Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5747)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 672 is to define and clarify the responsibilities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in the approval and implementation of reclamation projects nationwide to avoid confusion and promote sustainable development.
The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), formerly the Public Estates Authority (PEA), is primarily responsible for approving all reclamation projects on behalf of the President, subject to compliance with existing laws and rules.
Before the approval of any reclamation project, the PRA must coordinate and secure from DENR a permit authorizing or clearing the particular area for the proposed reclamation project, known as the area permit or site clearance.
The ECC, issued by the DENR, is required prior to the implementation of approved reclamation projects, and no reclamation work can commence without securing the ECC, ensuring environmental compliance.
The PRA closely monitors and supervises the implementation of reclamation projects, while the DENR monitors and enforces strict compliance with the terms and conditions of the ECC.
After completion, the PRA and DENR undertake the survey of the reclaimed land. Upon request and clearance from the PRA, the DENR endorses to the President the issuance of a proclamation declaring certain portions as alienable or disposable and retaining others for public use and service.
Presidential Decree No. 3-A states that reclamation of areas under water, whether foreshore or inland, is limited to the National Government or persons authorized by it under a proper contract, regardless of any conflicting laws.
Executive Order No. 543 delegated the power of the President to approve all reclamation projects to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
Under the 1987 Administrative Code, DENR exercises exclusive jurisdiction over management and disposition of all lands of the public domain and is the sole agency responsible for classification, sub-classification, surveying, and titling of lands in consultation with appropriate agencies.