THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAWS OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides the following jurisprudence:

Presidential Decree Article/Title Definition of the Law

No.
ARTICLE II, Declaration of State to protect and promote the
Principles and State Policies right to health of the people and
Section 15 instilling health consciousness
among them.
ARTICLE II, Section 16 State to protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature.
ARTICLE XII, National The Congress shall as soon as
Economy and Patrimony possible, determine by law the
Section 4 specific limits of forest lands and
national parks, marking clearly their
boundaries on the ground
Thereafter, such forest lands and
national parks shall be considered
and may not be increased nor
diminished, except by law. The
Congress shall provide, for such
period as it may determine,
measures to prohibit logging in
endangered forests and watershed
areas.

PRESIDENTIAL Section 1: The Philippine Policy - It is hereby declared a

DECREE NO. 1151 Environmental Policy continuing policy of the State:
a) to create, develop, maintain
and improve conditions
under which man and nature
can thrive in productive and
enjoyable harmony with each
other;
b) to fulfill the social economic
and other requirements of
present and future
generations of Filipinos; and
c) to ensure the attainment of
an environmental quality that
is conducive to a life of
dignity and well-being
 Section 1: Philippine Short Title: This decree shall be
Environmental Code known and cited as the "Philippine
Environmental Code"
Title I. Air Quality Management
Title II. Water Quality Management
Title III. Land Use Management
Title IV Natural Resources
Management and Conservation

Chapter I. Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources
Chapter II. Wildlife
Chapter III. Forestry and Soil
Conservation
Chapter IV. Flood Control and
Natural Calamities
Chapter V. Energy Development
Chapter VI. Conservation and
Utilization of Surface and Ground
Water
Chapter VII. Mineral Resources

EXECUTIVE ORDER Section 13: FOREST Hereby created a forest

NO. 192 (1987) MANAGEMENT BUREAU management bureau which shall
integrate and absorb the powers,
and functions of the Bureau of
Forest Development (BFD) and
Wood Industry Authority (WIDA)
Section 14: LAND Absorbs the functions and powers of
MANAGEMENT BUREAU the Bureau of Lands except those
line functions and power which are
transferred to the regional field
office.
Section 15: MINES AND Absorbs the functions of the Bureau
GEOSCIENCES BUREAU of Mines and Geosciences (MBGS),
Mineral Reservations Development
Board (MRDB), and Gold Mining
Industry Development Board
(GMIDB).
Section 16: ENVIRONMENT Abolished the powers and functions
MANAGEMENT BUREAU of the National Environmental
Protection Council (NEPC), the
National Pollution Control
Commission (NPCC) and the
Environmental Center of the
Philippines (ECP).
Section 17: ECOSYSTEM Abolished the Research Institute and
RESEARCH AND National Mangrove Committee
DEVELOPMENT BUREAU
P.D. No. 1442 An Act to promote the exploration
and development of geothermal
resources.
E.O. No. 223 Vesting of the Philippine National Oil
Company (PNOC) the Jurisdiction,
Control and Management,
Protection, Development and
Rehabilitation over the Watershed
Areas of Geothermal Reservation
where PNOC has geothermal
projects, plants and properties.

LAW ON FISHERIES

Presidential Decree
Article/Tittle Definition of the Law
No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title IV) Chapter 1. To provide the basics on the
Fisheries and Aquatic management and conservation of
Resources. the country's natural resources to
obtain the optimum benefits
therefrom and to preserve the same
for the future generations.
P.D. No. 704 Revising and consolidating all laws
and decrees affecting fishing and
fisheries.
P.D. No. 1219 Providing for the exploration,
exploitation, utilization conservation
of coral resources.

LAW ON FLOOD CONTROL AND NATURAL CALAMITIES

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title IV) Chapter IV-Flood a) The control of soil erosion on
Control and Natural the banks of rivers, shores or
Calamities lakes, and the seashores.
Section 34 b) The control of flow and
flooding in and from rivers
and lakes
P.D. No. 18 Established the Metropolitan Manila
Flood Control and Drainage Council
P.D. No. 78 Established the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services
Administration (PAG-ASA)
 FORESTRY LAW

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title IV) Chapter III- Protects the soil against water
Forestry and Soil impact thus reducing the splash
Conservation effect and disaggregation of the soil
structure
P.D. No. 705 Revising P.D. No. 384 Proper classification, management
otherwise known as the and utilization of the lands of the
Forestry Reform Code of public domain to maximize their
the Philippines productivity to meet the demands of
our increasing population is urgently
needed.
RA. No. 3571 An Act prohibiting the cutting,
destroying or injuring of planted or
growing trees or of flowering plants
and shrubs or plants of scenic value
along public roads, in plazas, parks,
school premises, or in any public
ground.

