Environmental Laws and Policies Notes

Environmental policies are rules and regulations designed to protect natural resources.

Governs general policies for a better quality of life for present and future generations.
Mandates environmental impact assessments for all projects that may significantly affect the environment.

Purpose: To achieve and maintain air quality levels that protect public health, prevent damage to plant and animal life and property, and promote social and economic development.

*   Section 37 Protection of all resources. All measures shall be taken to protect the forest resources from destruction, impairment and depletion.

Covers underground water, water above the ground, water in the atmosphere, and the waters of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines.

Section 8: No person shall dispose of any matter into water, air, and/or land resources of the Philippines that causes pollution.
Section 8:
No person shall perform any of the following activities without first securing a permit from the Commission for the discharge of all industrial wastes and other wastes which could cause pollution:
- the construction, installation, modification or operation of any sewage works or any extension or addition thereto
- the increase in volume or strength of any wastes in excess of the permissive discharge specified under any existing permit
- the construction, installation or operation of any industrial or commercial establishments or any extension or modification thereof or addition thereto, the operation of which would cause an increase in the discharge of waste directly into the water, air and/or land resources of the Philippines or would otherwise alter their physical, chemical or biological properties in any manner not already lawfully authorized.

Aims to adopt an ecological solid waste management program.
Ensures the protection of public health and environment.
Maximizes utilization, conserves, and recovers valuable resources.
Establishes the National Solid Waste Management Commission.
Directs local government units to constitute a Provincial/City/Municipal Solid Waste Management Board.
Details responsibilities of LGUs in solid waste management, such as:
- Preparing a solid waste management plan
- Implementing mandatory waste segregation
- Establishing waste management facilities

Formally established in 1978 through PD 1586.
Aims to facilitate a rational and orderly balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection.
Requires private corporations, firms, entities, including government agencies, to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for every project as an application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Who Issues ECC?
The ECC ensures that a project meets environmental standards and regulations, preventing potential harm to the environment.

Aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air Quality Guideline and values for criteria pollutants throughout the Philippines.
Minimizes possible associated impacts on the economy.
Directs DENR to establish a comprehensive air quality management system.
Directs DOTr, LGUs, DTI, and DOE to focus on the prevention of air pollution from:
- Mobile sources
- Point or stationary sources (e.g., industrial plants)
- Area sources (e.g., wood/coal burning)

Aims to protect the country’s bodies of water from pollution from land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture, and community or household activities).
Employs a comprehensive strategy to prevent and minimize pollution.
Directs DENR and the National Water Resource Board to constitute a system to prevent pollution in all bodies of water.
Encourages, through incentives and rewards, all concerned government agencies, LGUs, and NGOs to participate in the water quality management initiative of the DENR.

Enjoins national agencies, LGUs, businesses, NGOs, local communities, and the public to prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of climate change and maximize its benefits.
Aims to incorporate an inclusive perspective in all climate change and renewable energy efforts, plans, and programs.
Strengthens, integrates, consolidates, and institutionalizes government initiatives to achieve coordination in the implementation of plans and programs to address climate change while ensuring sustainable development.

Aims to regulate the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use, and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk and/or injury to health or the environment.
Directs DENR to record and monitor the presence of hazardous chemicals in the country, including manufacturing, importation, and/or use.
Gives DENR the authority to call on government agencies, state universities and colleges, and other government facilities as part of its function of managing the presence of hazardous chemical substances in the country.

Allows the government, as a prominent market stakeholder, to contribute to sustainable development by going green in terms of procurement.
Through the GPP, the government takes on a leading role to convert the market to a green market by purchasing ecologically friendly goods, services, and infrastructure.