins and furans enough to cause serious health problems such as cancers and will affect future generations.853 of 1,000 SignaturesCreated by Green Thumb Coalition
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LGU ng Infanta, Quezon Laban sa konstraksyon ng kaliwa dam."ANG BUHÁY NA SIERRA MADRE AY BUHAY NATING LAHAT" ...kung mamamatay ang Sierra Madre, mamatay din tayo... KAMI, na sang-ayon at kusang loob na lumagda dito, ay binubuo ng iba't ibang mga may taya mula sa hanay ng mga CSO's, Academe, Batayang sektor, Interfaith-based groups, Katutubo, Pribadong sektor, Negosyante, at Youth group dito sa bayan ng Infanta, ay kaisa at sumusuporta sa di matitinag na pagtutol sa panukalang pagtatayo ng Kaliwa Dam ipinahayag sa pamamagitan ng mga Resolusyon at Ordinansa ng di pagsang-ayon sa proyekto ng bayang ito. DAHIL DITO, kami ay magalang na humihiling na manindigan ang local na Pamahalaang Bayan ng Infanta sa pagiging pangunahing tatayo bilang "complainant" sa mga isasampang kasong may kaugnayan sa iba't-ibang paglabag sa planong pagtatayo ng Kaliwa Dam. SAPAGKAT, ang Kaliwa Dam, na isa sa mga proyekto sa ilalim ng "Build, Build, Build" program ng Pamahalaang Nasyunal at itatayo sa loob ng Protected Area ng PP 1636 at sakop din ng Lupaing Ninuno ng mga Dumagat-Remontado ay makakasira sa mayamang samu't-saring buhay. SAPAGKAT, sang-ayon sa mga dalubhasa at syensya, ang epekto ng dambuhalang dam ay mahigpit na kaugnay sa labis na pag-init ng mundo at pabago-bagong klima. "Baha sa panahon ng tag-ulan at tagtuyot naman sa panahon ng tag-init;" SAPAGKAT, ang epekto nito ay hindi lamang mararanasan ng mga pamayanang nakapalibot malapit sa itatayong dam kundi gayudin sa milyon-milyong mamamayan sa ibabang bahagi nito at posibleng makasira ng mga ari-arian, mga sakahan at mismong buhay ng tao, gaya ng naranasang delubyo noong November 29, 2004 dito sa Real-Infanta-Nakar (ReINa); SAPAGKAT, hindi naman nagmumula sa dambuhalang dam ang suplay ng tubig, kundi sa mayamang kagubatan at malusog na watershed. Hindi matutumbasan ng perang kikitain sa pagtatayo ng Dam ang mga serbisyong ekolohikal (ecological services) na ibinibigay ng Sierra Madre, tulad ng malinis na tubig at hangin, mga produktong-gubat, halamang gamot, mga hayop, isda sa kailugan at halaman na pinagkukunan ng ikinabubuhay ng mga upland communities, lalo na ng mga katutubo; SAPAGKAT, naniniwala tayo na "ANG BUHÁY NA SIERRA MADRE AY BUHAY NATING LAHAT"...at kung mamamatay ang Sierra Madre dahil sa planong itayong Kaliwa Dam, mamatay din tayo...; SAPAGKAT, ang MWSS na siyang project proponent, kasama ang iba pang ahensyang katuwang nito ay marami nang nagawang paglabag, iregularidad sa proseso ng pagkuha ng pagpayag sa komunidad at walang local permits para simulan ang kontruksyon ng access road. KUNG KAYA'T kami po ay magalang na humuhiling sa Punong Bayan, Miyembro ng Sangguniang Bayan at Municipal Development Council, na maging isa sa mga pangunahing tatayong "complainants" ang lokal na Pamahalaan ng Infanta sa mga kasong isasampa kaugnay sa mga paglabag ng mga sangkot na ahensya sa planong itatayong Kaliwa Dam.179 of 200 SignaturesCreated by JOHN LORENZE VALENZUELA
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#TigilBayad: Moratorium on MERALCO BILL SHOCK payments now!A suspension of MERALCO bill shock payments—endorsed through a resolution by the members of the Congress of the Philippines and imposed through an order by the Energy Regulatory Commission—can provide the long-sought justice and immediate financial relief to ordinary consumers struggling today. This too, is the least that MERALCO should be compelled to do to correct its abuses against its customers with decades of overcharging and unreturned refunds. Especially in a time of high unemployment rates, not having to worry about paying the questionable electricity bills provides security, albeit temporary, in an unstable financial situation. Consumers must not be forced to pay the anomalous March to May bills until our energy regulators ensure the following: 1. A swift and just resolution of the MERALCO bill shock through the completion of an in-depth investigation and audit of MERALCO's cash flows and liabilities. MERALCO and other parties found to be responsible for unreasonable electric bills must be penalized. 2. Return of all bill shock payments and pending MERALCO refunds in the form of cash or credit to consumers’ bills, as preferred by the consumer. 3. Reforms in MERALCO’s billing practices, rate settings (especially under the PBR) and charging of exorbitant fees (such as system loss charges). This moratorium is a first step that the ERC and Congress can do to safeguard the interests and rights of electric consumers who have long suffered at the hands of MERALCO. Beyond this, we urge our energy regulators to: 1. Advance the development of renewable energy technologies especially in the form of microgrids to pave the path for a decentralized power sector, which is the best solution for problems encountered with MERALCO. This would yield long-term economic benefits, including cheaper electricity, energy sector resilience, and creation of green jobs. 2. Review and renegotiate all PSAs that did not go through a Competitive Selection Process or were passed anomalously or are detrimental to consumers by lack of carve-out clauses and inclusion of add-on charges and lock-in provisions, among other factors. 3. Expand the lifeline rate to 210 kwh to benefit more residential consumers, and afford them increased discounts in distribution, supply, and metering charges and other subsidies, especially for the low-income, low-consumption classes. 4. Review the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) towards an overhaul. The present MERALCO bill shock is but the epitome of the law’s failure “to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power.” We demand the ERC and the Philippine Congress to act swiftly on these matters. #TigilBayad #NagmamahalMERALCO5,025 of 6,000 SignaturesCreated by Power for People Coalition
