Activity 3.

Assessing the Efficacy of Philippine Environmental Laws through Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA)

PD 1586 – Environmental Impact Statement System 1978

Enacted in the Philippines in 1978 with a purpose of addressing environmental
consequences of development projects. Environmental Impact Statement reflects the
government’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental
protection, emphasizing the necessity to consider environmental impacts of development
projects as well as promotion of sustainable practices. The EIS System that was established
by PD 1586 requiring proponents of certain projects, particularly those with potential
significant environmental impacts. PD 1586 is also in promotion of public participation in
decision-making, encouraging local communities and stakeholders to involve itself in public
consultations whilst expressing their concerns and opinions with regards to upcoming
projects. The edict provides a framework in order to mandate government agencies in
consideration of factors during approval processes for upcoming development projects, in
addition, it is also an establishment for legal basis requiring an EIS s part of project approval
process. To furthermore add, PD 1586 facilitates interagency corporation by designing the
Environment Management Bureau (EMB) as the main primary agency for EIS. This also
includes provisions for identifying measure and countermeasures to mitigate adverse
impacts, accountability based on legislations preservation of biodiversity and natural
resources.

RA 6969 – Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990
An act to control toxic substances anti hazardous nuclear wastes, providing penalties
for violations thereof, and for other purposes, as stated. RA 6969 plays a necessary role in
protection of environment via regulation and control of the importation, handling,
transportation, storage, and disposal of substances that render toxic wastes, hazardous
wastes, and nuclear wastes. The legislation aims in preventing and minimizing the adverse
effects of such materials on our ecosystems, sources and air quality. It is also in frames in
protection of public health by minimization of exposure against harmful substances. RA 6969
contributes via reduction of risks in negative health conditions that re caused by hazardous
wastes. Under the legislation, establishes guidelines for properly managing, treating, and
disposal of hazardous wastes, with its’ help it assures contamination I’m water, land, and air.
Guidelines for proper management and disposal are also in establishment. To oversee and
carry out its rules and regulations, the legislation establishes regulatory entities such as the
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the National Environmental Protection
Council (NEPC). These organizations are critical in monitoring compliance, performing
inspections, and enacting corrective actions. RA 6969 promotes research and development
activities to investigate alternative compounds that are less hazardous to human health and
the environment. By collaborating with other countries and international organizations, the
Philippines can benefit from shared knowledge, best practices, and collective efforts in
managing and controlling hazardous material. stablishes legal consequences for violations,
including fines and imprisonment.
RA 8749 – Clean Air Act of 1999
RA 8749 has a goal in which to undergo protection and preservation of the air’s
quality in the Philippines itself, establishing standards and regulations to control and reduce
air pollution from different sources. Though to understand the concept, poor air quality
affects the health of the publicity causing sever consequences, take example for difficulty in
breathing, and so on. The law seeks to reduce air pollutants that are harmful to human
health namely particulate matters, sulfur dioxides, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic
compounds. To also sum up its’ consideration for public health, it helps contribute to a
minimal air pollution-free country, minimizing health risks. RA 8749 includes strategies and
mechanisms in order to monitor and enforce compliance with air quality standards. It also
empowers regulatory agencies to take action against individuals that don’t comply with the
law.
RA 9003 – Ecological Solid Wastes Management Act of 200
As enacted, this legislation provides citizens comprehensive solid waste
management program by creating necessary institutional mechanism and incentives,
appropriating funds, declaring certain act prohibited with accordance to how the legislation
gives out penalties with accordance to acts citizens displayed. RA 9003 emphasizes the
importance of recycling and resource recovery; it aims to protect and preserve the
environment by encouraging citizens in performing solid waste management practices.
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 plays the role in promotion of sustainable
and responsibility in wastes around different areas, reduce waste generation, encouraging
that of stakeholders and local government units to get involve. With compliance with the RA
9003, it also rewards that of individuals whom did accordingly with RA 9003. On the other
hand, if it is defiled, the due will be given as the act provides individuals with penalties and
fines with accordance to the act committed against RA 9003.
RA 9275 – Clean Water Act of 2004
Like the Clean Air Act of 1999, this does the same but is applied in terms of the
Philippines’ water. The said legislation addresses that of water pollution and water quality
itself. RA 9275 declares a state policy in which protects and advances the right of the people
to a balance and healthful ecology by maintaining and enhancing the quality of water free of
substances that are harmful against public health. The legislation provides a comprehensive
framework in managing water quality, setting standards and guidelines in prevention of water
pollution and control. It establishes water quality standards for different water bodies,
showing different levels of pollutants that maintain water quality for various uses like
domestic supplies, agriculture, and recreation. The law is also in contact with Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, encouraging to issue permits and regulate practices
that enhances water quality. The law enforces an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
for projects and activities that may have significant effects on water quality. The law
indicates the need of monitoring and surveillance in determining water quality. Regular
monitoring aids in identifying pollution sources and assessing the efficiency of pollution
management strategies. For infractions of its requirements, RA 9275 prescribes penalties
such as fines and imprisonment. It emphasizes the importance of stringent enforcement in
order to discourage practices that may harm water quality. RA 9275 encourages public
participation in order for the citizens to obtain a high-quality water that may possibly help in
benefiting in different ways. To sum, it Is a legal framework for preventing, controlling, and
mitigating water pollution that addresses issues of water pollution, thus promoting
responsibility in water resource management.
RA 9512 – National Environment Awareness and Education Act of 2008
The National Environment Awareness and Education Act of 2008 promotes
environmental awareness and education amongst Filipino folks; recognize importance of
environmental conservation and sustainable development and aims to involve citizen in
practices RA 9512 enforces the integration of environmental education in formal and non-
formal systems. Encouraging the development of programs and materials that raises
awareness about environmental issues, promote ecological balance, and foster sense of
responsibility.