The proposed bill, titled “An Act Criminalizing Ecocide and Providing Penalties for the Commission Thereof,” was filed in the House of Representatives by Akbayan Representatives Percival V. Cendaña, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno and Dadah Kiram Ismula together with Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao.
Lawmakers in the Philippines have introduced new legislation that would criminalize ecocide, marking a significant step toward stronger legal protection for the country’s ecosystems and climate-vulnerable communities.
The proposed measure, titled “An Act Criminalizing Ecocide and Providing Penalties for the Commission Thereof,”was filed in the House of Representatives by Akbayan Representatives Percival V. Cendaña, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno and Dadah Kiram Ismula, together with Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao.
If enacted, the bill would make serious harm to the environment a criminal offence under Philippine law.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Aligning With an International Definition of Ecocide
The proposal adopts language closely aligned with the 2021 definition of ecocide formulated by an Independent Expert Panel convened by the Stop Ecocide Foundation.
Under the draft law, ecocide is defined as “any unlawful or wanton act or omission committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe, widespread, or long-term damage to the environment.”
Supporters say adopting a globally recognized definition could help establish clearer legal thresholds for prosecuting large-scale environmental destruction.
A Response to Growing Environmental Pressures
The legislative initiative comes as the Philippines continues to face increasing environmental challenges, including pressures from deforestation, mining and other extractive activities.
As one of the world’s most biodiversity-rich and climate-vulnerable countries, the Philippines is frequently exposed to natural disasters and environmental degradation that can threaten both ecosystems and livelihoods.
Advocates argue that stronger legal frameworks are needed to address severe environmental harm and protect communities dependent on natural resources.
Environmental advocates have expressed support for the bill.
Yolanda Esguerra of the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc., one of the country’s major civil society networks, described the proposal as a meaningful step forward.
“For a country as ecologically rich and climate-vulnerable as the Philippines, recognising ecocide would be a powerful step toward ensuring that the destruction of nature and the communities that depend on it is treated as a serious crime,” she said.
She added that the Philippines is joining other jurisdictions — including India, Italy, Peru, Mexico and Scotland — that are advancing legislation aimed at addressing the most severe forms of environmental destruction.
Legislative Process Now Underway
The proposed ecocide bill will now proceed through the Philippine legislative process.
It will first be referred to a House committee for review and public hearings. If approved, the measure will move to second and third readings in the House of Representatives.
The bill would then be transmitted to the Senate, which will conduct its own three-reading process. If both chambers pass the legislation, it will be sent to the President for final approval and possible enactment into law.
The introduction of the ecocide bill signals growing attention in the Philippines to the legal dimensions of environmental protection.
Supporters say criminalizing severe environmental damage could help establish new standards for accountability while reinforcing the link between ecosystem health, climate resilience and community well-being.
As the legislative process unfolds, the proposal is expected to contribute to broader regional and global debates on how best to address large-scale environmental harm in an era of intensifying climate and biodiversity challenges.
The full bill can be read in full here
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