ENVIRONMENT

AL LAWS
in the Philippines
 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.79

INSTITUTIONALIZING AND IMPLEMENTING REFORMS IN THE PHILIPPINE MINING SECTOR PROVIDING

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES TO ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND RESPONSIBLE MINING IN
THE UTILIZATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES

It seeks a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the
amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; an expanding
productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged; and that in the
pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country shall be given optimum
opportunity to develop.

The Government in general, and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) in
particular, in coordination with concerned LGUs, shall ensure that environmental standards in mining, as
prescribed by the various mining and environmental laws, rules, and regulations, shall be fully and
strictly enforced, and appropriate sanctions meted out against violators thereof.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9175

November 7, 2002

AN ACT REGULATING THE OWNERSHIP, POSSESSION, SALE, IMPORTATION AND USE OF CHAIN SAWS,
PENALIZING VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

It is the policy of the State consistent with the Constitution, to conserve, develop and protect the forest
resources under sustainable management. Toward this end, the State shall pursue an aggressive forest
protection program geared towards eliminating illegal logging and other forms of forest destruction
which are being facilitated with the use of chain saws. The State shall therefore regulate the ownership,
possession, sale, transfer, importation and/or use of chain saws to prevent them from being used in
illegal logging or unauthorized clearing of forests.

Chain saws shall only be sold and/or imported by manufacturers, dealers and/or private owners who are
duly authorized by the Department. The Department is hereby authorized to issue permits to possess
and/or use a chain saw for the felling land/or cutting of trees, timber and other forest or agro-forest
products to any applicant who has a subsisting timber license agreement, production sharing
agreement, or similar agreements, or a private land timber permit, is an orchard and fruit tree farmer, is
an industrial tree farmer, is a licensed wood processor and the chain saw shall be used for the cutting of
timber that has been legally sold to said applicant, or shall use the chain saw for a legal purpose.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9168

June 7, 2002

AN ACT TO PROVIDE PROTECTION TO NEW PLANT VARIETIES, ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PLANT

VARIETY PROTECTION BOARD AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

The State recognizes that an effective intellectual property system in general and the development of
new plant variety in particular is vital in attaining food security for the country. To this end, it shall
protect and secure the exclusive rights of breeders with respect to their new plant variety particularly
when beneficial to the people for such periods as provided for in this Act.

The State recognizes that science and technology are essential for national development and promotes
the adaptation of technology and knowledge from all sources for the national benefit. The State also
recognizes the need to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists and other gifted citizens to
their intellectual property and creations. The State, while recognizing intellectual property rights in the
field of agriculture, does so in a manner supportive of and not inconsistent with its obligation to
maintain a healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9154

August 11, 2001

AN ACT ESTABLISHING MT. KANLA-ON LOCATED IN THE CITIES OF BAGO, LA CARLOTA, AND SAN CARLOS
AND IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LA CASTELLANA AND MURCIA, ALL IN THE PROVINCE OF NEGROS
OCCIDENTAL, AND IN THE CITY OF CANLAON AND MUNICIPALITY OF VALLEHERMOSO, BOTH IN THE
PROVINCE OF NEGROS ORIENTAL, AS A PROTECTED AREA AND A PERIPHERAL AREA AS BUFFER ZONE
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Considering the diversity of Mt. Kanla-on's biological resources and its aesthetic, socio-cultural,
economic and ecological importance to the Island of Negros, it is hereby declared the policy of the State
to ensure its protection and conservation including its communities of people and their culture and way
of life insofar as they are in harmony with nature. The protection and conservation of MKNP shall be
pursued through sustainable and participatory development, advancing and protecting the interests of
its legitimate inhabitants, and honoring customary laws in accordance with Republic Act No. 7586 or the
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, Republic Act No. 8371 or the
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, and international conventions to which the Philippines is a
signatory.

Any geothermal exploration for or development of energy or mineral resources within the MKNP shall
not be allowed except by an Act of Congress. Moreover, permits for geothermal activities shall be
pursuant to relevant forestry and environmental regulations: Provided, that areas within the buffer zone
which shall not be used directly for the development and utilization of geothermal energy shall remain
under the control and jurisdiction of the PAMB.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9147

July 30, 2001

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES AND THEIR
HABITATS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

It shall be the policy of the State to conserve the country's wildlife resources and their habitats for
sustainability. In the pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following objectives: to conserve and
protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological
diversity, to regulate the collection and trade of wildlife, to pursue, with due regard to the national
interest, the Philippine commitment to international conventions, protection of wildlife and their
habitats, and to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall have jurisdiction over all terrestrial
plant and animal species, all turtles and tortoises and wetland species, including but not limited to
crocodiles, waterbirds and all amphibians and dugong. The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall have
jurisdiction over all declared aquatic critical habitats, all aquatic resources including but not limited to all
fishes, aquatic plants, invertebrates and all marine mammals, except dugong. The secretaries of the
DENR and the DA shall review, and by joint administrative order, revise and regularly update the list of
species under their respective jurisdiction. In the Province of Palawan, jurisdiction herein conferred is
vested to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9072

NATIONAL CAVES AND CAVE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION ACT

This Act shall be known as the "National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act." It
is hereby declared the policy of the State to conserve, protect and manage caves and cave resources as
part of the country's natural wealth. Towards this end, the State shall strengthen cooperation and
exchange of information between governmental authorities and people who utilize caves and cave
resources for scientific, educational, recreational, tourism and other purposes.

