Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 446)
Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is primarily tasked with the formulation, implementation, and supervision of the government’s policies under this Executive Order.
The phase-out of leaded gasoline in Metro Manila was mandated not later than January 1, 2000.
The nationwide phase-out of leaded gasoline was mandated by January 1, 2001.
Unleaded gasoline and other unleaded replacements must not result in the aggravation of pollution problems or cause undue economic difficulties to users.
The Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are involved in coordination.
The DENR, in coordination with DOE, DTI, and DOST, shall formulate and implement appropriate measures including quality standards for fuel and facilities used in manufacture, storage, handling, and distribution of unleaded gasoline and substitutes.
The DENR, along with DECS, PIA, DILG, and other concerned agencies and NGOs, are to be involved in a concerted effort to disseminate public information regarding the phase-out.
They must coordinate with DENR, DOE, DTI, Department of Health (DOH), and DOST to conduct tests/studies to determine potential public health effects of the fuels or additives, including carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic effects.
The DENR, in coordination with DOTC, DOE, DTI, and DOST shall promote inspection, maintenance, and use of emission control systems in motor vehicles to reduce pollutant emissions.
It took effect thirty (30) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation after its signing on September 26, 1997.