Philippine Environmental Laws

Environmental Laws in the Philippines

• The Philippine environmental laws encompass a range of acts aimed at protecting air, water, solid waste management, control of hazardous substances, and conservation of wildlife.

Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749) of 1999

• Protects the right to a balanced and healthful ecology.
• Local government units are primarily responsible for environmental issues.
• Polluters must pay for their pollution.
• Balances development and environmental protection.
• Focuses on pollution prevention.
• Defines air pollution as any alteration of atmospheric air that is harmful to public health or welfare.
• Defines ambient air quality as the general amount of pollution present in a broad area.
• Establishes ambient air quality guideline values.
• Issues Certificates of Conformity for vehicles.
• Regulates hazardous substances and ozone-depleting substances.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) of 2000

• Aims for systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management.
• Protects public health and the environment.
• Encourages resource conservation and recovery.
• Promotes proper segregation, collection, and disposal of solid waste.
• Reduces solid waste through various methods including composting and recycling.
• Encourages private sector participation.
• Strengthens local government units' responsibility.
• Institutionalizes public participation and education on waste management.

Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275) of 2004

• Promotes economic growth consistent with water quality protection.
• Implements a comprehensive water quality management program.
• Promotes environment-friendly processes.
• Encourages public participation in water quality management.
• Regulates water pollutants.
• Implements a system for accountability for environmental impact.
• Focuses on pollution prevention and public education.

Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act (RA 6969) of 1990

• Regulates toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes.
• Prevents the entry and disposal of hazardous wastes into the Philippines.
• Keeps an inventory of chemicals.
• Monitors and regulates hazardous substances.
• Educates the public on the hazards of toxic substances.
• Prevents the entry and disposal of hazardous wastes.

Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) of 2001

• Conserves wildlife resources and their habitats.
• Regulates the collection and trade of wildlife.
• Supports international commitments to wildlife protection.
• Prohibits killing or destroying wildlife except under specified conditions.
• Prohibits inflicting injury on wildlife.
• Prohibits engaging in activities harmful to critical habitats such as dumping waste, logging, and mining.
• Prohibits trading, collecting, or possessing wildlife without proper authorization.