Law Summary
Definition of Terms
- Motor Vehicle: Vehicles propelled by gasoline, diesel, or other engines, excluding human or animal powered vehicles, for transporting persons or goods on public roads.
- Air Pollutant: Harmful or undesirable atmospheric matter including smoke, soot, gases, fumes, and odors.
- Pollution Control Device: Apparatus used to reduce air pollution emissions from motor vehicles adhering to standards set by the Pollution Control Commission.
- Owner or Operator: Person who owns, leases, controls, or operates a motor vehicle.
- Regulations: Rules promulgated under the Decree.
Prohibited Acts
- Owners/operators must not allow their vehicles to emit pollutants exceeding concentration levels prescribed by the National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC).
Emission Standards for Motor Vehicles
- Use of motor vehicles that do not meet established emission standards is prohibited.
Compliance for Sale and Registration
- No motor vehicle, imported or locally manufactured, may be sold, registered, or operated unless certified to meet emission standards by the NPCC after effectivity of implementing rules.
Pollution Control Devices
- Owners/operators must install appropriate pollution control devices, as specified by the NPCC, if vehicles fail to meet emission standards.
Formulation and Implementation of Rules and Regulations
- NPCC, in cooperation with various agencies (Science Development Board, Department of Energy, Industry, Land Transportation Commission), will promulgate rules including:
- Maximum allowable emissions for vehicle classes/types.
- Specifications of required pollution control devices.
- Regulations on motor vehicle distribution, sale, registration, and use.
- Motor fuel specifications.
- Effectivity dates for regulations.
- Certificate of compliance issuance and validity.
- Hearing procedures not bound by technical evidence rules.
Enforcement Responsibilities
- NPCC, in coordination with Land Transportation Commission, Board of Transportation, and traffic enforcement agencies, shall execute rigorous implementation and enforcement of the Decree.
Vehicle Use Restrictions
- NPCC may prohibit or restrict use of certain motor vehicles in specific areas or times to protect health, welfare, and ensure compliance with air quality standards.
Coordination for Traffic Pollution Management
- NPCC will coordinate with transportation and traffic management bodies to control air pollution in congested traffic areas.
Vehicle Inspection and Testing
- NPCC, with Land Transportation Commission and Board of Transportation, will inspect and test vehicles for pollution conformity.
- Responsible for maintenance checks of pollution control devices and recommending registration suspension for non-compliance.
- Establish and operate inspection and testing centers issuing certificates of compliance.
Public Information Campaign
- Joint responsibility of Land Transportation Commission, Board of Transportation, Department of Public Information, and National Media Production Center to educate the public on vehicle maintenance and operation to minimize emissions and conserve energy.
Hearing Procedures
- Violations reported or filed with NPCC.
- Designated hearing officer adjudicates cases and enforces penalties.
- Decisions are final if no appeal to the NPCC Commissioner within fifteen days; the Commissioner’s decision is conclusive.
Penalties for Violations
- First offense: Fine up to P200.00.
- Second offense: Fine up to P500.00.
- Third and subsequent offenses: Fine up to P1,000.00 plus suspension of vehicle registration until compliance.
Appropriations
- Annual allocation of 15 million pesos from the National Treasury for NPCC operations related to this Decree.
Repealing Clause
- All laws, decrees, orders, and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.