LAND USE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title III)- Land Use A policy that provides for the rational
Management allocation, utilization, development
and management of the country's
land to ensure that its use is
consistent with the principle of
sustainable development.
P.D. No. 957 Regulating the sale of subdivision
lots and condominiums, providing
penalties for violations thereof.
P.D. No. 1096 Adopting a National provides for all buildings and
Building Code of the structures a framework of minimum
Philippines, revising standards and requirements by
R.A.6541. guiding, regulating, and controlling
their location, siting, design, quality
of materials, construction, use,
occupancy, and maintenance,
including their environment utilities,
fixtures, equipment and mechanical
electrical and other systems and
installations.
P.D. No. 1198 Requiring all individuals,
partnerships or corporation engaged
in exploration, development and
exploitation of natural resources in
 the construction of infrastructure or
projects to restore or rehabilitate
areas subject thereof or affected
thereby to their original condition.

MINING

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title IV). Chapter VII - Section 40. Management Policy. -
Mineral Resources The national government, through
Section 40, and Section 41 the Department of Natural
Resources, shall undertake a
system of gainful exploitation and
rational and efficient utilization of
mineral resources and shall
encourage citizen participation in
this endeavor.

Section 41. Measures for

Exploitation and Utilization of
Mineral Resources. Measures for
the gainful exploitation and rational
and efficient utilization of such
mineral resources may include, but
shall not be limited to the following:

(a) increasing research and

development in mineral
resources technology;

(b) training of additional

technical manpower needed
in geology, geophysics,
mining engineering, and
related fields;

(c) regulating the exploitation

of identified mineral reserves;

(d) accelerating the

exploration of undiscovered
mineral deposits; and

(e) encouraging the

establishment of processing
plants for refined metals
P.D. No. 463 Providing for a modernized system
of administration and disposition of
mineral lands and to promote and
encourage the development and
exploitation thereof
P.D. No. 705 Revising P.D. No. 384 Proper classification, management
otherwise known as the and utilization of the lands of the
Forestry Reform Code of public domain to maximize their
the Philippines productivity to meet the demands of
our increasing population is urgently
needed.
P.D. No. 211 Series of Prescribing the interim procedures in
87 the processing and approval of
applications for the exploitation,
development and utilization of
minerals.
LOI 1214 Directing measures to safeguard the
gold copper and other metals
industries.

POLLUTION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title I)-AIR QUALITY a) to achieve and maintain such
MANAGEMENT Section 2 levels of air quality as to
protect public health; and
b) to prevent to the greatest
extent practicable, injury
and/or damage to plant and
animal life and property, and
promote the social and
economic development of the
country.

SECTION 3. Ambient Air Here shall be established ambient

Quality Standards air quality standards which shall
prescribe the maximum
concentration of air pollutants
permissible in the atmosphere
consistent with public health, safety
and general welfare. In the
establishment of ambient air quality
standards, factors such as local
atmospheric conditions, location and
land use, and available technology,
shall be considered among others.
SECTION 4. National There shall be established national
Emission Standards. emission standards for new and
existing stationary and mobile
 sources of pollution which shall
consider among others such factors
as type of industry, practicable
control technology available, location
and land use, and the nature of
pollutants emitted.
SECTION 5. Community Appropriate standards for
Noise Standards. community noise levels shall be
established considering, among
others, location, zoning and land use
classification.
SECTION 6. Standards for There shall be established a
Noise-Producing standard for noise producing
Equipment equipment such as construction
equipment, transportation
equipment, stationary engines, and
electrical or electronic equipment
and such similar equipment or
contrivances. The standards shall
set a limit on the acceptable level of
noise emitted from a given
equipment for the protection of
public health and welfare,
considering among others, the
magnitude and condition of use, the
degree of noise reduction achievable
through the application of best
available technology and the cost of
compliance.
The Installation of any noise-
producing equipment shall conform
with the requirements of Presidential
Decree No. 1096 and other
applicable laws as well as their
implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 7. Aircraft Appropriate government agencies

Emission and Sonic shall encourage research studies on
Booms the harmful effects of aircraft
emissions in the environment in
order to establish permissible
emission standards.
Research and studies shall also be
undertaken to mitigate and/or
minimize the effects of sonic booms
in the environment.

RA 4136 An Act to compile laws relative to

land transportation and traffic rules,
to create a Land Transportation
 Commission and for other purposes
needed by P.D. 1057
P.D. No. 602 -Establishing an Oil Pollution
Operations Center in the Philippine
Coast Guard Headquarters.
P.D. No. 973 Providing for the revision of P.D. No.
600 governing "Marine Pollution."
P.D. No. 1181 Providing for the prevention, control
and abatement of air pollution from
motor vehicles and for other
purposes.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Chapter III) - Methods of Solid waste disposal shall be by
Solid Waste Disposal sanitary landfill, incineration,
Section 45 composting and other methods as
may be approved by competent
government authority
Section 18: PROTECTED which absorbs the functions and
AREAS AND WILDLIFE divisions of Parks and Wildlife and
BUREAU the Marine Parks Program of the
Bureau of Forest Development.

