The Judicial Committee on Sustainability and Environmental Concerns was established under Memorandum Order No. 75-2022 in response to the Supreme Court’s commitment to addressing the escalating impacts of climate change on the Philippines. With the growing threat of climate change and the far-reaching effects it poses on environmental health, the Supreme Court recognized the critical role of the Judiciary in promoting sustainable practices and fostering resilience against environmental risks.

The roots of the Committee trace back to a landmark decision on December 18, 2008, in the case of Metro Manila Development Authority v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, where the Court En Banc highlighted “the need to address environmental pollution as a cause of climate change.” This decision underscored the judiciary’s recognition of environmental pollution’s direct link to climate change and ordered thirteen government agencies to “clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay.” Subsequently, the Manila Bay Advisory Committee was created in February 2009 to monitor and validate the efforts of these agencies, solidifying the Supreme Court’s proactive stance on environmental issues.

In light of the worsening climate crisis and its implications beyond Manila Bay, the Supreme Court expanded its environmental advocacy through the creation of the Judicial Committee on Sustainability and Environmental Concerns in 2022. This newly formed Committee subsumed the responsibilities of the Manila Bay Advisory Committee and broadened its scope to address climate change impacts nationwide. Headed by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, the Committee is tasked with pioneering judicial policies and initiatives that respond to environmental challenges across the Philippines.

The Committee’s primary functions encompass:

• The introduction of climate change initiatives tailored to the Judiciary’s unique role.
• A comprehensive review of environmental rules, including the Writ of Kalikasan and Writ of Continuing Mandamus.
• Capability building for judiciary members on domestic and international environmental issues and remedies.
• Establishing forums for open dialogue among the Judiciary, business sectors, environmental professionals, and advocates.

The Judicial Committee on Sustainability and Environmental Concerns aims to align the judiciary with global environmental standards, positioning it as a leading advocate for climate action and environmental preservation within the Philippine government. This Committee stands as a testament to the Judiciary’s dedication to both environmental stewardship and the long-term welfare of the Filipino people.