Complete List of all Environmental Laws and Policies in the

Philippines
Philippine Environmental Policy
Presidential Decree No. 1151 (06 June 1977): In the pursuit of advancing
both the productive and harmonious 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.

Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

Presidential Decree No. 1586 (11 June 1978): This policy established the
Philippine Environmental Impact 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).

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act of 1992

Republic Act No. 7611: The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) is “a
comprehensive 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.

Climate Change Act of 2009

Republic Act No. 9729: In light of the climate vulnerability of 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.

Writ of Kalikasan

Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC, 29 April 2010):
The Writ of Kalikasan (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC Rule 7) is one of the two (2) special civil
actions that any person 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 Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010

Republic Act No. 10121: Making the then National Disaster Coordinating
Council (NDCC) into what we know today as the National Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Council (NDRRMC) to serve as the lead agency for disaster-
related programs in the Philippines such as but not limited to the development of the
comprehensive guides for DRR efforts nationwide (referred to as the National
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework [NDRRMF] and National

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan [NDRRMP]).

Here is the NDRRMP for 2011 to 2028. Pursuant to this Act, regional,
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 (Section 14).

POLICIES ON WASTE & POLLUTION

Philippine Sanitation Code

Presidential Decree No. 856 (23 December 1975): The Philippine Sanitation
Code sets sanitary standards for drinking 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 (Chapter XVII).

Marine Pollution Decree of 1976

Presidential Decree No. 979 (18 August 1976): Pursuant to this policy,
dumping of wastes and other hazardous matter 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.

Philippine Environmental Policy

Presidential Decree No. 1151 (06 June 1977): In the pursuit of advancing
both the productive and harmonious 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.

Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

Presidential Decree No. 1586 (11 June 1978): This policy established the
Philippine Environmental Impact 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).

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act of 1992

Republic Act No. 7611: The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) is “a
comprehensive 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.

Water Code of the Philippines

Presidential Decree No. 1067 (31 December 1976): The Water Code of the
Philippines governs the ownership, allocation, 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.

Presidential Decree No. 1151 (06 June 1977): In the pursuit of advancing
both the productive and harmonious 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.
Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

Presidential Decree No. 1586 (11 June 1978): This policy established the
Philippine Environmental Impact 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).

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act of 1992

Republic Act No. 7611: The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) is “a
comprehensive 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.

Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990
Republic Act No. 6969: Importation, manufacturing, processing, sale,
distribution, use, 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.

Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

Republic Act No. 8749: One of the salient features of this 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.
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
Republic Act No. 9003: Aimed at establishing a nationwide 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.
We wrote about solid waste management planning, requirements for solid waste
management operations and the different guidelines for waste management facilities
as mandated by this Ac
Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
Republic Act No. 9275: The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 is the comprehensive
strategy for the protection and conservation of the country’s water resources, both
freshwater and marine. This Act requires the acquisition of water pollution permits
through the “Wastewater Charge System” which ensures that there are no
unauthorized, undocumented, and unregulated discharges in any water body in the
Philippines. Project and program proponents are also required to establish an
environmental guarantee fund (EGF) in order to finance the preservation and/or
rehabilitation of the health of the affected ecosystems, especially that of the
watersheds and aquifers among others. All persons or organizations that cause
pollution are likewise required to clean-up any pollution they have caused at their
own expense.

Pollution is an ever-present threat to our environment, impacting the air we breathe,

the water we drink, and the land we inhabit. Understanding the different types of
pollution, their causes, and consequences is crucial for finding solutions and
protecting our planet.

Air Pollution:

 Causes: Primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, industries, and power
plants. This releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and
particulate matter.
  Effects:
o Respiratory problems like asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.
o Acid rain, damaging ecosystems and buildings.
o Climate change, leading to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising
sea levels.

Water Pollution:

 Causes:
o Industrial waste: Untreated chemicals and heavy metals from factories contaminate
waterways.
o Sewage: Untreated sewage discharge introduces harmful bacteria and pathogens.
o Agricultural runoff: Excess fertilizers and pesticides from farms pollute rivers and
lakes.
o Oil spills: Accidental or intentional oil releases create environmental disasters.
 Effects:

o Harms aquatic life, leading to species decline and ecosystem disruption.

o Makes water unsafe for drinking and recreation.
o Contributes to algal blooms, depleting oxygen and killing aquatic life.

Land Pollution:

 Causes:

o Improper waste disposal: Landfills overflowing with plastic, electronic waste, and
other non-biodegradable materials.
o Industrial waste: Untreated industrial waste contaminates soil and groundwater.
o Agricultural practices: Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers harms soil fertility
and pollutes groundwater.