PHILIPPINE LAWS ON ENERGY

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 (Title IV): NATURAL Policy: Consistent with the
RESOURCES environmental protection policies.
MANAGEMENT AND the national government, through
CONSERVATION the Energy Development Board,
Chapter V: Energy shall undertake an energy
Development Section 36 development program encouraging
the utilization of invariant sources
such as solar, wind and tidal energy.
REPUBLIC ACT No. An Act to create the Philippine
1815 Nuclear Energy Commission to
administer, regulate and control the
use, application and disposition of
fissionable materials; to authorize
the establishment and
administration of an atomic energy
reactor; to determine the manner of
development, use and control of
atomic energy; to provide funds
therefore, and for other purposes.
P.D. No. 508 Providing guidelines for the
development and utilization of small
or sub-commercial deposits of
natural marsh gas or methane gas
in the Philippines and granting
gratuitous permits therefore.
Section 49 The dumping or disposal of solid
wastes into the sea and any body of
water in the Philippines, including
shorelines and river banks where
these wastes are likely to be
washed into the water, is prohibited.

WATER AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1152 Chapter VI-Conservation Groundwater sustainability is the
and Utilization of Surface development and use of
and Ground Waters groundwater resources to meet
current and future beneficial uses
without causing unacceptable
environmental or socioeconomic
consequences
P.D. No. 274 Pertains to the preservation,
beautification, improvement and
gainful utilization of the Pasig River,
providing for the regulation and
control of pollution of the river and
its banks in order to enhance its
development, thereby maximizing its
utilization for socio-economic
purposes.

DECREES AND REPUBLIC ACTS RELATED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

LAW

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
P.D. No. 1121 The National Environmental To establish and review land use
Council guidelines. Examine land use
patterns to determine their impact
on the quality and quantity of natural
resources. Carry out surveys, which
will assist in the proper
management and conservation of
the environment.
P.D. No. 1157 The Philippine This Act makes provision for the
Environmental Policy protection of the environment of a
Decree broad sense. Its provisions are
divided into Titles, the major part of
them dealing with specific aspects
of environment protection
P.D. No. 1152 The Philippine This Act makes provision for the
Environmental Code protection of the environment of a
broad sense.
P.D. No. 1067 Philippine Water Code instituted the Water Code of the
Philippines, providing for the
utilization, exploitation,
development, conservation, and
protection of water resources to be
subject to the control and regulation
of the government through the
NWRC.
R.A. No. 8749 The Philippine Clean Air Act aims to protect the country's water
of 1999 RA. No. 9275-The bodies from pollution from land-
Philippine Clean Water Act based sources (industries and
of 2004 commercial establishments,
agriculture and
community/household activities).
R.A. No. 6969 Toxic Substances and chemicals and its wastes are to be
Hazardous and Nuclear managed to ensure the safety of
Waste Control Act of 1990 both women and men who are
especially exposed to such
substances in their household,
occupation and businesses.
R.A. NO. 9003 Ecological Solid Waste The Republic Act (RA) 9003,
Management Act of 2000 otherwise known as the Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act of
2000, provides the necessary policy
framework, institutional mechanisms
and mandate to the local
government unites (LGUs) to
achieve 25% waste reduction
through establishing an integrated
solid waste management plan
based on 3Rs (reduce, reuse and
recycling).

OTHER LAW RELATED TO ENVIRENMENTAL PROTECTION

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
REPUBLIC ACT 9003 Ecological Solid Waste the law aims to adopt a systematic,
Management Act of 2000 comprehensive and ecological solid
waste management program that
shall ensure the protection of public
 health and environment. The law
ensures proper segregation,
collection, storage, treatment and
disposal of solid waste through the
formulation and adaptation of best
eco-waste products.
REPUBLIC ACT 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act The law aims to protect the
of 2004 country's water bodies from
pollution from land-based sources
(industries and commercial
establishments, agriculture and
community/household activities). It
provides for comprehensive and
integrated strategy to prevent and
minimize pollution through a multi-
sectoral and participatory approach
involving all the stakeholders.
REPUBLIC ACT 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act of The law aims to achieve and
1999 maintain clean air that meets the
National Air Quality guideline values
for criteria pollutants, throughout the
Philippines, while minimizing the
possible associated impacts to the
economy.

