Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1152)
The short title is the "Philippine Environment Code."
To achieve and maintain air quality levels that protect public health and to prevent injury or damage to plant, animal life, property and promote social and economic development.
The National Pollution Control Commission, in coordination with appropriate government agencies.
Ambient Air Quality means the average atmospheric purity as distinguished from discharge measurements taken at the source of pollution; it refers to the general amount of pollution present in a broad area.
Solid waste disposal methods include sanitary landfill, incineration, composting, and other government-approved methods. Dumping of solid waste into seas or bodies of water is generally prohibited except in cases of imminent danger to life and property.
The polluter is responsible; if they fail, the government agencies will undertake clean-up and charge the expenses to the responsible persons or entities.
The NEPC formulates policies, monitors environmental conditions, coordinates among agencies, conducts public hearings on environmental issues, and promotes environmental education and research.
Incentives include 50% exemption of tariff duties and compensating tax on imported pollution control equipment for 5 years, tax credits for purchasing domestically made pollution control devices, and deductions on expenses incurred for pollution control research projects.
The government, through the Department of Natural Resources, shall establish a system of rational exploitation and encourage citizen participation to maintain or enhance productivity.
Government agencies must consider social, economic, geographic, and significant environmental impacts when locating industries, factories, plants, and similar establishments.
The Land Transportation Commission, in coordination with the National Pollution Control Commission, with authority to deputize other law enforcement agencies.
The Philippines Atomic Energy Commission regulates the release and emission of radioactivity in coordination with appropriate government agencies.
The Department of Education and Culture must integrate environmental education into school curricula at all levels and conduct community education emphasizing environmental sanitation and the relationship between man and nature.
The National Pollution Control Commission classifies and reclassifies Philippine waters according to their best beneficial use and prescribes water quality and effluent standards accordingly.
The site must conform with existing zoning, land use standards, and pollution control regulations; local governments and private entities may operate sanitary landfills after submitting an operational work plan to the government agency.
Areas where uncontrolled development could cause irreparable damage to important historic, cultural, aesthetic values or natural systems/processes of national significance.
Measures include controlling soil erosion on riverbanks and shores, controlling floods and water flow, conserving water, and promoting research on natural phenomena to mitigate destructive effects.
Their use shall be regulated by prescribing tolerance levels and monitored by appropriate government agencies to ensure safety and data gathering for regulation.
Liquid waste from industrial, manufacturing, community, or domestic sources must be treated physically, biologically, or chemically before disposal according to government rules.
The rest of the Code remains effective; only the specific provision or its application to particular persons or circumstances is affected.