Philippine Chamber call is against proposed Low Carbon Economy Act of 2022 - Cabanlas

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) needs to provide some specific recommendations on its call for a balanced and rationalized approach towards legislation, policies, and programs imposing strict decarbonization targets on industries to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Thus, said Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas in response to Councilor Malvern A. Esparcia's special report urging the city to adopt similar measures advocated by PCCI.

“We must analyze the issue clearly, so that the people will understand. The pending HB 7705 gives us a picture of what would be the government policies in so far as carbon emission limitation (is concerned). It is very specific sa target sa zero emission, stage by stage ang pag reduce ug dili abrupt or sudden na reduction sa carbon emission para tagaan og panahon ang mga industries to adjust. But I don’t know the alternative recommendations of PCCI. Unsa ilang counteroffer? Kay basin ang ilang gi proteksyonan ani is ang ilang industry nga basin maalkanse sila. So, di pa ta sigurado unless we are shown what is their target, 2050 or 3000,?” inquired the councilor.

The proposed House Bill 7705 (Low Carbon Economy Act of 2022) declares that “there is need to maximize the contribution of the industrial and commercial sectors in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and minimize the adverse effects of climate change through the establishment of a policy environment for technological development and transfer, capacity building, sustainable finance supporting just transition towards low carbon economy, including the configuration of a nationally-appropriate market-driven system of tradable GHG”.

While affirming his support for the implementation of a carbon emission policy within the city, the councilor urges his colleagues to be patient and await further study of the legislation by Congress before taking definitive action on the matter.