REPUBLIC ACT 6969 Toxic Substances, The law aims to regulate restrict or
Hazardous and Nuclear prohibit the importation,
Waste Control Act of 1990 manufacture, processing, sale,
distribution, use and disposal of
chemical substances and mixtures
the present unreasonable risk to
human health. It likewise prohibits
the entry, even in transit, of
hazardous and nuclear wastes and
their disposal into the Philippine
territorial limits for whatever
purpose; and to provide
advancement and facilitate research
and studies on toxic chemicals.

PRESIDENTIAL Environmental Impact The Environment Impact

DECREE 1586 Statement (EIS) Statement Assessment System was formally
ff 1978 established in 1978 with the
enactment of Presidential Decree
no. 1586 to facilitate the attainment
and maintenance of rational and
orderly balance between socio-
economic development and
environmental protection. EIA is a
planning and management tool that
 will help government, decision
makers, the proponents and the
affected community address the
negative consequences or risks on
the environment. The process
assures implementation of
environment-friendly projects.
Presidential Decree CHAPTER II The National Pollution Control
No. 1152, s. 1977 Regulation and Commission in coordination with
Enforcement SECTION 8. appropriate government agencies
Air Quality and Noise shall be responsible for the
Standards. enforcement of ambient air quality
. emission and noise standards,
including the monitoring and
surveillance of air pollutants,
licensing and permitting of air
pollution control facilities, and the
promulgation of appropriate rules
and regulations.
Existing air quality emission and
noise standards may be revised
and/or modified consistent with new
development and technology
SECTION 9. Aircraft Noise. Community noise standards around
airports shall be implemented by the
Civil Aeronautics Administration in
coordination with the National
Pollution Control Commission
SECTION 10. Vehicular The Land Transportation
Emissions. Commission, in coordination with
the National Pollution Control
Commission, shall implement
emission standards for motor
vehicles and may deputize other
appropriate law enforcement
agencies for the purpose.
SECTION 11. Radioactive The release and emission of
Emissions. radioactivity into the environment
incident to the establishment or
possession of nuclear energy
facilities and radioactive materials,
handling, transport, production,
storage, use and disposal of
radioactive materials shall be
regulated by the Philippine Atomic
Energy Commission in coordination
with other appropriate government
agencies.
CHAPTER III The National Pollution Control
Monitoring Commission, in coordination with
SECTION 12. Air Quality appropriate government agencies,
Monitoring. shall establish to the greatest extent
practicable an air quality monitoring
network. Such air quality monitoring
network shall put to maximum use
the capabilities of these agencies.
The National Environmental
Protection Council shall be
furnished with the results of air
quality monitoring activities.

SECTION 13. Weather The Philippine Atmospheric,

Modification. Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration shall
monitor regularly meteorological
factors affecting environmental
conditions in order to effectively
guide air pollution monitoring
activities.
Activities relating to weather
modification such as rainfall
stimulation and storm seeding
experiments shall be undertaken in
consultation and/or in coordination
with the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration.

TITLE II Purpose. — It is the purpose of this

Water Quality Management Title to prescribe management
SECTION 14. guidelines aimed to protect and
improve the quality of Philippine
water resources through:
a) classification of Philippine
waters;
b) establishment of water
quality standards;
c) protection and improvement
of the quality of Philippine
water resources, and
d) responsibilities for
surveillance and mitigation of
pollution incidents.

CHAPTER I The National Pollution Control

Classification and Commission, in coordination with
Standards appropriate government agencies,
SECTION 15. Classification shall classify Philippine waters,
of Philippine Waters. according to their best usage. In
, classifying said waters, the National
Pollution Control Commission shall
 take into account, among others, the
following:
a) the existing quality of the
body of water at the time of
classification;
b) the size, depth, surface area
covered, volume, direction,
rate of flow, gradient of
stream; and
c) the most beneficial uses of
said bodies of water and
lands bordering them for
residential, agricultural,
commercial, industrial,
navigational, recreational,
and aesthetic purposes.