 Effects:

o Reduces soil fertility, impacting food production.

o Harms plants and animals living in the soil.
o Contaminates groundwater, making it unsafe for drinking and irrigation.

Interconnectedness of Pollution:

It's crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of these pollution types:

 Air pollution can settle on land and water, further contaminating them.
 Polluted land can leach pollutants into groundwater and waterways.
 Water pollution can evaporate into the air, contributing to air quality issues.

Consequences of Pollution:

The consequences of pollution are far-reaching and severe:

 Health impacts: Respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and long-term health problems
like cancer can be directly linked to pollution.
 Economic impacts: Pollution cleanup costs billions annually, impacting industries like tourism
and agriculture.
  Biodiversity loss: Pollution disrupts ecosystems, leading to species extinction and habitat
destruction.

Solutions and Mitigating Pollution:

Addressing pollution requires a multi-pronged approach:

 Regulations and Policies: Implementing stricter environmental regulations and enforcing

them effectively.
 Renewable Energy Transition: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like
solar, wind, and geothermal.
 Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture, waste management, and industrial
processes.
 Individual Responsibility: Reducing car usage, adopting eco-friendly practices, and
minimizing waste generation.

Depletion of natural resources refers to the situation where we consume resources

from the environment faster than they can be replenished. This means we are using
up these resources at a rate that exceeds their natural ability to be restored.

Here are some key points about resource depletion:

 Types of Resources: It affects both renewable and non-renewable resources:

o Renewable resources: Can be replenished over time, like forests, water, and fish
populations. However, if used faster than their natural rate of renewal, they can still
become depleted.
o Non-renewable resources: Cannot be replaced within a human timeframe, like
fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas), minerals, and some metals. Once extracted and used, they
are gone.
 Causes of Depletion: Several factors contribute to resource depletion, including:

o Population growth: As the global population increases, so does the demand for
resources.
o Overconsumption and waste: Excessive and wasteful use of resources accelerates
depletion.
o Deforestation and ecosystem destruction: These disrupt natural processes that
replenish resources.
o Mining and extraction: Unsustainable practices in extracting minerals and fossil
fuels deplete these resources.
o Pollution and contamination: Pollution can damage resources and make them
unusable.

 Consequences of Depletion: Resource depletion has significant consequences:

o Increased costs: As resources become scarcer, their prices tend to rise.

o Ecosystem dysfunction: Depletion can disrupt natural ecosystems and harm
biodiversity.
o Climate change: Burning fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and
climate change.
Therefore, addressing resource depletion is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future
for our planet and its inhabitants.

Agricultural production refers to the series of activities involved in cultivating and

raising plants and animals for the purpose of producing food, fiber, fuel, and
other useful products. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including:

 Crop cultivation: This includes growing field crops like cereals, vegetables, fruits, and other
plants.
 Animal husbandry: This involves raising livestock such as cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, and
other animals for meat, milk, eggs, and other products.
 Aquaculture: This is the farming of aquatic animals and plants, like fish, shellfish, and
seaweed.
 Forestry: This involves the management and harvesting of trees for timber, pulpwood, and
other forest products.

Here are some key aspects of agricultural production:

 Importance: It plays a crucial role in fulfilling basic human needs like food, clothing, and
shelter.
 Economic impact: It is a significant contributor to the global economy, providing income and
employment for millions of people worldwide.
 Diversity: Agricultural production encompasses a vast array of products and practices,
varying depending on climate, resources, and cultural preferences.
 Challenges: It faces various challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, pests
and diseases, and ensuring sustainable practices.

Here are some additional points to consider:

 Types of production systems: Agricultural production can be categorized into different

systems like:

o Monoculture: Growing a single crop on a large area.

o Mixed farming: Combining crop and livestock production on the same land.
o Organic farming: Utilizing natural methods and avoiding synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides.

 Technological advancements: Modern agriculture utilizes various technologies like

machinery, irrigation systems, and genetic engineering to improve efficiency and yields.

Overall, agricultural production is a fundamental activity vital for sustaining human

life and supporting global economies.

Here's a breakdown of industrialization and urbanization:

Industrialization:
  Definition: The large-scale shift from an agrarian economy based on agriculture to a
manufacturing economy driven by factories and machinery.
 Key characteristics:
o Increased production of goods through mass production and assembly lines.
o Mechanization replacing manual labor, leading to higher efficiency.
o Specialization of labor and division of tasks within factories.
o Technological advancements driving innovation and productivity.

