Philippine Environmental Laws

Environmental Laws in the Philippines

• The Wildlife Act (RA 9147) aims to conserve and protect wildlife resources and their habitats.
• The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act (RA 7586 of 1992) and its extension (RA 11038 of 2018) focus on biodiversity conservation and establishing a framework for protected areas.

Air Quality Management

• The Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749 of 1999) establishes a comprehensive air pollution control policy, prohibiting certain forms of waste disposal, and regulating emissions.
• The Act mandates the establishment of an Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework and Air Quality Control Action Plan.
• All sources of air pollutant emissions require a permit in the form of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Waste Management

• The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003 of 2000) promotes proper segregation, collection, transport, recycling, and composting of wastes.
• The Act declares certain acts prohibited and provides penalties for non-compliance.

Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes

• The Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act (RA 6969 of 1990) regulates the control of toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes.
• The Act requires an inventory of all chemicals imported, manufactured, or used in the country, with full details.

Environmental Policy and Framework

• The Philippine Environmental Policy (P.D. 1151 of 1977) aims to establish an intensive and integrated national environmental protection program.
• The Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (P.D. 1586 of 1978) classifies development projects as environmentally critical or non-critical and requires an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Regional Environmental Policy

• The Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act (RA 7611 of 1992) establishes an “Environmentally Critical Areas Network” (ECAN) and created the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

Climate Change and Disaster Management

• The Climate Change Act (RA 9729 of 2009) integrates climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into policy formulation and development activities.
• The Act created the Climate Change Commission.
• The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121 of 2010) designates the lead agency for disaster-related programs and establishes the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP).

Environmental Laws and Policies on Waste and Pollution

• The Philippine Sanitation Code (P.D. 856) sets sanitary standards for drinking water, food, and other business establishments.
• The Marine Pollution Decree of 1976 (P.D. 979) prohibits the dumping of wastes and hazardous matter into the ocean and inland waters.
• The Water Code of the Philippines (P.D. 1067) governs the ownership, allocation, utilization, control, conservation, and administration of all waters and water resources.
• The Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275 of 2004) regulates water pollution through the acquisition of water pollution permits and the Wastewater Charge System.