SECTION 16. Where the public interest so

Reclassification of Waters requires, the National Pollution
Based on Intended Control Commission, in coordination
Beneficial Use. with appropriate government
agencies, shall reclassify a body of
water based on the intended
beneficial use and take such steps
as may be necessary to upgrade the
quality of said water. Other
government agencies may adopt
higher standards for a particular
body of water, subject to the
approval of the National Pollution
Control Commission.
SECTION 17. Upgrading of Where the quality of water has
Water Quality. deteriorated to a degree where its
state will adversely affect its best
usage, the government agencies
concerned shall take such
measures as may be necessary to
upgrade the quality of such water to
meet the prescribed water quality
standards.
SECTION 18. Water Quality The National Pollution Control
Standards Commission shall prescribe quality
. and effluent standards consistent
with the guidelines set by the
National Environmental Protection
Council and the classification of
waters prescribed in the preceding
sections, taking into consideration,
among others, the following:
 a) the standard of water quality
or purity may vary according
to beneficial uses; and
a) b) the technology relating to
water pollution control
CHAPTER II The production, utilization, storage
Protection and and distribution of hazardous, toxic
Improvement of Water and other substances such as
Quality radioactive materials, heavy metals,
SECTION 19. Enforcement pesticides, fertilizers, and oils, and
and Coordination. the disposal, discharge and
dumping of untreated wastewater,
mine tailings and other substances
that may pollute any body of water
of the Philippines resulting from
normal operations of industries,
water-borne sources, and other
human activities as well as those
resulting from accidental spills and
discharge shall be regulated by
appropriate government agencies
pursuant to their respective charters
and enabling legislations. In the
performance of the above functions,
the government agencies concern
shall coordinate with the National
Environmental Protection Council
and furnish the latter with such
information as may be necessary to
enable it to attain its objectives
under Presidential Decree No.
1121.

SECTION 20. Clean-up It shall be the responsibility of the

Operations. polluter to contain, remove and
clean up water pollution incidents at
his own expense. In case of his
failure to do so, the government
agencies concerned shall undertake
containment, removal and clean-up
operations and expenses incurred in
said operations shall be charged
against the persons and/or entities
responsible for such pollution.
SECTION 21. Water Quality The various government agencies
Monitoring and concerned with environmental
Surveillance.. protection shall establish to the
greatest extent practicable a water
quality surveillance and monitoring
network with sufficient stations and
sampling schedules to meet the
 needs of the country. Said water
quality surveillance network shall
put to maximum use the capabilities
of such government agencies. Each
agency involved in such network
shall report to the National
Environmental Protection Council
the results of these monitoring
activities as the need arises.
TITLE III Purpose. — The purposes of this
Land Use Management Title are:
SECTION 22. a) to provide a rational, orderly
and efficient acquisition,
utilization and disposition of
land and its resources in
order to derive therefrom
maximum benefits; and
b) to encourage the prudent
use and conservation of land
resources in order to prevent
an imbalance between the
nation’s needs and such
resources.

SECTION 23. National The Human Settlements

Land Use Scheme. Commission, in coordination with
the appropriate agencies of the
government, shall formulate and
recommend to the National
Environmental Protection Council a
land use scheme consistent with the
purpose of this Title. The Land Use
Scheme shall include among others,
the following:
a) a science-based and
technology-oriented land
inventory and classification
system;
b) a determination of present
land uses, the extent to
which they are utilized,
underutilized, rendered idle
or abandoned;
c) a comprehensive and
accurate determination of
the adaptability of the land
for community development,
agriculture, industry,
commerce and other fields of
endeavor;
 d) a method of identification of
areas where uncontrolled
development could result in
irreparable damage to
important historic, cultural, or
aesthetic values, or natural
systems or processes of
national significance;
e) a method for exercising
control by the appropriate
government agencies over
the use of land in areas of
critical environmental
concern and areas impacted
by public facilities including,
but not limited to, airports,
highways, bridges, ports and
wharves, buildings and other
infrastructure projects;
f) a method to ensure the
consideration of regional
development and land use in
local regulations;
g) a policy for influencing the
location of new communities
and methods for assuring
appropriate controls over the
use of land around new
communities;
h) a system of controls and
regulations pertaining to
areas and development
activities designed to ensure
that any source of pollution
will not be located where it
would result in a violation of
any applicable
environmental pollution
control regulations; and
i) a recommended method for
the periodic revisions and
updating of the national land
use scheme to meet
changing conditions.

SECTION 24. Location of In the location of industries,

Industries. factories, plants, depots and similar
industrial establishments, the
regulating or enforcing agencies of
the government shall take into
 consideration the social, economic,
geographic and significant
environmental impact of said
establishments.
TITLE IV Purposes. — The purposes of this
Natural Resources Title are:
Management and a) to provide the basic policy on
Conservation the management and
SECTION 25 conservation of the country’s
. natural resources to obtain
the optimum benefits
therefrom and to preserve
the same for the future
generations; and
a) b) to provide general
measures through which the
aforesaid policy may be
carried out effectively.
CHAPTER I The National government, through
Fisheries and Aquatic the Department of Natural
Resources Resources, shall establish a system
SECTION 26. Management of rational exploitation of fisheries
Policy and aquatic resources within the
Philippine territory and shall
encourage citizen participation
therein to maintain and/or enhance
the optimum and continuous
productivity of the same.

