Republic Act 9275: Philippine Clean Water Act

OBJECTIVES;
1. TO ABLE TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE RA 9275.
2. TO FAMILLIARIZEOF SALIENT FEATURE OF THE WATER ACT.
3. TO ABLE TO LEARN AND APPLY THE LAW SCOPE OF THE LAW R.A.
9275.
INTRODUCTION:
RA 9275: The Philippine Clean Water Act

What is Clean Water Act?

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275) aims to protect
the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries
and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household
activities). It provides for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent
and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach
involving all the stakeholders.

Republic Act No. 9275, also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act, was
enacted in 2004 to protect and promote the sustainable use of the country's
water resources. This comprehensive environmental law aims to ensure the
cleanliness and usability of Philippines' water bodies for the benefit of present
and future generations.

Purpose Aims to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-
based sources.

Coverage of the Act

All water bodies (natural and manmade) bodies of fresh, brackish, and saline
waters and includes but not limited to aquifers, ground water, springs,creeks,
streams, rivers, ponds, lagoons, water reservoirs, lakes, bays, estuarine,
coastal and marine waters; Primarily applies to abatement and control of
pollution from land based sources.

DISCUSSIONS:
Declaration of Policy
a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control
and abatement of pollution of the country's water resources;
b) To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic
instruments and of control mechanisms for the protection of water
resources;
c) To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management
that recognizes that water quality management issues cannot be
separated from concerns about water sources and ecological
protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;
 d) To formulate an integrated water quality management framework
through proper delegation and effective coordination of functions and
activities;
e) promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are
environment friendly and energy efficient;
f) To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and
industries through the application of incentives and market based
instruments and to promote the role of private industrial enterprises
in shaping its regulatory profile within the acceptable boundaries of
public health and environment;
g) To provide for a comprehensive management program for water
pollution focusing on pollution prevention;
h) To promote public information and education and to encourage the
participation of an informed and active public in water quality
management and monitoring;
i) To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and
long-term adverse environmental impact of a project, program or
activity; and
j) To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the
academe and business undertaking environment-related activities in
their efforts to organize, educate and motivate the people in
addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the local
and national levels.
Salient Features of The Clean Water Act of 2004 RA 9275

The Clean Water Act, officially known as Republic Act No. 9275, is a Philippine
legislation enacted in 2004. It serves as the primary law governing water
quality management and the protection of the country's water resources. The
key points and salient features of the law include:
1. Water quality standards: The Clean Water Act sets forth water quality
criteria to maintain and improve the quality of water bodies in the Philippines.
It establishes the general policies and mechanisms for achieving and
maintaining good water quality.
2. Water quality management areas (WQMAs): The law establishes WQMAs,
which are specific water bodies or areas that require special attention and
regulation due to water quality degradation or the potential for such
degradation. These areas are selected based on scientific data and are
subjected to stricter monitoring and management measures.
3. Watershed-based approach: The law promotes a watershed-based approach
to water quality management. It emphasizes the importance of protecting and
rehabilitating watersheds, which are crucial for maintaining the quality and
quantity of water resources.
4. Water quality monitoring and assessment: The law mandates the regular
monitoring and assessment of water quality in different water bodies across the
country. Monitoring programs are implemented by government agencies and
local government units to ensure compliance with the established water quality
standards.
5. Pollution control programs: The Clean Water Act requires the formulation
and implementation of pollution control programs by local government units
and establishments. These programs include the prevention, reduction, and
control of pollution from point sources (such as industries and factories) and
non-point sources (such as agricultural run-offs).
6. Sewerage and septage management: The law promotes the establishment
and maintenance of proper sewerage and septage management systems. It
encourages the use of sewerage systems to treat wastewater and the proper
disposal of septage to prevent the contamination of water bodies.
7. Penalties and enforcement: The law imposes penalties for violations, such as
fines, imprisonment, or both. It also provides for the creation of monitoring and
enforcement mechanisms, including the establishment of the Environmental
Violations Monitoring System (EVMS) to ensure compliance with the law.
8. Stakeholder participation: The Clean Water Act emphasizes the involvement
of stakeholders, including government agencies, local government units,
communities, and the private sector, in water quality management programs. It
recognizes the importance of collaboration and cooperation among these
stakeholders to achieve sustainable water resources management.
Overall, the Clean Water Act aims to protect and improve the quality of water
resources in the Philippines through comprehensive water quality
management, pollution control, and sustainable practices. By implementing
the provisions of the law, the government aims to ensure the availability of
clean and safe water for present and future generations.
R.A 9275 SEC (22)
Who should implement the Clean Water Act ?
The DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the
implementation and enforcement of this Act , with the support of other
government organizations ,local government units,non - government
organizations and the private sector.
Towards this end , the DENR will review and set affluent standards , review
and enforce water quality guidelines , classify groundwater sources and
prepare a national groundwater vulnerability map , classify or redassify water
bodies , establish internationally accepted procedures for sampling and
analysis , prepare an integrated water quality management framework and
subsequently prepare 10 - year management plans for each water management
area .

