Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — While a total resolution to the Philippines’ widespread flooding problem is bleak, there remains to be hope for the world’s most at risk country to the impacts of climate change. This following a landmark advisory opinion on climate, released by the International Court of Justice — the United Nations’ highest court.Taking into consideration all international laws and treaties, the 500-page opinion explained by Judge Yuji Iwasawa in the Hague, allows countries in vulnerable positions to think of legal remedies after declaring that states are obligated address climate change, with failure to do so possibly presenting opportunities for reparations.In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Worlds Youth for Climate Justice’s Campaigner for the Philippine Front Charles Deluna said that Philippines has always actively participated in campaigns way back 2019. He said the release of the advisory opinion while the country is experiencing a string of typhoons and torrential rainfall as well as the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address cannot come at a better time.“I think isa itong sign for the Philippines to actually see yung estado natin ngayon. I personally hope that he will at least mention the advisory opinion and how the Philippines plans to revisit or to review its compliance with obligations under the law,” he said.Climate and environment advocates laud the ICJ’s advisory opinion and admit that while it is not legally binding, it can pave the way towards holding states and entities, which violate the fundamental human right of a safe, healthy and sustainable environment through their decisions and actions, to account.“Sisikapin namin na magamit ito sa pagpapanagot sa mga kumpaniya, sa mga bansa na numero unong climate polluter sa buong mundo,” said climate activist Jonila Castro.(We will try our best to use this to hold companies and countries accountable, especially those considered as notorious climate polluters.)Castro encouraged the country’s leaders to create laws and policies to make the ICJ’s insights legally binding.Kabataan Partylist, in a statement, also called this an opportunity for reckoning by giving victims of extreme weather legal backing.“Women and girls, who make up around 80% of those displaced during storms and face heightened risks in evacuation centers, can push for protections rooted in international law,” said Kabataan Partylist Rep. Atty. Renee Co.“Climate is the states&#x27; legal responsibility and the collective accountability of world leaders, as it should be.”Following at least two weeks of incessant rainfall, some 40 areas in different parts of the country have declared a state of calamity. State weather bureau PAGASA has also raised warnings of torrential rains in the northern portion of the country due to Emong. The southwest monsoon it enhances is also forecast to affect Central and Southern Luzon.While the Filipino resilience has always been lauded by many, climate advocates agree that the “resiliency” culture should end.“Hindi pwedeng resiliency lang tayo palagi. We need to take action too because resilience also has a breaking point. We definitely need that sense of accountability within the international community and also within our national and local communities,” Deluna said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/7/23/states-legally-obligated-to-tackle-climate-change-icj-0032">World&#x27;s top court paves way for climate reparations</a></div><div> </div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W60p6oBbb1E??si=hnl6Yweg_XI3wSxs&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

While a total resolution to the Philippines’ widespread flooding problem is bleak, there remains to be hope for the world’s most at risk country to the impacts of climate change.

While a total resolution to the Philippines’ widespread flooding problem is bleak, there remains to be hope for the world’s most at risk country to the impacts of climate change.

What the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate means for the PH

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What the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate means for the PH

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 24, 2025 11:27 PM PHT

Read More:

International Court of Justice

Climate Change

advisory opinion

State of the Nation Address

SONA

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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