SECTION 27. Measures for Measures for the rational

National Exploitation. exploitation of fisheries and other
aquatic resources may include, but
shall not be limited to, the following:
a) undertaking manpower and
expertise development;
b) acquiring the necessary
facilities and equipment;
c) regulating the marketing of
threatened species of fish or
other aquatic resources;
d) reviewing all existing rules
and regulations on the
exploitation of fisheries and
aquatic resources with a
view of formulating
guidelines for the systematic
and effective enforcement
thereof; and
e) conserving the vanishing
species of fish and aquatic
resources such as turtles,
 sea snakes, crocodiles,
corals, as well as
maintaining the mangrove
areas, marshes and inland
waters, coral reef-areas and
islands serving as
sanctuaries for fish and other
aquatic life.

CHAPTER III The national government, through

Forestry and Soil the Department of Natural
Conservation Resources, shall undertake a
SECTION 30. Management system of rational exploitation of
Policy for Forestry. forest resources and shall
encourage citizen participation
therein to keep the country’s forest
resources at maximum productivity
at all time.
SECTION 31. Measures for Measures for the rational
Rational Exploitation of exploitation of forest resources may
Forest Resources include, but shall not be limited to,
the following:
a) regulating the marketing of
threatened forest resources;
b) reviewing all existing rules
and regulations on the
exploitation of forest
resources with a view of
formulating guidelines for the
systematic and efficient
enforcement thereof;
c) conserving threatened
species of flora as well as
increasing their rate of
propagation; the banning of
destructive modes of
exploitation, kaingin making
or shifting cultivation,
indiscriminate harvesting of
minor forest products the
recycling methods of waste
materials, and
d) carrying out a continuing
effect on reforestation;
timber stand improvement;
forest protection; land
classification; forest
occupancy management;
agri-silviculture; range
management; agri-
silvicultural/kaingin
 management; industrial tree
plantation; parks and wildlife
management; multiple use
forest; timber management
and forest research.

SECTION 32. Use of The use of fertilizers and pesticides

Fertilizers and Pesticides. in agriculture shall be regulated
prescribing therefor a tolerance level
in their use. Their use shall be
monitored by appropriate
government agencies to provide
empirical data for effective
regulation.

SECTION 33. Management The national government, through

Policy on Soil Conservation the Department of Natural
Resources and the Department of
Agriculture, shall likewise undertake
a soil conservation program
including therein the identification
and protection of critical watershed
areas, encouragement of scientific
farming techniques, physical and
biological means of soil
conservation, and short-term and
long-term researches and
technology for effective soil
conservation
CHAPTER V Policy. — Consistent with the
Energy Development environmental protection policies,
SECTION 36 the national government, through
the Energy Development Board,
shall undertake an energy
development program encouraging
the utilization of invariant sources
such as solar, wind and tidal energy.
SECTION 37. Measures for Measures for energy development
Energy Development. program may include, but shall not
be limited to, the following:
a) setting up of pilot plants
utilizing invariant sources of
energy;
b) training of technical
personnel for purposes of
energy development; and
c) conducting researches
aimed at developing
technology for energy
development.
SECTION 38. Safety Rules and regulations shall be
Measures on Energy promulgated to prevent or mitigate
Development. the adverse effects of energy
development on the environment.
For this purpose, all nuclear
powered plants exploring and
utilizing geothermal energy, whether
owned or controlled by private or
government entities shall:
a) observe internationally
accepted standards of
safety; and
b) provide safety devices to
ensure the health and
welfare of their personnel as
well as the surrounding
community.

CHAPTER VI In addition to existing laws, the

Conservation and Utilization national government through the
of Surface and Ground National Water Resources Council
Waters in coordination with other
SECTION 39. Management appropriate government agencies,
Policy shall prescribe measures for the
conservation and improvement of
the quality of Philippine water
resources and provide for the
prevention, control and abatement
of water pollution.

CHAPTER VII The national government, through

Mineral Resources the Department of Natural
SECTION 40. Management Resources, shall undertake a
Policy system of gainful exploitation and
rational and efficient utilization of
mineral resources and shall
encourage citizen participation in
this endeavor.
SECTION 41. Measures for Measures for the gainful exploitation
Exploitation and Utilization and rational and efficient utilization
of Mineral Resources of such mineral resources may
include., but shall not be limited to,
the following:
a) increasing research and
development in mineral
resources technology;
b) training of additional
technical manpower needed
in geology, geophysics,
 mining engineering, and
related fields;
c) regulating the exploitation of
identified mineral reserves;
d) accelerating the exploration
of undiscovered mineral
deposits; and
e) encouraging the
establishment of processing
plants for refined metals.

TITLE V Purposes. — The purposes of this

Waste Management Title are:
SECTION 42. a) to set guidelines for waste
management with a view to
ensuring its effectiveness;
b) to encourage, promote and
stimulate technological,
educational, economic and
social efforts to prevent
environmental damage and
unnecessary loss of valuable
resources of the nation
through recovery, recycling
and re-use of wastes and
waste products; and
a) c) to provide measures to
guide and encourage
appropriate government
agencies in establishing
sound, efficient,
comprehensive and effective
waste management.
CHAPTER II Solid Waste disposal shall be by
Methods of Solid Waste sanitary landfill, incineration,
Disposal composting, and other methods as
SECTION 45. Solid Waste may be approved by competent
Disposal. government authority.