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Thank You, Next!: Filipino Youth Hold The Key For A #BetterNormalYoung people defy the normal because normal was the problem. We are going to inherit the present; we are the future. The youth agenda is centered primarily on the young Filipino People, and none of the youth wanted the world to return to pre-coronavirus normal where we see how broken our society is. We see COVID-19 as an opportunity to address the current socio-economic, political and environmental issues revealed to us by the pandemic, we are now finding ways to reimagine and ratify a new world where leaders are ideal servants in words and actions. The Filipino youth wants a better normal and we will break the status quo. #BetterNormalYouthAgenda #AmbagNgKabataan1,773 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines
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Caloocan Citizens Against Anti-Terrorism BillWe, the concerned citizens of our historic City of Caloocan, call on our District 1 Representative Cong. Dale “Along” R. Malapitan, to withdraw his support and vote NO to the Anti-Terrorism Bill of 2020. Last June 3, 2020, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 6875 or the “Anti-Terrorism Bill” in its third and final reading with a vote of 168 in favor, 36 not in favor, and 29 abstentions. The bill was passed despite receiving wide opposition from various groups due to provisions that threaten civil and political liberties. Among the 168 representatives who voted in favor of the said bill is Caloocan City 1st District Representative Cong. Dale “Along” R. Malapitan. As citizens of Caloocan, we strongly express our dismay and disappointment in his decision. We believe that his vote does not truly represent the interest of his constituents, which clearly disregards his sworn duty to do so. Thus, we demand for the immediate withdrawal of the congressman’s support to the bill for the following reasons: 1. The current definition of terrorism in the bill remains broad and vulnerable to misinterpretation and abuse. 2. The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) is given the power to designate persons or organizations as terrorists for purposes of surveillance. 3. No form of proper compensation is given to persons or organizations in case of wrongful accusation. 4. The bill allows monitoring, wiretapping, and surveillance of suspects which is an unwarranted intrusion of privacy. 5. The periods of surveillance and detention have been increased without clear justification of necessity. 6. The bill minimizes the role of the Congress for legislative oversight and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to prosecute persons who may have violated civil and political rights. 7. Matched with the power to arrest and detain those designated as “terrorists” without a warrant, the implementation of this law may be used to silence critics, undermine our democratic institutions, and pave the way for human rights violations. The aforementioned provisions of this bill clearly violate the rights of the people provided by the Constitution. Rep. Dale “Along” R. Malapitan voting YES to the passing of this bill enables a law that threatens the freedom of not only the citizens of Caloocan but of the whole nation. We are calling on our First District Representative to provide an explanation for his vote on the bill. As your constituents, we deserve to know the processes and consultations, if there are any, that you have done to come up with such a decision. More importantly, we ask you to consider these concerns raised by your constituents and withdraw your support to the said bill. While we condemn all acts of terrorism and violence, we believe that a law that endangers the citizenry’s human rights and liberty is never the solution to the problem. We, the citizens of Caloocan, will continue to exercise our democratic right. We will not be silenced. We will remain watchful and vigilant in maintaining the freedom and rights that the late sons and daughters of this City have fought for during the Katipunan. We appeal to you, Congressman Malapitan, listen to the voices of your constituents. We demand a vote of "NO".28 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Mary Abigail Modales
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Ilonggos Against Anti-Terrorism BillBy signing this petition, we recognize the value of our democracy. The Anti-Terrorism Bill is an attack on our civil rights and it impedes our freedom of speech. It is important to oppose the bill because it makes voicing out a crime. We urge our local representatives to genuinely represent us, their constituents, and uphold our democratic rights by voting NO to the bill. #JunkTerrorBill1,605 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by JTB Iloilo
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Panawagan ng Taguigeños sa mga Kongresista ng Taguig: Tutulan ang Anti-Terrorism Bill!Bilang mga kinatawan ng Taguig at ng mahigit 800,000 na Taguigeño, karapat-dapat lamang na sumalamin ang boto nina Cong. Alan Cayetano at Congw. Lani Cayetano sa sigaw ng mga Taguigeño dahil responsibilidad nilang isatinig ang ating mga hinaing – labanan ang paniniil sa kaparatang pantao, tutulan ang Anti-Terrorism Bill! #JunkTerrorBill #CayetanoVoteNo #BawiinAngBoto463 of 500 SignaturesCreated by Joma DM