Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 21 SERIES OF 1992)
The basic policy is to assure the availability and sustainability of the country's natural resources through judicious use to achieve immediate economic gains, in pursuance of Presidential Decree 1586 and Proclamation 2146.
The EIS System is the process of organization, administration, and procedures to assess the significance of the effects of physical developments on environmental quality.
Environmentally Critical Projects (ECP) listed under Presidential Proclamation 2146 and those located within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) may be required to submit an EIS if necessary.
Projects discharging minimal wastes, with capitalization of not more than P500,000, employing not more than 20 persons, and not falling under the critical project categories are exempted; however, they still need an exemption certificate from DENR.
Fines up to P50,000 may be imposed, and failure to comply within 30 days can lead to an order for cessation of project operations.
The DENR receives the EIS, evaluates it for completeness, may require additional information, conduct ocular inspections, involve the EIS Review Committee, and may initiate public hearings before recommending issuance or denial of the ECC.
Public hearings gather facts, address concerns of affected communities, and provide an opportunity for the project proponent to present the project, especially for projects affecting many people or with mounting opposition.
Project Proponents, the DENR Secretary's Office, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), DENR Regional Offices, PENRO/CENRO, and the EIS Review Committee all have specific duties in the EIS review process.
A project proponent has fifteen (15) days upon receipt of the order to file a motion for reconsideration with the EMB Director or Regional Executive Director.
The project proponent will be required to cease operation and have their Environmental Compliance Certificate revoked.
DENR personnel involved directly or indirectly in preparing EIS or PD documents are subject to administrative sanctions and penalties under Civil Service Commission rules.