Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

Right to breathe clean air and enjoy natural resources sustainably.
Right to participate in environmental policy formulation and decision-making.
Right to be informed about hazards and pollution incidents.
Right of access to public environmental records.
Right to enforce environmental laws through court actions for injunction, clean-up, penalties, and compensation.

Air pollutant and air pollution defined broadly to include multiple forms of harmful substances.
Key terms such as ambient air quality, emissions, stationary and mobile sources, hazardous substances, greenhouse gases, ozone depleting substances, and persistent organic pollutants are articulated.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to prepare annual National Air Quality Status Reports.
Establishment of Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework with multi-sector participation.
LGUs required to participate and implement area-based air quality action plans.
Designation of airsheds for coordinated air quality management with Governing Boards including various government and private sector representatives.
Identification and management of nonattainment areas with programs to reduce pollution and protect public health.

DENR to publish best control technologies and periodically revise air quality standards based on international guidelines including WHO.
Strict National Ambient Air Quality Guidelines for criteria pollutants and source-specific pollutants are set.
Emission charge systems applied for industrial and vehicle pollution with incentives for adopting pollution control technology.

DENR authorized to issue permits with emission limitations for stationary sources.
Possible allocation of emission quotas in certain airsheds.
Financial liability requirements for project proponents to cover environmental rehabilitation and emergency response.

Regular review and update of emission standards for stationary sources.
Specific pollutant limits named for heavy metals, gases, particulate matter, and more.
Ban on incineration of municipal, biomedical, and hazardous wastes, with exceptions and phase-out provisions.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) implements vehicle emission standards.
Periodic updates to emission standards, mandatory emission testing, and motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs.
Requirement for new or imported vehicles to have certificates of conformity before registration.
Regulations on second-hand engines to meet emission standards.

Smoking prohibited in enclosed public places.
Standards to be set for other mobile pollution sources.
Phase-out of ozone-depleting substances consistent with international obligations.
Monitoring and national programs on greenhouse gases, persistent organic pollutants, and radioactive emissions are mandatory.

DENR as lead agency with Environmental Management Bureau elevated to a line bureau.
Coordination with other government agencies, NGOs, and private sector.
Local government units share responsibility and receive technical assistance.
Establishment of Environment and Natural Resources Offices at various local levels.
Powers granted to DENR for inspections, monitoring, and public disclosure of pollution data.
Extensive public education and information campaigns mandated.

Administrative proceedings and citizen suits enabled for enforcement of air quality laws.
Protection against suits filed to harass environmental advocates, with possible dismissal and damages awarded.
Fines and penalties become liens on violators' properties.

For stationary source violations, fines up to P100,000 per day plus possible closure orders.
For motor vehicle violations, fines escalate with repeated offenses and may include suspension of registration.
Penalties for other violations include fines and imprisonment.
Gross violations entail criminal charges with substantial penalties including imprisonment.

Air Quality Management Fund established to finance pollution containment, clean-up, and rehabilitation.
Research and development programs prioritized for pollution control advancements.
Financial incentives for industries adopting pollution control technologies.
Labor Department tasked to assist workers affected by environmental compliance through retraining and relocation programs.

Appropriations allocated to various government departments for implementation.
Mandatory promulgation and periodic review of implementing rules and regulations.
Annual reporting to Congress on pollution control progress.
Creation of a joint congressional oversight committee to monitor implementation.
Repeal or modification of inconsistent laws and provisions.
Effectivity triggered by publication in official and widely circulated newspapers.