1.

Philippine Environmental Policy (PD 1151)

Presidential Decree No. 1151 (1977) – The foundation of environmental protection in the Philippines.

Key Features:

 Right to a Healthy Environment: Recognizes the public’s right to a healthful ecology.

 Government Responsibility: The state must ensure environmental quality for present and future
generations.

 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): All projects that may significantly affect the
environment must undergo EIA.

 Sustainable Development Principle: Balance between economic activities and nature.

 Citizen Participation: Encourages public involvement in protecting the environment.

 PD 1586 (1978): Institutionalized the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.

Importance:

 Addresses climate vulnerability, biodiversity conservation, public health, and economic

sustainability.

2. Environmental Law in the Philippines

Definition:
A collection of laws and regulations focused on environmental protection, public health, and
sustainable resource use.

Key Areas:

 Air, Water, Waste Management, and Biodiversity Conservation

Notable Environmental Laws:

 RA 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (2000)

 RA 9275 – Clean Water Act (2004)

 RA 8749 – Clean Air Act (1999)

 RA 6969 – Hazardous Waste Control Act (1990)

 PD 1586 – EIS System (1978)

 PD 1181 – Regulates Vehicle Emissions

 RA 9729 – Climate Change Act (2009)

 RA 7942 – Philippine Mining Act (1995)

Role of DENR:

 Implements environmental laws, policies, and programs

Importance in Development:

 Integrates environmental concerns into national planning

 Promotes green technologies and sustainable economic development

3. Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729)

Overview:

Signed into law on October 23, 2009

Focused on reducing and adapting to climate change effects

Key Features:

 Climate Change Commission (CCC): Main body for climate policy coordination, chaired by the
President

Goals:

 Adaptation: Help communities adjust to climate impacts

 Mitigation: Limit greenhouse gas emissions

 Mainstreaming: Climate change integrated into all levels of planning

 Focus on Vulnerable Sectors: Urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, IPs

 Research & Education: Encourages public awareness and scientific research

Importance:

 Responds to the country’s high vulnerability to climate-related disasters

 Aims to protect ecosystems and promote sustainability

🌊 The Marine Pollution Decree of 1976 (PD 979)

Historical Background:

 Catalyst: 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill → global concern on marine pollution.

 Framework Inspiration: U.S. Clean Water Act (1972) and London Dumping Convention (1972).

Key Provisions:

 Dumping Prohibition: Bans dumping of harmful waste into Philippine waters.

 Discharge Regulations: Controls on waste discharge from ships and offshore platforms.

 Marine Sanctuaries: Created to protect biodiversity.

 Permits: Required for dumping and discharge activities.

Targeted Pollutants:

 Oil, chemicals, plastics, sewage.

Enforcement:

 Agencies: EPA and Coast Guard.

 Penalties: ₱50,000–₱250,000 fines and jail time.

 Citizen Suits: Public can sue/report polluters.

Environmental Impact:

 Cleaner coastal waters.

 Reduced oil and chemical spills.

 Plastic pollution lowered.

 Biodiversity improved.

Challenges:

Limited enforcement resources.

Difficulty regulating non-point sources (runoff, etc.).

 New threats like microplastics and pharmaceuticals.

 Climate change complications (acidification, sea level rise).

 Global cooperation is needed for cross-border pollution.

Modern Relevance:

 Regularly updated for new challenges.

 Emphasis on sustainability and ecosystem-based management.

 Adoption of tech innovations (e.g., ballast water treatment).

🚰 Water Code of the Philippines (PD 1067)

Date Enacted: December 31, 1976
Purpose: Regulate ownership, use, and development of all water resources.

Key Objectives:

 Rational use and conservation of water resources.

 Define rights and obligations of water users.

 Empower government agencies for regulation and enforcement.

Principles:

 All waters belong to the State.

 No acquisitive prescription (you can’t gain ownership over time).

 State allows usage through administrative concession.

 Regulated by National Water Resources Council (NWRC).

Waters Covered:

 Rivers, springs, lakes, lagoons, groundwater, rainwater, seawater—even those on private lands.

Administrative Body:

 NWRC: Enforces the Water Code, issues permits, and implements penalties.

Importance:

 Promotes sustainable water use.

 Prevents misuse and over-extraction.

 Supports agriculture, energy, sanitation, and national development.

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749)

Enacted: June 23, 1999

Author: Senator Loren Legarda
Goal: Achieve and maintain clean air for a healthier environment and population.

Key Features:

 Sets national air quality standards.

 Regulates emissions from vehicles, factories, and other sources.

 Bans smoking in public places.

 Promotes clean technologies and eco-friendly innovations.

 DENR is the lead agency.

Violations and Penalties:

 Fines: ₱10,000–₱100,000 per day.

 Up to 6 years in jail.

 DENR can shut down polluting operations.

Citizen Responsibilities:

 Avoid pollution (e.g., no open burning, smoke-belching).

 Report violations to DENR or LGUs.

 Join clean air education programs.

 Support eco-lifestyle (reuse, carpool, etc.).

 Participate in community efforts (clean-ups, tree planting).

Why It Matters:

 Prevents diseases like asthma, heart conditions, and cancer.

 Supports sustainable development and public health.