Other implementing government agencies in support of the Act :

1. Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR ) act as overall
of the lead agency : prepare a National Water Quality Status Report ; issue
rules and regulations in the implementation of the Act .

2.PHIL. COAST GUARD

Enforced of water Quality standards in marine waters, specifically from
offshore source.
shall enforce standards and regulations in offshore areas including the
discharge of wastewater by ships ; together with the DA shall enforce water
quality standards in marine waters .

3. DPWH
Provision of sewerage and sanitation facilities and the efficient and safe
collection, treatment and disposal of sewage. Department of Public Works and
Highways ( DPWH ) together with the DENR and LGUs shall prepare a national
program on sewerage and septage management .

4. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Shall develop guidelines for re - use of wastewater for irrigation purposes or as
soil conditioner or fertilizer ; together with the PCG shall enforce water quality
standards in marine waters.

5. DOH (DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH)

shall provide specific health criteria and data related to the promulgation ,
revision and enforcement of drinking water quality standards.

6. DOST
Prepare a program for the evaluation verification development and public
dissemination of pollution prevention and cleaner production technologies.

7. Department of Education ( DepEd ) , Commission on Higher Education

( CHED ) , Department of Interior and Local Governments ( DILG ) and the
Philippine Information Agency ( PIA ) - shall prepare and implement a
comprehensive and continuing public education and information program
Responsible for preparation and implementation of a comprehensive program
pursuant to the objectives of the act.

8. Department of Energy ( DOE ) - with the DENR shall formulate water quality
criteria and standards specifically for geothermal exploration that encounters
re - injection constraints , that provides adequate protection to other users of
water bodies downstream of the geothermal project.

9.Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System ( MWSS ) and Local Water

Utilities Authority ( LWUA ) -shall contribute inputs relative to the
responsibilities of concessionaires and water districts in sewerage , septage and
sanitation management .

Prohibited acts under R.A. 9275

SECTION 27. Prohibited Acts

a) Discharging, depositing or causing to be deposited material of any kind directly

