A Paradise in Peril
Nestled in the heart of the Philippines lies the Verde Island Passage — often hailed as one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. This ecological jewel is home to sprawling coral reefs, over 2,000 species of reef fish, and countless coastal communities who have fished its waters for generations.
But today, this marine sanctuary faces an uncertain future.
Local fisherfolk from Batangas province recall days when the seas were generous, their catches abundant, and their livelihoods secure. Now, many speak of dwindling fish stocks, polluted waters, and a deepening sense of loss. One fisherman described how life used to be: before the industrial plants were built, they could feed their families and send their children to school. Today, he says, they are barely getting by. The sea is changing, and so is their health.
LNG: The Fuel at the Center of the Storm
The culprit, according to many in the region, is Liquefied Natural Gas — or LNG — a fossil fuel the Philippines is increasingly relying on.
LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to minus 162 degrees Celsius, allowing it to be transported across oceans and re-gasified for use in homes and power plants. On paper, it appears cleaner than coal, but only marginally. What is often overlooked is its release of methane, a greenhouse gas more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
In a world already grappling with a climate crisis, building new LNG infrastructure — pipelines, terminals, and power plants — risks locking the country into fossil fuel dependence for decades to come.
The New Law: Progress or Pitfall?
In January 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act. Framed as a strategy to stabilize the nation’s energy supply, the law promotes gas as a bridge fuel while the country transitions toward renewable energy sources.
Supporters, including Senator Pia Cayetano, argue that the law is a proactive response to the expected depletion of the Malampaya gas field by 2027. They believe new exploration efforts — even in contested territories such as the Reed Bank in the West Philippine Sea — are necessary to ensure energy security.
However, not everyone agrees with this path.
A Bridge to Nowhere
Environmental groups, climate scientists, and clean energy advocates have criticized the law as a step backward at a time when the Philippines could be moving forward. Krishna Ariola of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) argues that LNG infrastructure risks delaying a just transition to renewables.
The Philippines possesses abundant renewable energy resources. From solar and wind to geothermal, hydropower, and tidal energy, the country has immense potential to power itself sustainably. Yet continued investment in LNG diverts funding and focus away from these cleaner, safer options. Instead of innovating, the nation appears to be reviving yesterday’s solutions.
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The Ecological Price: What’s at Stake
Perhaps the greatest concern lies beneath the ocean’s surface.
The Verde Island Passage is part of the Coral Triangle, often referred to as the Amazon of the ocean. It contains 76 percent of the world’s known coral species and supports marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods on a massive scale.
This unique marine environment is now under increasing threat. Already, five gas plants and two LNG terminals have been built in the region, with more projects planned. A U.S. report warns that over 450 oil and gas blocks are under exploration within the Coral Triangle. If developed, up to 16 percent of this fragile area could be damaged or destroyed.
This is not only an environmental concern. It represents a potential crisis in food security, a threat to national sovereignty, and a moral failure to protect future generations.
Caught Between Superpowers
The implications are not just local — they are geopolitical.
With Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, LNG exports have surged once again. However, new tariffs on China have shifted global trade dynamics. In response, Chinese companies are seeking alternative buyers in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
This has placed the Philippines at the center of an energy tug-of-war between two global powers. In the process, national resources, territorial integrity, and community wellbeing may be compromised for strategic gain.
A Human Story, A National Choice
At the heart of this unfolding story are everyday people — families, coastal communities, and children whose lives are intricately tied to the sea.
One fisherman, watching industrial ships cross the once-clear waters, reflected on what is being lost. The life of the Verde Island Passage is deeply connected to their survival. If it is destroyed, he said, they will have nothing left.
The country now stands at a defining moment. It can continue on a path that deepens dependence on fossil fuels, or it can take decisive action to transition toward a renewable future — one powered by light, wind, water, and innovation.
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The Call to Action: Time for a Clean Break
The climate emergency is no longer distant. It is unfolding here and now, and its impacts are becoming more severe.
This is not the time for delay or detours. The Philippines must prioritize investment in renewable energy. It must act to protect its unparalleled marine ecosystems. And it must rise as a leader in climate resilience and sustainability in Asia.
Choosing the clean, just path forward is not just good policy — it is a legacy the nation can be proud of. A legacy that future generations will honor, not question.