1. Environmental Law: Overview and Importance

Definition:
A set of legal frameworks regulating human interaction with the environment, aiming to protect
human health, natural resources, and ecosystems.

Key Areas of Focus:

 Pollution Control

 Sustainable Resource Management

 Waste Management & Cleanup

 Chemical Safety

 Biodiversity & Conservation

Roles in Environmental Law:

 Environmental Lawyers: Handle disputes, compliance, and advocacy.

 Policymakers: Shape laws and regulations.

 Game Wardens: Enforce laws related to wildlife and conservation.

Impact on Health and Society:

 Reduces air and water pollution

 Promotes environmental justice

 Ensures public participation and fair enforcement

Key U.S. Laws (for comparison):

 Clean Air Act (CAA)

 Clean Water Act (CWA)

 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

 Superfund (CERCLA)

International Treaties:

 UNFCCC (Climate Change)

 CITES (Wildlife Trade)

 Basel Convention (Hazardous Waste)

2. RA 9729 – Climate Change Act of 2009

Purpose:
Mainstream climate change into government policy and build a climate-resilient, low-carbon
economy.

Key Features:

 Establishes the Climate Change Commission (CCC) under the Office of the President.

 Mandates all LGUs to create Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs).

 Supports integration of climate adaptation and mitigation in all development plans.

Impact:

 Strengthens national and local climate responses.

 Aligns with global agreements like the Paris Agreement.

 Enabled the creation of the People’s Survival Fund (RA 10174).

Importance:

 Recognizes climate change as a critical issue.

 Empowers communities and ensures environmental integrity.

☣️3. RA 6969 – Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990
Purpose:
Regulate toxic chemicals and hazardous/nuclear waste to protect human health and the environment.

Substances Covered:

 Toxic Substances (e.g., mercury, lead)

 Hazardous Waste (e.g., hospital waste, industrial sludge)

 Nuclear Waste (e.g., radioactive medical waste)

Key Provisions:

 Registration & Labeling: All substances must be registered with the DENR and properly labeled.

 Permits: Required for handling, transport, and disposal.

 Prohibited Acts: Illegal dumping, importation, and improper labeling.

 Penalties: Fines up to ₱1,000,000 and up to 6 years imprisonment.

Enforcement Agencies:

 DENR – Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)

 Works with DOH, DOST, and Bureau of Customs

Implementation Challenges:

 Public awareness gaps

 Inadequate treatment facilities

 Illegal importation of waste

Public Involvement:

 Report violations

 Advocate for proper waste handling

 Practice environmental responsibility

🌿 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS & WASTEWATER TREATMENT REVIEWER

📘 1. What is Environmental Law?

Environmental law is a system of rules that protects the natural environment and human health by
regulating pollution, resource use, and waste.

💡 Key Goals:

 Control pollution

 Promote sustainable resource management

 Ensure chemical safety

 Conserve biodiversity

 Manage waste
 2. Key Roles in Environmental Law:
Role Function
Environmental Lawyers Handle legal disputes and help with compliance
Policy Makers Draft and enforce regulations
Game Wardens Protect wildlife and enforce conservation laws

📜 3. Important Philippine Environmental Laws

🇵🇭 RA 9729 – Climate Change Act of 2009

Goal: Integrate climate change into government plans and make communities resilient.

Main Features:

 Created Climate Change Commission (CCC)

 Requires Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs)

 Promotes low-carbon development

 Supports international efforts like the Paris Agreement

“There is no Planet B — climate action starts now.”

☢️RA 6969 – Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990

Purpose: Regulate chemicals and hazardous/nuclear waste to protect health and the environment.

Covers:

 Toxic substances (e.g., mercury, lead)

 Hazardous waste (e.g., lab waste, industrial sludge)

 Nuclear waste (e.g., radioactive materials)

Key Provisions:

 Registration & labeling of chemicals

 Permits for transport & disposal

 Prohibited Acts: Illegal dumping, improper labeling/importation

 Penalties: Up to ₱1,000,000 fine, 6 years jail

 Enforced by: DENR (EMB), with DOH, DOST, and Customs

⚖️4. Importance of Environmental Law

 Ensures clean air and water

 Promotes safe waste management

 Prevents environmental injustice

 Encourages public participation and awareness

 Aligns the Philippines with global standards

🌊 5. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS

A process that cleans dirty water (sewage) before releasing it back into rivers or seas.
🏭 Major Steps:
Stage Description
1. Preliminary
Removes large debris using screens and comminutors (grinders).
Treatment
Wastewater goes into a grit chamber and primary clarifier to settle out solid
2. Primary Treatment
particles.
3. Secondary Uses aeration tanks to add oxygen and activated sludge (bacteria) to break
Treatment down waste.
4. Secondary Clarifier Sludge settles; return sludge is recycled. Clean water (effluent) moves on.
5. Disinfection Water is treated with disinfectants to kill harmful microbes.
6. Discharge Treated water is released into surface water like rivers or seas.
Remaining sludge is treated, dried, and properly disposed of or used as
7. Sludge Treatment
fertilizer.

📝 Summary:

 RA 9729: Focuses on climate change policies and resilience.

 RA 6969: Regulates toxic and hazardous waste.

 Environmental law helps protect people and nature.

 Wastewater treatment ensures clean water is safely returned to nature.