Author: Jeannette I. Andrade Newsinfo.INQUIRER.net Release Date: August 07, 2024, 05:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines — Five House lawmakers want to amend the country’s immigration law to allow the entry of “environmental migrants” who are seeking protection from climate change-related harm.
In filing House Bill No. 10490, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Tutok to Win party list Rep. Samuel Vezosa Jr., Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong and Cebu Rep. Pablo John Garcia cited the Pacific islands, with a population of some 65 million people, that were in danger of going underwater in the next decade due to rising sea levels.
Their bill seeks to amend Section 47 of Commonwealth Act 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which grants refuge to foreigners only for religious, political, or racial reasons.
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