QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1152)
PD 1152 is known and cited as the “Philippine Environment Code.”
To achieve and maintain air quality levels that protect public health, and to prevent, to the greatest extent practicable, injury/damage to plant and animal life and property while promoting the country’s social and economic development.
They prescribe the maximum concentration of air pollutants permissible in the atmosphere consistent with public health, safety, and general welfare.
Factors such as local atmospheric conditions, location and land use, and available technology (among others).
National Emission Standards set limits for pollutants emitted by stationary and mobile sources; ambient standards focus on pollutant concentrations in the atmosphere.
The National Pollution Control Commission (in coordination with appropriate government agencies).
The Civil Aeronautics Administration, in coordination with the National Pollution Control Commission.
The Land Transportation Commission, in coordination with the National Pollution Control Commission; it may also deputize other appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Release/emission of radioactivity related to nuclear energy facilities and radioactive materials is regulated by the Philippines Atomic Energy Commission, in coordination with other appropriate government agencies.
It must establish, to the greatest extent practicable, an air quality monitoring network and maximize the agencies’ capabilities.
The National Environmental Protection Council must be furnished with the monitoring results. Weather-related monitoring is done by PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).
To prescribe management guidelines to protect and improve Philippine water resources by classifying waters, establishing water quality standards, protecting/improving water quality, and assigning responsibilities for surveillance and mitigation of pollution incidents.
The National Pollution Control Commission (with appropriate agencies) must classify Philippine waters according to their best usage, considering existing quality, physical characteristics, and the most beneficial uses.
The polluter must contain, remove, and clean up at his own expense; if the polluter fails, government agencies will undertake cleanup and charge expenses to the responsible person/entity.
They must prepare and implement waste management programs, with guidelines promulgated by the Department of Local Government and community Development.
Yes, dumping solid wastes into the sea and navigable waters is prohibited if the wastes are likely to be washed into the water. Exception: dumping may be permitted in cases of immediate or imminent danger to life and property, subject to Coast Guard and NPC rules.
Examples include: (1) exemption of 50% of tariff duties and compensating tax on importation of pollution control equipment for five years (subject to conditions); (2) tax credits equivalent to portions of taxes/duties for purchases from domestic manufacturers and tax credits for manufacturers; and (3) deductions for proven effective and commercially reproducible research expenses.
Effluent Standards are limits on concentrations of pollutants discharged from point sources; Clean-up Operations are activities to remove discharged/spilled pollutants in water to restore it to pre-spill condition.