France looks to Philippines as partner for developing legal framework to strengthen Paris Agreement

FRANCE has invited the Philippines to be its partner in developing a legal framework that would promote environmental justice, intended to protect those who are most vulnerable to climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement, according to Senator Loren B. Legarda. In a statement, Ms. Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on climate change, said: “This new framework can strengthen the goals of the Paris Agreement, and I believe the Philippines can be France’s strong ally in this initiative. A strengthened climate partnership between an industrialized nation like France and a vulnerable developing country like the Philippines would inspire other nations to move forward with the implementation of the Paris Agreement even with current challenges, such as the US President’s decision to withdraw from the accord.” Ms. Legarda is part of the eight-member Senate delegation that went on a three-day visit to France on June 27-30 to meet with French counterparts in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Philippines-France Treaty of Friendship. — Jil Danielle M. Caro