PMCJ calls for DENR to extend the 5-day commenting period on the just transition framework draft: Properly involve CSOs, marginalized communities
- Media Communications
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) expressed its concern over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s limited time for submission of public comments on the Philippine Just Transition Framework (JTF). DENR’s Facebook page posted the official announcement on Feb. 4, 2026, stating that the commenting period is scheduled from Feb. 3 to Feb. 9, 2026.
“Upon reading the announcement, we sent an email to the Office of the Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change of DENR to request an extension of the commenting period. While we welcome the opportunity to engage in the draft, the current timeline provides a very limited window for a thorough review and meaningful feedback, especially considering the complexity and implications of the framework across all sectors,” said Elle Bartolome, PMCJ policy, campaigns, and communications lead.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution guaranteed public participation, authorizing citizens and civil society organizations to engage in all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making. Article II, Sections 15, 16, & 23, mandate the state to encourage non-governmental, community-based, sectoral, and independent peoples' organizations to participate in, and ensure their right to join processes.
“The climate justice movement strives to participate in various government processes and engagements. However, we are often sidelined and/or treated as an afterthought. We feel strongly about this, as the PMCJ works closely with marginalized communities being lambasted by the very climate crisis the government claims to want to address. It seems like we are the only ones striving to be involved and to include people-led organizations. This should be a two-way street,” said Ian Rivera, PMCJ national coordinator.
In 2025, PMCJ actively participated in multiple Just Transition Framework discussions across the National Capital Region, Visayas, and Mindanao. Key concerns, including the uncertain coal phaseout timeline, the expansion of fossil gas, and the slow pace of renewable energy infrastructure development, were raised as constraints to pursuing a rapid, equitable, and just transition. PMCJ also previously raised concerns about the need for more targeted, sector-specific consultations to ensure the representation of vulnerable communities, and further called for the timely sharing of consultation materials and for consultation documents to use accessible, community-appropriate language to enable informed and inclusive participation.
“It is important that the Global South nations reach a consensus to craft a solution that will work for all, highlighting that this just transition should be just and equitable. Vulnerable sectors, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, women, indigenous peoples, youth, rural and urban poor communities have made significant efforts to do this. We identified ten principles for a just, rapid, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels and towards a just, rapid, and equitable energy transition. The governments will just be repeating the same mistakes that created this climate crisis if those vulnerable people, groups, and communities are left out and disregarded in the decision-makingg,” stressed Rivera. ###
For inquiries, contact:
Sheila Abarra
Senior Media and Communications Officer
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
Viber: +639916692356
WhatsApp: +639380898327
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