Philippines

The Philippines rank 19th in the CCPI, going from a high performer to a medium performer. The country receives a high rating in GHG Emissions and Energy Use, but low in Climate Policy and Renewable Energy.

The Philippine government is working on executive provisions aiming to establish a well-regulated carbon offsetting registry, with carbon markets embedded in a national emissions trading system. In conjunction with a proposed Low Carbon Economy Investment Act, the CCPI country experts welcome this initiative, as it provides a tool for effective emissions reduction distribution. However, even if these proposals are strictly applied, the lack of a net-zero target, ambitious and unconditional intermediate targets, and a consistent Long-term Strategy (LTS) weaken the country’s policy performance. These factors contribute to the considerable drop in this year’s ranking.

The effectiveness of policy measures against the backdrop of weak national targets raises particular concern among the experts about decarbonisation efforts’ credibility. The experts highlight growing concerns regarding the implementation of Article 6, especially the lack of sufficient environmental and social safeguards, as well as the insufficient prioritisation of non-market approaches.

Renewables and coal phase-out show some positive signs, but LNG still considered a ‘transition fuel’

The experts indicate the Renewable Energy Act is finally starting to fulfil its purpose, fostering a faster renewable energy rollout. Mechanisms such as a national Green Energy Auction Program ensure that the cost advantages from the energy transition are actually passed on to end-consumers, so they can also benefit. Another positive development in renewable energy is the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), a program designed to streamline and simplify the coordination, planning, licensing, and approval processes of electricity production and distribution. Although this law has been in effect since early 2019, the central registry put in place only now unfolds its full potential – aiding efforts to increase efficiency, cost effectiveness, and resource management in energy investments.

The first signs of a shift away from coal can be observed with coal-fired power generation’s first decrease in 20 years, which occurred in 2025. However, this transition is happening very slowly compared with what’s needed for the country to follow a Paris-aligned pathway. Energy demand also is increasingly met by imports of LNG, which the government considers a ‘transition fuel,’ despite the absence of a gas consumption phase-out plan. The experts also point to human rights violations related to the expansion of renewable energy, especially considering hydropower projects in the Cordillera region threatening the water supply of indigenous peoples and floating solar projects in the Laguna de Bay sparking concerns over the livelihoods of fisherfolk.

Seeking a stronger international position, in need of a new NDC

Internationally, the Philippines has been moving to strengthen its position in the UNFCCC, especially by hosting the Board of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD). The country also has been at the forefront of campaigning for a progressive plastic treaty and joined the Global Methane Pledge in 2021.

While the experts consider these commitments as signs of progress, the absence of a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) negatively affects the country’s overall score. Overall, the experts call for a meshing of policies including tropical forest protection. They demand a clear commitment to reaching net zero and phasing out all fossil fuels. They also see the need to implement a coal moratorium.

Key Outcomes

CCPI Experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• John Leo Algo (Aksyon Klima Pilipinas)
• Jameela Joy Reyes & Tony La Vina (Manila Observatory)