or indirectly into the water bodies or along the margins of any surface water,
where, the same shall be liable to be washed into such surface water, either by
tide action or by storm, floods or otherwise, which could cause water pollution
or impede natural flow in the water body;
b) Discharging, injecting or allowing to seep into the soil or sub-soil any substance
in any form that would pollute groundwater. In the case of geothermal projects,
and subject to the approval of the Department, regulated discharge for short-
term activities (e.g.well testing, flushing, commissioning, venting) and deep
reinjection of geothermal liquids may be allowed: Provided, That safety
measures are adopted to prevent the contamination of the groundwater;
c) Operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without the valid
required permits or after the permit was revoked for any violation of any
condition therein;
 d) Disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into sea water by vessels unless
the health or safety of individuals on board the vessel is threatened by a great
and imminent peril;
e) Unauthorized transport or dumping into sea waters of sewage sludge or solid
waste as defined under Republic Act No.9003;
f) Transport, dumping or discharge of prohibited chemicals, substances or
pollutants listed under Republic Act No.6969;
g) Operate facilities that discharge or allow to seep, willfully or through gross
negligence, prohibited chemicals, substances or pollutants listed under R. A.
No. 6969 into water bodies or wherein the same shall be liable to be washed
into such surface, ground, coastal, and marine water;
h) Undertaking activities or development and expansion of projects, or operating
wastewater/sewerage facilities in violation of Presidential Decree. No.1586 and
its implementing rules, and regulations; Discharging regulated water pollutants
without the valid required discharge permit pursuant to this Act or after the
permit was revoked for any violation of condition therein;
i) Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required discharge
permit pursuant to this Act or after the permit was revoked for any violation of
condition therein
j) Refusal to allow entry, inspection and monitoring by the Department in
accordance with this Act;
k) Refusal to allow access by the Department to relevant reports and records in
accordance with this Act;
l) Refusal or failure to submit reports whenever required by the Department in
accordance with this Act;
m) Refusal or failure to designate pollution control officers whenever required by,
the Department in accordance with this Act; and
n) Directly using booster pumps in the distribution system or tampering with the
water supply in such a way as to alter or impair the water quality.

SECTION 28. Fines, Damages and

Penalties
o Unless otherwise provided herein, any person who commits any of the
prohibited acts provided in the immediately preceding section or violates any of
the provision of this Actor its implementing rules and regulations, shall be fined
by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the Pollution Adjudication Board
(PAB) in the amount of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) nor more
than

o Unless otherwise provided herein, any person who commits any of the
prohibited acts provided in the immediately preceding section or violates any of
the provision of this Actor its implementing rules and regulations, shall be fined
by the Secretary, upon the recommendation of the PAB in the amount of not
less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) nor more than Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000.00) for every day of violation. The fines herein
prescribed shall be increased by ten percent (10%) every two (2) years to
compensate for inflation and to maintain the deterrent function of such fines:

o Provided, That the Secretary, upon recommendation of the PAB may order the
closure, suspension of development or construction, or cessation of operations
or, where appropriate disconnection of water supply, until such time that
proper environmental safeguards are put in place and/or compliance with this
Act or its rules and regulations are undertaken. This paragraph shall be
without prejudice to the issuance of an ex parte order for such closure,
suspension of development or construction, or cessation of operations during
the pendency of the case.

REFERENCES:
http://ap.fftc.agnet.org/ap_db.php?id=281
http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/law/philippines/pd9275.html
 http:// www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/
ra_9275_2004.html
http:// www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/
ra_9275_2004.html
Republic of the Philippines
MPSPC VISION Mountain Province State Polytechnic College
An internationally Criminology Department
recognized university for
cultural continuity and
Bontoc, Mountain Province
technological innovations Bontoc Campus
that transforms lives and
fosters sustainable
development.

MPSPC MISSION

MPSPC shall pursue

responsive instruction
and innovation to
produce resilient and
highly accountable
leaders who promote
transformational
governance and
contribute to sustainable
development who rooted CDI-9 INTRODUCTION TO CYBERCRIME
in their cultural heritage.

CRIMINOLOGY
DEPARTMENTAL
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9275
GOAL
The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
The ultimate goal of the
Criminology department
is to produce morally
upright, competent, and
globally competitive
criminologists and
criminalists who will
deliver effective and
efficient community
service.

CRIMINOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
OBJECTIVES

1 Provide quality
introduction and guided
experience through which
the student learns the
knowledge relative to the
GROUP 3 MEMBERS:
practice of Criminology
profession.
Jabez, Challoy
2 Develop skills in the
practice of security Depao, Bryden
services, detection,
identification and Galeng, Jade
investigation of law
violators. Madrid, Marcello
3 Promote participative
and functional and
networking for crime
Palangdao, Jerma
prevention.
4 Provide the students
with a broad cultural
background and an
understanding of due
process requirement on
the total administration of
justice.
5 Provide the students
with higher concept of INSTRUCTOR: SIR BEN MARRERO
citizenry and leadership
towards fellowmen.
6 Encourage the students
to undertake
criminological researches
and inquiries.