Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 446)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Finance (DOF).
The phase-out was to be implemented not later than January 1, 2000, in Metro Manila.
The nationwide phase-out was to be completed by January 1, 2001.
Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which provides for the State's duty to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.
The DENR is tasked to coordinate the phase-out of leaded gasoline, formulate and implement quality standards for fuels and facilities, conduct evaluation and monitoring, and coordinate public information dissemination among others.
Lead is recognized as a neurotoxin with harmful effects on intelligence and affects virtually every part of the body.
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Measures include inspection, maintenance, and use of emission control systems in motor vehicles; formulation of fuel quality standards; and public information dissemination.
NGOs are to participate in continuous evaluation, monitoring, and assessment of phase-out activities and assist in public information dissemination efforts related to the fuel phase-out.
They must coordinate in test/studies on public health effects, and furnish information on analytical techniques to detect additive concentrations, emissions caused, effect on vehicle emission controls, and public health or welfare effects.
The 1987 Constitution (Section 16, Article II) and the Administrative Code of 1987 (Section 4, Chapter I, Title XIV, Book IV) empower the DENR to manage, conserve, and regulate natural resources and environmental protection.
That their use shall not result in aggravation of pollution problems or cause undue economic difficulties to users.
It takes effect thirty (30) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Such coordination ensures that health effects of fuel additives are properly studied and monitored, including carcinogenic, teratogenic or mutagenic effects.