Fishing communities in the Philippines' Verde Island Passage are facing significant challenges due to the development of the Ilijan liquefied natural gas (LNG) import hub. Residents have experienced a decline in their livelihood as a nearby LNG plant, constructed a decade ago, has led to environmental degradation. They reported that their fishing catches have significantly decreased and that they are being displaced from their homes to facilitate the expansion of LNG operations.

The Verde Island Passage, dubbed as the“Amazon of the Oceans,” is filled with hundreds of coral reefs and fish species, and said to have the world’s highest concentration of shorefish biodiversity. Activists from various fishing communities are against the ongoing LNG projects, which they argue pose further threats to the marine ecosystem and livelihoods. First Gen, one of the owners of the LNG terminal in Santa Clara allegedly produces the noise that drowns out the sound of the waves, which contributes to the decreasing number of fishing catches.

The Ilijan LNG-to-power terminal was acquired by San Miguel Corporation, together with Meralco and Aboitiz on 2024 and received financing from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation since 2016. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation has countered these claims, asserting there is no evidence to support the negative impact of LNG development on the local environment and economy.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited San Miguel Corporation, Aboitiz, Meralco PowerGen and First Gen to respond to the allegations. Meralco Power Gen and First Gen responded. Their responses are linked below.