The Philippines is the 141st party to ratify the Kigali Amendment (KA) to the Montreal Protocol aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support our net zero emissions ambition. The Secretary- General of the United Nations received the Country’s Instrument of Ratification signed by the Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last November 03, 2022 and Enter into Force effective February 2, 2023.

Since 1988, Philippines has been a Party to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances. However, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are substitutes for these ozone-depleting substances, are potent greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to global warming. Hence, the KA to the Montreal Protocol was introduced to reduce the global consumption and production of HFCs.

The Philippines will phase down the consumption of HFCs by 80 per cent over the next two decades to meet the obligations of the KA. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Environmental Management Bureau has introduced measures to support the industry to shift towards more climate-friendly alternatives.

In addition, regulations for HFC importation and consumption and will come into effect on February 2022 under the DAO 2021-31 known as Chemical Control Order for HFCs. HFCs imported into the country have been subjected to licensing controls. These regulations aim to shift the market towards more climate-friendly RAC technologies and equipment, require the proper handling of refrigerants during servicing works, and mandate the collection and proper treatment of spent refrigerants from decommissioned RAC equipment.

The Government will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders and support them in reducing HFC consumption and shifting towards climate-friendly alternatives.