Philippine Earth Justice Center, Inc.

12/08/2026

Building an Interdisciplinary Partnership for Environmental Justice in BARMM 🌱⚖️

The Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) met with our partners from Mindanao State University–Maguindanao to discuss the next steps in our collaboration under the Green Legal Clinics Program.

This partnership is particularly significant as we strengthen our work in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—bringing environmental legal education and access to environmental justice closer to communities in the region.

What makes this collaboration even more promising is its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together law, forestry and environmental studies, and fisheries to respond to environmental challenges from different perspectives.

Joining the discussion from MSU-Maguindanao were Atty. Rojean Romanes of the College of Law; Atty. Chalcedony Aniñon of the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) of the College of Law; Dr. Rowena Benavides, Dean of the College of Forestry and Environmental Studies; and Dr. Ramjie Odin, Dean of the College of Fisheries.

PEJC was represented by Atty. John Menguito and Atty. Roger Rivera.

Our discussion focused on developing concrete activities that will provide law students with meaningful community-based learning while harnessing the expertise of different disciplines to address the unique environmental challenges confronting communities in BARMM and across Mindanao.

Because environmental problems do not exist in silos, neither should our solutions.

From the Visayas to BARMM and the rest of Mindanao, we continue building a network of institutions committed to putting law, science, and communities at the service of environmental justice.

Training future environmental lawyers. Empowering communities. Advancing environmental justice. 🌏💚

10/08/2026

Strengthening Future Lawyers. Defending Public Participation. ⚖️🌱

The Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) continues its work of building the capacity of future lawyers to defend communities, advocates, and citizens against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

Today, 10 August 2026, PEJC Managing Trustee Atty. Christopher John C. Menguito served as Resource Speaker for an online seminar on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) organized by the Holy Name University College of Law in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The discussion introduced law students to the nature and purpose of SLAPPs, the remedies and defenses available under Philippine environmental law, and the important role lawyers play in ensuring that the legal system is not weaponized to silence legitimate environmental advocacy and public participation.

For PEJC, strengthening environmental justice means not only defending communities when cases are already filed. It also means equipping the next generation of lawyers with the knowledge and courage to stand with those who speak for people, communities, and the environment.

We thank Holy Name University College of Law, Dean Judge Marivic A. Trabajo-Daray (Ret.), CLEP Adviser Atty. Juan Paolo S. Aranas, and the participating law students for the opportunity to advance this important conversation.

When people are silenced through lawsuits, lawyers must know how to defend the space for public participation.

04/08/2026

🤝 Strengthening Partnerships for Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Environmental Justice

Today, the Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Nurunutan Yang Tagbanua Calamian Tung Calawit May Quezon (NTCQ), an indigenous peoples' organization representing the Tagbanua communities of Calawit and Quezon, Palawan. The MOA establishes a framework for legal assistance, representation, advocacy, and community empowerment in support of the protection of ancestral domains, indigenous peoples' rights, fisheries and coastal resources, environmental rights, and natural resource governance.

Through this partnership, PEJC reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities have meaningful access to justice and legal representation in the pursuit of environmental protection and the recognition of their rights.

We thank the officers and representatives of NTCQ for their trust and look forward to working together in advancing environmental justice and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

"Protecting the environment means protecting the people who have protected it for generations."

27/07/2026

Strengthening partnerships for environmental justice through academia and public service. 🌱⚖️

The Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) recently met with officials of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) to explore opportunities for collaboration in environmental governance, legal education, and community engagement.

PEJC was represented by Atty. John Menguito, Managing Trustee and Atty. Roger Rivera, Policy and Legal Officer.

Joining the discussion from UP Visayas were:

* Dr. Farisal U. Bagsit, Vice Chancellor for Administration;
* Prof. Jerry Ian Leonida, Director of the Office of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps;
* Dr. Liberty N. Espectato, Director of the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies; and
* Ms. Chloe Ann Dulos, Office of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps.