SECTION 46. Sanitary Local governments, including

Landfills. private individuals, corporations or
organizations may operate one or
more sanitary landfills. Any entity
proposing to operate a sanitary
landfill shall submit to the
appropriate government agency an
operational work plan showing,
among other things, a map of the
proposed work location, disposal
areas for rubbish, garbage, refuse
and other waste matter; and the
 equipment or machinery needed to
accomplish its operations. In no
case shall landfill or work locations
under this Section be located along
any shore or coastline, or along the
banks of rivers and streams, lakes,
throughout their entire length, in
violation of any existing rules and
regulations.
SECTION 47. Incineration The installation and establishment
and Composting Plants. of incineration or composting plants,
or the alteration/modification of any
part thereof shall be regulated by
the local governments concerned in
coordination with the National
Pollution Control Commission.

SECTION 48. Disposal The location of solid waste disposal

Sites. sites shall conform with existing
zoning; land use standards, and
pollution control regulations.
SECTION 49. Dumping into The dumping or disposal of solid
the Sea and Other wastes into the sea and any body of
Navigable Waters water in the Philippines, including
shorelines and river banks, where
these wastes are likely to be
washed into the water is prohibited.
However, dumping of solid wastes
or other materials into the sea or
any navigable waters shall be
permitted in case of immediate or
imminent danger to life and
property, subject to the rules and
regulations of the Philippine Coast
Guard and the National Pollution
Control Commission.
CHAPTER III Wastewater from manufacturing
Methods of Liquid Waste plants, industries, community, or
Disposal domestic sources shall be treated
SECTION 50. Liquid Waste either physically, biologically or
Disposal chemically prior to disposal in
accordance with the rules and
regulations promulgated by proper
government authority.
SECTION 51. Applicability The provisions of Sec. 8 hereof shall
of Sec. 8 likewise apply to the dumping or
disposal of liquid waste into the sea
and other bodies of water.
COMPLETE LIST OF ALL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND POLICIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Presidential Decree Article/Tittle Definition of the Law

No.
Presidential Decree Philippine Environmental In the pursuit of advancing both the
No. 1151 (06 June Policy productive and harmonious
1977):. relationship of nature and the
Filipino people of today and the
future, the Philippine Environmental
Policy mandates an intensive and
integrated national environmental
protection program mainly by
requiring environmental impact
assessments and statements
Presidential Decree Philippine Environmental This policy established the
No. 1586 (11 June Impact Statement System Philippine Environmental Impact
1978):. Statement System (PEISS) as the
framework for all environmental
impact assessment activities
nationwide. In consonance with the
Philippine Environmental Policy (PD
1151), the PEISS includes the
classification of every development
project as either environmentally
critical or environmentally non-
critical. All projects that can
potentially cause any form of
significant impact to the
environment are regarded as
environmentally critical and are
therefore required to secure an
Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC)
Republic Act No. 7611: Strategic Environmental The Strategic Environmental Plan
Plan for Palawan Act of (SEP) is “a comprehensive
1992 framework for the sustainable
development of Palawan.” All
projects of government agencies,
from planning to implementation, in
the province should be coordinated
and aligned to this framework. The
main strategy here is to establish an
“Environmentally Critical Areas
Network” or ECAN which is a
graded system of protective control
over all terrestrial and marine
natural resources, as well as the
tribal ancestral lands in Palawan.
The Palawan Council for
 Sustainable Development
(PCSD) was created pursuant to
this policy.
Republic Act No. Climate Change Act of 2009 In light of the climate vulnerability of
9729:. the Philippines and its people, the
Climate Change Act of 2009
integrates climate change
adaptation and mitigation strategies
into policy formulation and
development activities of all
government agencies. It also
created the Climate Change
Commission, chaired by the
President of the Republic of the
Philippines, as the central entity for
all climate change-related plans and
programs in the country
Rules of Procedure for Writ of Kalikasan The Writ of Kalikasan (A.M. No. 09-
Environmental 6-8-SC Rule 7) is one of the two (2)
Cases (A.M. No. 09-6- special civil actions that any person
8-SC, 29 April 2010) or entity can avail of whenever their
constitutional right to a balanced
and healthy environment is violated
or threatened. The other civil action
that can be availed of is the Writ for
Continuing Mandamus (A.M. No.
09-6-8-SC Rule 8) which applies
when a government agency or
officer violates an environmental
policy
Philippine Disaster Making the then National To serve as the lead agency for
Risk Reduction and Disaster Coordinating disaster-related programs in the
Management Act of Council (NDCC) into what Philippines such as but not limited to
2010 we know today as the development of the
Republic Act No. the National Disaster Risk comprehensive guides for DRR
10121: Reduction and efforts nationwide (referred to as
Management Council the National Disaster Risk
(NDRRMC) Reduction and Management
Framework [NDRRMF] and National
Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Plan [NDRRMP]).
Here is the NDRRMP for Pursuant to this Act, regional,
2011 to 2028. (Section 14). provincial, city, and municipal
Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) councils and
barangay DRRM committees were
also created. Among other
provisions, RA 10121 also
mandated DRRM Education in
secondary and tertiary education as
 well as in the Sangguniang
Kabataan along with the Mandatory
DRRM training for public sector
employees
Presidential Decree Philippine Sanitation Code The Philippine Sanitation Code sets
No. 856 (23 December (Chapter XVII). sanitary standards for drinking
1975): water, food and other business
establishments, industrial hygiene,
schools, health services, markets,
slaughterhouses, transport vehicles,
terminals and other service stations,
and lodging areas and
infrastructures among many others.
It regulates nuisances (anything that
injures health, endangers life,
offends senses, or produces
discomfort to the community), and
activities concerning dead persons,
their funeral, and remains.
Importantly, it regulates other forms
of pollution not covered in the
above-mentioned places like that
caused by certain substances,
radiation, noise, and biological
pollutants among others. It also sets
the requirements for the collection of
sewage, operation of sewerage
works and sewage treatment plants,
construction of septic tanks, and
disposal of septic tank effluents
Presidential Decree Marine Pollution Decree of Pursuant to this policy, dumping of
No. 979 (18 August 1976 wastes and other hazardous matter
1976): into the ocean and inland waters of
the Philippines is considered
unlawful unless due to unavoidable
accidents or otherwise prescribed
by the National Pollution Control
Commission or the Philippine Coast
Guard.

