Greenpeace Philippines issued a stern challenge. They called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to show true climate leadership. This demand comes just days before his State of the Nation Address (SONA). The nation grapples with severe weather. Filipinos face relentless floods. Greenpeace insists: the biggest climate polluters must pay their fair share.
The call intensified with a striking protest. Greenpeace activists staged their action in rain-drenched communities. These areas are in and around Metro Manila. They placed a cardboard likeness of the President. It floated in floodwaters. Activists held large banners. The messages were clear. “This is the State of the Nation,” one read. Another declared, “Make Polluters Pay.” The protest highlighted an urgent need. Climate accountability is paramount.
The Philippines faces a devastating climate crisis. In recent weeks, consecutive storm systems brought chaos. Severe Tropical Storm Crising worsened the Southwest Monsoon. Tropical Depression Dante struck next. It is expected to strengthen further. Then, a low-pressure area formed off Luzon’s tip. It became Tropical Depression Emong. These events caused widespread suffering. More than 800,000 Filipinos have been displaced. Six precious lives have been lost. Infrastructure damages now soar to hundreds of millions of pesos.
Virginia Benosa-Llorin is a Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Philippines. She spoke forcefully. “We call on President Marcos to use his SONA platform to push for bold climate action,” Benosa-Llorin stated. She highlighted a stark contrast. “While Filipinos wade through floodwaters, President Marcos is abroad, meeting with US President Donald Trump.” Her message was direct. “We need him to come home to the true state of the nation: one where communities pay the price for a crisis they didn’t cause, while huge corporate polluters —giant oil and gas companies — rake in trillions. The climate crisis is an unfair burden on communities and on taxpayers who are shouldering the costs and burden of the never-ending response and relief activities.”
These protest actions came under relentless rain. They arrived not only ahead of President Marcos’ SONA on Monday. They also preceded a historic global moment. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is set to act. It will release an advisory opinion (ICJAO) on “the obligations of States in respect of climate change.” This is expected on July 23, Wednesday evening in Manila. The ICJAO will serve as a vital guide. It will help governments prioritize people and the planet in their policies. The Marcos Jr. administration had made its own submission. In its formal presentation, the government stated, “The Philippines is committed to shaping a global framework that ensures justice for those most affected by the climate crisis and secures a sustainable future for all.”
Greenpeace demands more than just words. They want concrete action. Benosa-Llorin outlined specific steps. “We want more than speeches. We want action. Support stronger climate policies, end support for fossil fuel expansion, and fast-track the passage of the CLIMA Bill.” She emphasized the importance of this legislation. “The passage of the CLIMA Bill—a law that holds corporations responsible for climate damages and secures justice for affected communities—will raise the bar for climate policy in the Philippines and around the world.” This bill is crucial for climate justice.
President Marcos has made public claims. He speaks of pursuing climate justice. He bid to host the Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD) Board. He announced new flood control budgets. Yet, his administration continues to support fossil fuel expansion. This creates a contradiction. Communities remain highly vulnerable. Meanwhile, the biggest corporate polluters remain untouched. They are not held accountable.
Benosa-Llorin pressed the point further. “The President must go beyond lip service and be a leader in climate justice—not just in words, but in actions that protect communities and hold corporations to account,” she affirmed. Her final words were a plea for immediate action. “The time to act is now—before more lives and homes are lost.” Greenpeace’s message to President Marcos is clear. The nation watches. The world watches. Climate accountability cannot wait.