Urbanization:

 Definition: The growth and expansion of cities, leading to a larger proportion of the
population living in urban areas.
 Causes:
o Job opportunities created by industrialization attracting people to cities.
o Development of infrastructure and services catering to urban populations.
o Migration from rural areas seeking better living conditions and opportunities.

Interconnectedness:

 Industrialization and urbanization are often closely linked:

o Industrialization creates job opportunities in cities, drawing people from rural areas.
o Urbanization provides a concentrated workforce and market for industrial goods.
o Cities become centers of economic activity and innovation, further fueling
industrialization.

Historical Context:

 The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant period of rapid
industrialization and urbanization in many parts of the world.
 This transformation had a profound impact on societies, leading to:
o Economic growth and wealth creation.
o Social changes like the rise of the working class.
o Development of modern urban infrastructure and transportation systems.

Additional Points:

 Industrialization and urbanization are ongoing processes, with their impacts continuing to
shape societies today.
 Challenges associated with these processes include:
o Environmental pollution and resource depletion.
o Social inequalities and economic disparities.
o Urban sprawl and infrastructure strain in rapidly growing cities.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending the historical and

contemporary development of human societies.

Solid waste disposal refers to the entire process of collecting, treating, and disposing
of unwanted solid materials. It encompasses a range of activities to manage the waste
generated by households, businesses, industries, and other sources. Here's a
breakdown:

What is considered solid waste?

  It includes any discarded or unwanted material, not just things that are physically solid.
Examples include:
o Garbage (food scraps, yard waste)
o Rubbish (paper, plastic, glass, metal)
o Construction debris
o Industrial waste
o Sludge from water treatment plants

Key stages of solid waste disposal:

1. Collection: Waste is gathered from its source, often through curbside pickup or designated
drop-off points.
2. Transportation: Collected waste is hauled to processing or disposal facilities.
3. Treatment: Depending on the type of waste, it may undergo various treatments like:

o Recycling: Separating and processing materials for reuse.

o Composting: Converting organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
o Incineration: Burning waste to generate energy.

4. Disposal: The remaining waste that cannot be recycled or treated is typically disposed of in:

o Landfills: Engineered sites where waste is buried and compacted.

o Waste-to-energy facilities: Converting waste into usable energy.

Importance of proper solid waste disposal:

 Environmental protection: Improper disposal can lead to pollution of air, water, and soil,
harming ecosystems and human health.
 Public health: Unmanaged waste can attract pests and create unsanitary conditions, posing
health risks.
 Resource recovery: Recycling and composting conserve resources and reduce the need for
landfills.

Challenges in solid waste disposal:

 Increasing waste generation: As populations grow and consumption patterns change, the
amount of waste produced also increases.
 Limited landfill space: Landfills are a finite resource, and their capacity needs careful
management.
 Balancing environmental and economic considerations: Implementing sustainable waste
management practices often involves balancing costs and environmental benefits.

By understanding the importance and challenges of solid waste disposal, we can strive
for more efficient and environmentally responsible waste management systems.

The Philippines has a framework of several key environmental laws aimed at

protecting natural resources and promoting a healthy environment. Here are some of
the most fundamental ones:

General Environmental Laws:

  Philippine Environmental Policy (Presidential Decree No. 1151): This decree establishes the
country's overall environmental policy, emphasizing the right to a healthy environment and
the importance of environmental impact assessment.
 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System (Presidential Decree No. 1586): This law
mandates the implementation of the EIS system, requiring environmental assessments for
major projects to identify potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures.

Pollution Control and Waste Management:

 Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749): This act aims to achieve and maintain clean air quality
throughout the Philippines by regulating air pollution sources like industrial emissions and
vehicle exhaust.
 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003): This law establishes a
comprehensive framework for solid waste management, promoting waste reduction,
segregation, recycling, composting, and proper disposal.
 Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275): This act focuses on protecting the country's water
resources from pollution caused by land-based sources, promoting integrated strategies to
prevent and minimize water pollution.
 Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (RA 6969): This
law regulates the management of toxic substances, hazardous and nuclear wastes, ensuring
their safe handling, storage, and disposal to minimize environmental risks.

Additional Important Laws:

 Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121): This act
addresses disaster preparedness and risk reduction, recognizing the link between
environmental degradation and vulnerability to natural disasters.
 Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729): This law establishes a framework for addressing
climate change, promoting adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce the country's
vulnerability to its impacts.

These are just a few of the major environmental laws in the Philippines. It's important
to note that the legal framework is quite extensive, with additional laws and
regulations addressing specific aspects of environmental protection like forestry,
mining, and biodiversity conservation.