9 February 2017
Hon. Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon, Chairman
Hon. Roberto Eugenio T. Cadiz, Commissioner
Hon. Karen S. Gomez Dumpit, Commissioner
Hon. Gwendolyn LI. Pimentel-Gana, Commissioner
Hon. Leach C. Tanodra-Armamentto, Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., UP Complex
Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Philippines
In re: National Inquiry on the Impact of Climate Change on the Human Rights of the Filipino
People and the Responsibility of Therefore, if any, of the “Carbon Majors” (CHR-NI-2016-0001)
Opinion of the Center for International Environmental Law
In Support of Petitioners
Dear Chairman Gascon and Honorable Commissioners:
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) respectfully submits this Opinion in
Support of Petitioners in the above-referenced matter. CIEL previously submitted a compilation
of industry reports, correspondences, and legislative testimony among other documents as
Exhibit C to Petitioners’ original filing.
CIEL is a not for profit organization, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Geneva, Switzerland,
that uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just
and sustainable society. Since 1989, CIEL has conducted legal research, education, and
advocacy in international environmental and human rights law, with a particular focus on
providing assistance to vulnerable and marginalized communities and to promoting
accountability for violations of human and environmental rights. As a critical part of this
mission, CIEL has been active in addressing the environmental and human rights implications of
climate change for more than a quarter century.