Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 383)
Section 1 prohibits the dumping into any river of refuse, waste matter, or any substances that may cause an elevation in the level of river beds or block the course of a stream.
Section 2 prohibits causing alluvial formations or reclaiming land through accession except with the authority of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, which is only granted if the works are necessary for the protection of private property and not harmful to others.
The Secretary of Public Works and Communications has the authority to grant such permission.
The authority can be granted if the works are absolutely necessary for the protection of private property against the destructive action of water and are not harmful to other parties.
Violators may be punished by imprisonment of not more than six months, or by a fine not exceeding two hundred pesos, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The Act took effect upon its approval on September 5, 1938.
No, it covers refuse, waste matter, or substances of any kind whatsoever that may elevate river beds or block stream courses.
The purpose is to prevent the rise or filling in of river beds, blockage of stream courses, and artificial alluvial formations which may affect waterways and surrounding properties.
No, such activities are strictly prohibited without authorization from the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Artificial alluvial formations refer to man-made or induced accumulations of sediment or soil that cause riverbanks to expand or reclamation of land through accession.