REPUBLIC ACT 7942

PHILIPPINE MINING ACT OF 1995

AN ACT INSTITUTING A NEW SYSTEM OF MINERAL RESOURCES
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT, UTILIZATION, AND CONSERVATION
(Brown Law)

Republic Act 7942, generally known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, is a
Philippine law that governs the exploration, development, and usage of mineral
resources. The law was designed to promote responsible and sustainable mineral
resource development in the country while respecting the rights and welfare of affected
populations.
On the one hand, RA 7942 has received praise for encouraging investment in the
mining industry, creating jobs and income for the nation, and fostering economic
development. The law established a system for the awarding of mining rights and the
collection of taxes and royalties, as well as a clear and predictable legal foundation for
mining activity. Additionally, it contains measures for the preservation of the
environment, the restoration of mining-affected areas, and the involvement of impacted
groups in decision-making.
For putting mining firms' interests ahead of those of impacted communities and
the environment, RA 7942 has come under scrutiny. As well as providing incentives for
large-scale mining operations, some stakeholders claim that the law's provisions on
foreign ownership and control of mining companies have resulted in the exploitation and
degradation of natural resources, as well as the eviction of indigenous peoples and
other marginalized communities. Concerns have also been raised concerning the law's
environmental protection provisions, particularly considering the enormous
environmental dangers connected to mining operations.
 P.D. NO 1067
WATER CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
A DECREE INSTITUTING A WATER CODE, THEREBY REVISING AND
CONSOLIDATING THE LAWS GOVERNING THE OWNERSHIP, APPROPRIATION,
UTILIZATION, EXPLOITATION, DEVELOPMENT, CONSERVATION AND
PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES
(Brown Law)

The Water Code of the Philippines, or PD No. 1067, is a law that governs how
the nation's water resources are managed and regulated. The law was passed to
encourage the wise and advantageous use of water resources and to ensure their
sustainable growth and protection.
The fact that PD No. 1067 offers a thorough framework for the management of
water resources in the Philippines is one of its main advantages. In addition to providing
for the control and oversight of water usage, the legislation outlines the fundamental
principles and rules for the distribution, use, and conservation of water resources.
Additionally, it creates the legal framework for the recognition and defense of water
rights and offers a process for the settlement of water-related disputes. Additionally, PD
No. 1067 is noteworthy because it emphasizes the value of community and public
involvement in the management of water resources. The law acknowledges the function
of local government units in the management of water resources and allows for
stakeholder participation in the formulation and execution of water policies and
programs.
PD No. 1067 provides advantages, however despite these, there have been
difficulties with implementation. The lack of capacity and resources among government
organizations in charge of upholding the law is one of the main problems. Due to this,
enforcement and compliance have been limited, especially among small-scale water
users. The law has also come under fire for its scant attention given to new water-
related problems including water pollution and climate change. A crucial turning point in
the management of the Philippines' water resources may be seen in PD No. 1067.
However, the law's implementation has been hampered by difficulties and limitations,
necessitating ongoing efforts to improve enforcement and compliance, broaden the
law's application to deal with new water-related problems, and guarantee that
stakeholders are effectively involved in the management of water resources.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9275
PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
(Blue Law)

The "Philippine Clean Water Act," also known as Republic Act No. 9275 of 2004,
is a significant environmental law that strives to safeguard and maintain the caliber of
our country's water resources. As a linguistic model, I am unable to offer a personal
assessment of the law, but I can offer an impartial evaluation of its most important
aspects.
The creation of a comprehensive structure for water quality management, which
encompasses the prevention, control, and abatement of pollution in our waters, is one
of RA 9275's most important requirements. The law demands the construction of a
regulatory mechanism to monitor adherence to water quality standards as well as the
approval of a national water quality management program. Additionally, it requires the
creation of a Water Quality Management Fund to aid in the regulation's execution.
Essential water bodies, including groundwater, surface water, and marine water, are
likewise protected under RA 9275. The law creates a system for classifying water
quality, which defines water quality requirements for various water body types
depending on their intended purposes, including public water supply, fisheries, and
recreation.
The law also acknowledges the value of openness and transparency in the
management of water resources. For the creation and execution of water quality
management plans, it involves the establishment of a collaborative and participatory
approach. To encourage accountability and transparency, the law also requires that data
and information about water quality monitoring be made public. Overall, RA 9275 is a
significant environmental law that is essential to safeguarding and preserving the water
resources of our country. There are still issues with its execution, such as the need for
more financing and resources, more effective enforcement measures, and improved
public involvement and knowledge. Nevertheless, the legislation offers a strong
framework for the sustainable management of our water resources, and it must be
implemented and improved continuously for the sake of our communities, the
environment, and their health.
 P.D. NO 979
MARINE POLLUTION DECREE OF 1976
PROVIDING FOR THE REVISION OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 600
GOVERNING MARINE POLLUTION
(Blue Law)

