Quotes by Green Thumb Coalition representatives

"Elections are not just about personalities and politicians, but is an opportunity to enjoin people to act collectively on important issues like the environment and the climate,” said Gina Lopez of Bantay Kalikasan. “We aim to raise the discourse on the environment among the national consciousness during and after the election period.”

“The Green Thumb Coalition will hold green sorties in 15 provinces nationwide to foster discourse around environmental and climate agenda, and to challenge candidates to support the campaign,” said Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) Energy Working Group Head and SANLAKAS Secretary-General, Atty. Aaron Pedrosa. “When communities, homes and lives are on the line in the context of climate change, leaders ought to take heed. Now is the time for them to make a stand – for our survival and our future.” 

“Protecting the environment directly translates to social and economic benefits for the nation as a whole, for communities, and for each Filipino, now and for many generations,” said Yeb Saño, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.  “With the country’s agricultural sector now facing further threats from climate change to GMO invasion, we call upon all Presidential candidates to support legislation and policies that would make ecological agriculture practices mandatory to protect small farmer’s interests, our biodiversity, the environment and ensure safe food for Filipinos.”

“Given that the past administration has for granted the 200, 000 MW worth of potential renewable energy in the Philippines by pursuing a coal-dependent dirty energy path, we must reiterate our support for a more sustainable, people-centered, renewable energy for all, especially with the elections coming our way,” said Gerry Arances, Convenor for the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED).

“We must not let the proliferation of large-scale, environmentally-destructive mining which terrorizes local vulnerable communities’ safety, health and livelihood carry over to the next administration,” said Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) National Coordinator, citing the upsurge of approved mining permits during the Aquino government.

“The 2106 national elections is an opportunity to revive and reflect on our care for our common home, which includes standing up for the integrity of creation and the rights of our brothers and sisters of all faiths, which are endangered in the context of profit-oriented environmental policies,” said Bro. Angel Andig Cortez, OFM, the NCR Coordinator of Ecological Justice Interfaith Movement (ECOJIM).

“Among the most important decisions on how resources are managed depend on local governments,” said Bantay Kita National Coordinator Dr. Cielo Magno. “We need officials who are not beholden to entities which have corporate interests in making sure that the destruction of the environment and the loss of livelihood among communities continue.” 

“The journey to sustainable development and preservation of the environment must not be left in the hands of a few,” said Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) President Isagani Serrano. “Through these elections, we have an opportunity to determine the environmental path our country will take in the next six years.”

“This electoral challenge does not only concern us, but future generations who may not have the opportunity to enjoy and experience the beauty of nature and biodiversity,” Maria Belinda dela Paz, chief operating officer of HARIBON Foundation said. “It is important that we consider preserving the wonders of nature and biodiversity in our vote.”

PLEASE CONTACT:

Diah Abida, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
Mobile: 0917-8686451 / diah.abida@greenpeace.org

Khevin Yu, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice

Mobile: 09175213356 / khevinyu@gmail.com