SIGNO, BRIANT LUIS M.

(ESE – 4)
ESE156/E01
December 05, 2019

CLEAN WATER ACT (RA9725) AND CLEAN AIR ACT (RA 8749)

I. CLEAN WATER ACT (RA9725)

a. Who are the technical professionals expected to be involved in the

implementation of the specific law?

According to Chapter 2 of the Clean Water Act entitled “Water Quality

Management Systems” on Section 5 it states that:

A technical secretariat for each management area is hereby created which

shall be part of the department and shall provide technical support to the
governing board. They shall be composed of at least four (4) members who shall
have the following minimum qualifications:

a) One (1) member shall be a member of the Philippines Bar;

b) One (1) member shall be a Chemical Engineer, Chemist, Sanitary Engineer,

Environmental Engineer or Ecologist or significant training and experience in
chemistry;

c) One (1) member shall be a Civil Engineer or Hydrologist or Significant training

and experience in closely related fields and experience on ground water,
respectively; and

d) One (1) member shall be a Geologist, Biologist, or significant training and

experience in closely related fields.

The areas within the jurisdiction of the Laguna Lake Development

Authority (LLDA) shall be designated as one management area under the
administration of LLDA in accordance with R.A. No. 4850, as amended:
Provided, However, That the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act and
wastewater charge system established pursuant hereof shall be enforced in said
area.
b. How can this specific law help in addressing environmental issues?

Republic Act No. 9275 or The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004’s main
objective is to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-based
sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and
community/household activities). The act provides for a comprehensive and
integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

c. What gaps could be seen in the implementation of such law.

The gap is the lack of monitoring and issuance of environmental permits

especially stated in Section 14 which is the issuance of Discharge Permits for
establishments that has wastewater discharge. The LGUs should work closely
and do occasional testing in order to comply with the requirements set by thr said
act. Underperformances for full implementation resulted to water pollution, thus
harming not just the environment but human health as well.

d. Look for an internet news (attached the clippings) showing how such law
was cited due to violation of a firm or group of people on specific
provisions of that law.

Read more: https://www.rappler.com/nation/237201-supreme-court-fines-

maynilad-manila-water-lack-sewage-lines
II. CLEAN AIR ACT (RA 8749)

a. Who are the technical professionals expected to be involved in the

implementation of the specific law?

“Air Quality Management Fund” on Section 04, it states that:

The plans and specifications of the installation and its control facilities (in
standard size of 50 cm by 90 cm) duly certified by a registered professional
mechanical engineer, sanitary engineer or chemical engineer or a combination of
any two or all of them as may be required by the Bureau depending upon the
nature of the construction, operation or activity sought to be covered by the
Authority to Construct. The plans shall clearly show in adequate detail the
proposed arrangement, location and size of the pollution control equipment or
facilities, including their accessories, cross-sections and construction details. The
specifications shall be in sufficient detail so that, when read in conjunction with
the plans, they clearly reveal the proposed means and methods for the control of
pollution and their expected performance efficiency;

b. How can this specific law help in addressing environmental issues?

This law can help in several ways, which include but not limited to:
Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizen and industries through
the application of incentives market-based instruments; Focus primarily on
pollution prevention rather than on control and provide for a comprehensive
management program on air pollution; Promote public information and education
to encourage the participation of an informed and active public in air quality
planning and monitoring; and Formulate and enforce a system of accountability
for short and long term adverse environmental impact of a project, program or
activity. This shall include setting up of a funding or guarantee mechanism for
clean-up and environmental rehabilitation and compensation for personal
damages.

c. What gaps could be seen in the implementation of such law.

Uncoordinated interagency efforts and lack of political will have weakened

enforcement of the landmark Clean Air Act, or Republic Act (RA) No. 8749.
Enacted in 1999, the law has failed to realize its promise as a sweeping measure
against air pollution, as the Philippines still records emissions higher than the
acceptable values.
d. Look for an internet news (attached the clippings) showing how such law
was cited due to violation of a firm or group of people on specific
provisions of that law.

Read more: https://www.rappler.com/nation/117854-house-bill-smoke-belching-

vehicles-owner