Presidential Decree Water Code of the The Water Code of the Philippines
No. 1067 (31 Philippines governs the ownership, allocation,
December 1976): utilization, control, conservation, and
the overall administration of all
waters and water resources in the
country through the National Water
Resources Board. Filipinos of legal
age and entities, including
government agencies, must acquire
a water permit (the written evidence
of having a water right) in order to
 be able to appropriate and use
water. Any activities affecting water
resources shall likewise acquire a
permit first.
The water permit specifies among
others the
(1) Maximum amount
and rate as well as
the schedule of water
diversion or
withdrawal,
(2) Location of wells,
(3) Place of use, and
(4) Purpose/s of water
use
The streambank easement zones of
three (3) meters for urban areas,
twenty (20) meters for agricultural
areas, and forty (40) meters for
forest areas along the entire length
of the rivers and streams are also
mandated under Article 51 of this
Code.

Republic Act No. 6969: Toxic Substances and Importation, manufacturing,

Hazardous and Nuclear processing, sale, distribution, use,
Wastes Control Act of 1990 and disposal of substances that
pose an unreasonable risk and/or
injury to the health of the people
and the environment are prohibited
under this Act. All chemicals being
presently imported, manufactured,
or used in the country are listed in
an inventory with full details and any
new substances must undergo pre-
manufacturing or pre-importation
regulations.
Republic Act No. 8749: Philippine Clean Air Act of One of the salient features of this
1999 Act is the establishment of a multi-
sectoral Integrated Air Quality
Improvement Framework and Air
Quality Control Action Plan which
will serve as the primary guide for
air pollution management and
control in the country. Adopting a
multi-sectoral or participatory
approach (also called “partnership
approach to healthy air” or “people-
driven approach”) means that ideas
and comments should be gathered
 from all stakeholders, and
information is largely disclosed to
the public. Alongside many other
regulatory measures, all sources of
air pollutant emissions are also
mandated by this Act to secure a
permit to operate apart from the
Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC). Importantly, this
Act sets the emission limits for
various types of pollutants both
stationary and mobile, including
smoking, fuel and fuel additives,
ozone-depleting substances,
greenhouse gases, and organic
pollutants among many others.
Republic Act No. 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Aimed at establishing a nationwide
Management Act of 2000 ecological solid waste management
program, this Act provides for the
furtherance of proper segregation,
collection and transport, recycling,
and composting of wastes in the
Philippines. Article 6 of RA 9003
promulgates the guidelines for a
comprehensive waste management
strategy including but not limited to:
Prohibition of open dumps,
Requiring a permit for solid waste
management facility construction
and expansion, Guidelines for
controlled dumps, and Criteria for
siting, establishment, and
operations of sanitary landfills in the
country.

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https://lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1975/pd_705_1975.html
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