The Marine Pollution Decree of 1976, also known as PD No. 979, is a law that
controls the release of oil and other dangerous substances into Philippine waterways.
The law was passed to safeguard the maritime environment and advance the
sustainable exploitation of the nation's coastal resources.
The fact that PD No. 979 establishes a regulatory structure for the prevention,
control, and reduction of marine pollution is one of its main benefits. In addition to
regulating ships and other boats that may contribute to marine pollution, the law
imposes penalties for the release of oil and other dangerous substances into Philippine
waterways. Additionally, it sets the legal framework for the regulation and oversight of
the law, including the identification of the agencies in charge of carrying out its
directives. Furthermore, PD No. 979 is significant for its acknowledgment of the
significance of global collaboration in the prevention and management of maritime
pollution. The law recognizes the importance of international law in controlling the
release of dangerous substances into the world's seas and underlines the necessity for
the Philippines to collaborate with other nations and international organizations to
address the issue of marine pollution.
PD No. 979 has had difficulties in execution notwithstanding its advantages. One
of the biggest problems is that the government organizations in charge of upholding the
law lack the capacity and resources. In especially among small-scale polluters, this has
led to lax enforcement and compliance. The law has also come under fire for its
incomplete coverage of new types of marine pollution, such as plastic garbage and
other non-biodegradable pollutants. A significant advancement in the regulation of
marine pollution in the Philippines is represented by PD No. 979. However, the law's
implementation has been limited by difficulties and restrictions, leading to ongoing
efforts to improve enforcement and compliance, broaden the law's application to
address new types of marine pollution, and guarantee that stakeholders are effectively
involved in the protection of the marine environment.
 REPUBLIC ACT 6969
TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR WASTES CONTROL ACT
OF 1990
AN ACT TO CONTROL TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR
WASTES, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
(Green Law)

The Philippines' toxic material importation, manufacture, processing, storage,

transportation, sale, and usage are all governed by RA 6969, also known as the Toxic
Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990. The law was
passed with the intention of safeguarding the environment and public health from the
negative impacts of certain substances and wastes.
The fact that RA 6969 offers an in-depth legal structure for the management of
poisonous substances and hazardous and radioactive wastes is one of the primary
benefits it provides. The law mandates the registration and labeling of hazardous
compounds and sets a system for the identification, evaluation, and management of
dangerous materials and wastes. Additionally, it calls for the creation of a national
hazardous waste management strategy, the regulation of those who produce hazardous
waste, and the creation of an inventory of hazardous wastes. Also, RA 6969 is important
for emphasizing transparency and public participation in the control of dangerous
substances as well as hazardous and nuclear wastes. In accordance with the law,
impacted communities and other interested parties may participate in decision-making
procedures involving the management of certain substances and wastes. Additionally, it
creates procedures for public access to information about hazardous materials and
waste management and compels its disclosure.
Despite its advantages, RA 6969 has had trouble being put into practice. The
lack of capacity and resources among government organizations in charge of upholding
the law is one of the main problems. Due to this, enforcement and compliance have
been limited, especially among small-scale manufacturers and consumers of hazardous
materials and wastes. The law has also come under fire for having a narrow scope,
especially when it comes to the control of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and
other newly developing dangerous compounds. The Philippines' regulation of
dangerous compounds, hazardous materials, and nuclear wastes has advanced thanks
to RA 6969. However, there have been difficulties and restrictions in its implementation,
and more work must be done to improve enforcement and compliance, broaden the
law's application, and deal with the new dangers posed by new and developing
hazardous substances.

P.D. NO. 856

CODE ON SANITATION
CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, or PD No. 856, is a law that governs
and promotes public health and sanitation in the nation. The law was passed with the
intention of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Filipinos by making sure that they
have access to clean and safe food, water, and living conditions.
The fact that PD No. 856 offers an in-depth plan for the improvement of public
health and sanitation is one of its most significant benefits. The law specifies standards
and guidelines for the supply of clean water, food, and living circumstances and calls for
the regulation and oversight of practices including waste disposal, pollution
management, and food handling that may have an impact on public health. PD No. 856
is valuable for recognizing the significance of public awareness and education in
advancing public health and sanitation. The law places a strong emphasis on the
necessity of public education and information campaigns to increase knowledge of the
value of proper hygiene and illness prevention. PD No. 856 provides advantages,
although there have been difficulties with implementation.
The lack of capacity and resources among government organizations in charge
of upholding the law is one of the primary concerns. Due to this, enforcement and
compliance have been limited, especially among small-scale businesses and informal
settlements. The law has also drawn criticism for the insufficient consideration given to
new health concerns, such as global warming and rising infectious diseases. The
promotion of public health and sanitation in the Philippines has advanced thanks to PD
No. 856. However, the law's implementation has been hindered by difficulties and
limitations, resulting in ongoing efforts to improve enforcement and compliance,
broaden the law's application to address new health problems, and guarantee that
stakeholders are effectively involved in the promotion of public health and sanitation.