Question & AnswerQ&A (ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 300)
Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 1586, which establishes the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, grants the authority to issue or deny ECCs for environmentally critical projects within environmentally critical areas.
The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the DENR Regional Executive Directors have the authority to grant or deny ECCs as confirmed by the President.
The Secretary of DENR is considered the alter ego of the President and is deemed to have the implied power to grant or deny ECCs on behalf of the President.
The DENR Regional Executive Directors, as the highest officers in their regions, are responsible for implementing DENR laws, policies, and programs, including granting or denying ECCs within their respective regions.
Executive Order No. 192 reorganized the Department and renamed it as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Section 21, Chapter 4, Title XIV, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292 (the Administrative Code of 1987) defines the responsibilities of the DENR Regional Offices.
They are responsible for implementing laws, policies, plans, programs, projects, rules, and regulations of the DENR to promote sustainability, productivity of natural resources, social equity in natural resource utilization, and environmental protection in their regions.
The Administrative Order took effect immediately on November 4, 1996.
Ruben D. Torres, who was the Executive Secretary, signed the Administrative Order on behalf of the President.