The meeting served as an opportunity to exchange ideas on strengthening partnerships that connect legal advocacy, environmental stewardship, and university extension. PEJC looks forward to working with UP Visayas in developing initiatives that empower communities, engage students, and advance environmental justice in the Philippines.

Together, we build partnerships that transform knowledge into action.

26/07/2026

22/07/2026

Another Green Legal Clinic takes root in Mindanao. 🌱⚖️

The Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) proudly welcomes MSU–Maguindanao College of Law to our growing network of Green Legal Clinics with the launching of the Kasaligan Law Clinic.

PEJC was represented by Atty. Roger Rivera, Policy and Legal Officer, who joined our partners and members of the academic community in celebrating this important milestone.

What began in 2021 with just five partner law schools continues to grow into a nationwide movement—bringing environmental justice closer to communities while equipping the next generation of lawyers with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to defend people and the planet.

From the Visayas to Luzon and Mindanao, the network keeps growing. And with every new clinic, we strengthen our collective hope for a future where access to environmental justice reaches even more communities.

Welcome to the Green Legal Clinics family, MSU–Maguindanao! 💚🌏

10/07/2026

Building solutions together.

The Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) is honored to have served as a Co-Convenor of the Multisectoral Consultation on Climate Justice, Flood Management, and Environmental Stewardship in Cebu.

Climate justice is not solely an environmental concern—it is a matter of governance, accountability, and human rights. Bringing together leaders from academia, civil society, faith-based organizations, legal practitioners, and community advocates, the consultation became a meaningful space for honest conversations and collective action toward a more resilient and just Cebu.

PEJC also shared insights on the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and the urgent need to protect environmental defenders who courageously stand for our communities and our common home.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our co-convenors, distinguished speakers, panel reactors, partners, and every participant who contributed their expertise and passion. Meaningful change begins when diverse sectors come together with a shared purpose.

This consultation is not the end of the conversation—it is another step toward stronger partnerships and concrete actions for environmental justice.

29/06/2026

Every community has people who care. Sometimes, all they need is the knowledge and confidence to act.

Last week in Cavite, we gathered with community leaders, advocates, and ordinary citizens who chose not to look away from environmental problems but to become part of the solution.

Through our Environmental Paralegal Training, the Philippine Earth Justice Center, in partnership with EcoWaste Coalition, continues its journey across the country—bringing the law closer to the people it was always meant to serve.

This is more than a training. It is about building communities that know their rights, understand their responsibilities, and have the courage to protect the rivers they drink from, the forests they depend on, and the future their children deserve.

Every province we visit reminds us that environmental justice is not won in courtrooms alone. It begins in barangay halls, around community tables, and in conversations like these—where ordinary Filipinos realize that their voices matter.

One community at a time. One environmental paralegal at a time. One movement growing stronger across the Philippines.

🇵🇭🌱 Because when people know the law, they become its strongest defenders. And when communities stand together, our environment has its greatest chance to heal.

18/06/2026

Knowledge becomes more powerful when used to create meaningful change. This afternoon at UP Cebu, Atty. Roger shared valuable insights and expertise through a discussion on RA 9003, the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology, and SLAPP suits. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding environmental laws, promoting responsible environmental practices, and recognizing the legal protections available for individuals and communities working to defend environmental rights. The activity served as a reminder that environmental stewardship and justice go hand in hand, and that informed individuals play an important role in building a more sustainable and equitable future. 🌍⚖️🌿

12/06/2026

🇵🇭🌿 Happy Philippine Independence Day! 🌿🇵🇭

As we celebrate the freedom and resilience of the Filipino people this June 12, let us also honor our responsibility to protect the natural heritage of our nation. True independence means safeguarding our forests, rivers, oceans, and wildlife for future generations.

At PEJC, we believe that a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Philippines is a legacy worth fighting for. Together, let's reduce waste, refuse single-use plastics, and take action for a healthier environment and a stronger nation.

🌱 Protect Nature. Preserve Freedom. Build a Sustainable Future.

🇵🇭♻️🌎