In the lead-up to the May 2025 midterm elections, the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST) is urging Filipinos to consider environmental issues when voting.
This call was made during a recent gathering with the Climate Reality Project (CRP) Philippines. PBEST emphasized the importance of knowing where candidates stand on environmental matters to promote accountable governance and a strong national climate strategy.
Dindo Manhit, head of Stratbase and a key figure in PBEST, pointed out that these elections are a chance for voters to shape the future by backing candidates who champion green initiatives. “We encourage our fellow Filipinos to choose leaders who prioritize sustainable policies,” he said.
A survey conducted by Stratbase revealed that an overwhelming 87 percent of respondents want candidates who focus on climate change and disaster resilience. Manhit believes this public support could lead to significant advances in sustainable practices and help the country transition to a more sustainable economy.
For effective climate action, Manhit highlighted the need for cooperation across all sectors and emphasized that this should be rooted in transparent governance.
Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones also spoke at the event, stressing the necessity of green policies like the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. He pointed out that collaboration between public and private sectors is critical for effective waste management and resource recovery.
Leones noted that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is working with various agencies to encourage businesses that adopt circular economy practices. He emphasized, “We need to invest in infrastructure, strengthen enforcement, and streamline processes to support a circular economy.”
Nazrin Castro from CRP echoed these views, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions and partnerships to tackle climate challenges. Together, these voices call for a proactive approach to safeguard the environment as voters head to the polls.
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