My conviction for protecting all forms of life stems from a deep-rooted belief in the significance of every living entity in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. We are at a critical juncture with the ever-worsening climate crisis, and yet, it seems that those in positions of power are turning a blind eye to the devastation of our natural world. It's time for action, which is why I am urging the Philippine government to enact a national Ecocide Law and for the international community to recognize Ecocide as the fifth international crime under the Rome Statute.

Ecocide, or the destruction of the natural environment by deliberate or negligent actions, threatens the very foundations of life on Earth. Our oceans, forests, and wildlife are experiencing unprecedented rates of destruction. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human activities have already caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels—a number that continues to rise. By 2050, an estimated one million species face extinction, primarily due to human-induced climate change and habitat destruction.

Criminalizing Ecocide on an international scale under the Rome Statute would empower the International Criminal Court to take decisive action against those who commit such atrocious acts against nature. This would not only uphold the rights of nature but also send a strong message globally that our natural environment is not to be taken for granted or abused.

On the national front, the Philippines, a country that is acutely vulnerable to climate change, must lead by example. Enacting a law against Ecocide would serve as a powerful commitment towards sustainable development and safety for future generations. It would hold corporations and individuals accountable for environmental atrocities, deter future damage, and catalyze a shift towards responsible environmental stewardship.

By acknowledging the gravity of Ecocide and enshrining it in law, both globally and nationally, we can honorably safeguard and ensure a liveable Earth for future generations. Trees, reefs, rivers, and the animals that inhabit them are invaluable to our survival—not expendable resources to be exploited and discarded. If we can acknowledge the sanctity of human life, then we must also protect the ecosystems that inevitably support it.

I urge you to stand with me in demanding that our leaders act diligently to address this catastrophic oversight. Sign this petition to make our plea resound where it matters most—until those with the power to change our fate hear us loud and clear.