Law Summary
Impact on Population and Property
- Approximately 129,171 families or 483,389 individuals in Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, and Cavite were severely affected.
- The eruption caused widespread damage to property and posed health and safety risks to residents near the volcano.
Volcanic Alert Status and Threats
- The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) lowered the alert from Level 4 to Level 3 on January 26, 2020.
- Despite lowering the alert, risks including explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and gas expulsions remain near Taal Volcano Island and lakeshores.
- As of February 5, 2020, 2,070 volcanic earthquakes were recorded around the volcano.
- DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly advised prohibiting entry to the volcano island, Taal Lake, and communities within a 7-kilometer radius.
Legal Basis and Recommendation for State of Calamity
- Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended declaring a State of Calamity for Region IV-A (CALABARZON).
Purpose and Effects of Declaring State of Calamity
- Expedite rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts by the government and private sector, including international aid.
- Enable control of prices for essential goods and commodities in affected areas.
- Allow national and local government units to freely use funds for rescue, recovery, relief, rehabilitation, and maintenance of basic services.
Presidential Declaration and Directives
- The President officially declared a State of Calamity for Region IV-A (CALABARZON) on February 21, 2020.
- All government departments and agencies are mandated to implement rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation activities per operational plans and directives.
- Government agencies must coordinate with local government units to provide or augment basic services and facilities.
- Law enforcement agencies, supported by the Armed Forces, are tasked to maintain peace and order in affected areas.
Duration and Legal Effectivity
- The State of Calamity lasts for one year unless lifted earlier by law.
Summary
This legal proclamation addresses the emergency caused by the Taal Volcano eruption, the affected populations and areas, the continuing volcanic risks, the legislative authority underlying disaster response, and the operational and legal measures authorized by the government to safeguard public welfare and maintain order during the state of calamity.