The DENR shall be the lead agency tasked to implement the provisions of this Act in coordination with
the Department of Tourism (DOT), the National Museum, the National Historical Institute and concerned
local government units (LGUs) for specific caves, except that in the Province of Palawan, the Palawan
Council for Sustainable Development shall be the lead implementing agency pursuant to Republic Act
No. 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9003

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000

It is an act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary
institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties,
appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid
waste management program which shall ensure the protection of the public health and environment,
utilize environmentally-sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and
encourage resource conservation and recovery, set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and
volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures, including composting,
recycling, re-use, recovery, green charcoal process, and others, before collection, treatment and
disposal in appropriate and environmentally sound solid waste management facilities in accordance with
ecologically sustainable development principles, ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport,
storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best
environmental practice in ecological waste management excluding incineration, promote national
research and development programs for improved solid waste management and resource conservation
techniques, more effective institutional arrangement and indigenous and improved methods of waste
reduction, collection, separation and recovery, encourage greater private sector participation in solid
waste management, retain primary enforcement and responsibility of solid waste management with
local government units while establishing a cooperative effort among the national government, other
local government units, non- government organizations, and the private sector, encourage cooperation
and self-regulation among waste generators through the application of market-based instruments,
institutionalize public participation in the development and implementation of national and local
integrated, comprehensive, and ecological waste management programs, and strength the integration
of ecological solid waste management and resource conservation and recovery topics into the academic
curricula of formal and non-formal education in order to promote environmental awareness and action
among the citizenry.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8749

THE PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State shall promote and protect the global
environment to attain sustainable development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local
government units to deal with environmental problems.

The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-
based. The State also recognizes the principle that “polluters must pay”. Finally, the State recognizes
that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should, therefore, be the concern of all.
 IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8749

PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

The purpose of these Rules is to provide guidelines on the operationalization of the Philippine Clean Air
Act of 1999. These Rules shall lay down the powers and functions of the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Department of
Trade and Industry, the Department of Energy and all other concerned agencies, the rights and
obligations of stakeholders and the rights and duties of the people with respect to the Air Quality
Management and Control Program.

It is the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. It is also the policy of the State to attain and
maintain a balance between development and environmental protection. Finally, it is the policy of the
State to maintain a quality of air that protects human health and welfare.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550

THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE OF 1998

It is an act providing for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic
resources, integrating all laws pertinent thereto, and for other purposes. This is to achieve food security
as the overriding consideration in the utilization, management, development conservation and
protection of fishery resources in order to provide the food needs of the population. A flexible policy
towards the attainment of food security shall be adopted in response to changes in demographic trends
for fish, emerging trends in the trade of fish and other aquatic products in domestic and international
markets, and the law of supply and demand, to limit access to the fishery and aquatic resources of the
Philippines for the exclusive use and enjoyment of Filipino citizens, to ensure the rational and
sustainable development, management and conservation of the fishery and aquatic resources in
Philippine water including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in the adjacent high seas, consistent
with the primordial objective of maintaining a sound ecological balance, protecting and enhancing the
quality of the environment, to protect the rights of fisherfolk, especially of the local communities with
priority to municipal fisherfolk, in the preferential use of the municipal waters. Such preferential use,
shall be based on, but not limited to, Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) or Total Allowable Catch (TAC)
on the basis of resources and ecological conditions, and shall be consistent with our commitments under
international treaties and agreement, to provide support to the fishery sector, primarily to the
municipal fisherfolk, including women and youth sectors, through appropriate technology and research,
adequate financial, production, construction of post-harvest facilities, marketing assistance, and other
services. The he protection of municipal fisherfolk against foreign intrusion shall extend to offshore
fishing grounds. Fishworkers shall receive a just share for their labor in the utilization of marine and
fishery resources, to manage fishery and aquatic resources, in a manner consistent with the concept of
an integrated coastal area management in specific natural fishery management areas, appropriately
supported by research, technical services and guidance provided by the State, and to grant the private
sector the privilege to utilize fishery resources under the basic concept that the grantee, licensee or
permittee thereof shall not only be a privileged beneficiary of the State but also an active par participant
and partner of the Government in the sustainable development, management, conservation and
protection of the l; fishery and aquatic resources of the country.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485.

THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998

It is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by
supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding,
maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as objects of trade or as household pets.
For purposes of this Act, pet animal shall include birds.

No person, association, partnership, corporation, cooperative or any government agency or

instrumentality including slaughter houses shall establish, maintain and operate any pet shop, kennel,
veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, stockyard, corral, stud farm or stock farm or zoo for the breeding,
treatment, sale or trading, or training of animals without first securing from the Bureau of Animal
Industry a certificate of registration therefor.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8435

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES MODERNIZATION ACT OF 1997

The goals of the national economy are more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth;
a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the
people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the
underprivileged.

The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development
and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources,
and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. In pursuit of these goals, all sectors of
the economy and all regions of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private
enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall be
encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8371

THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES RIGHTS ACT OF 1997

The State shall protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to their ancestral domains to ensure their economic, social
and cultural well being and shall recognize the applicability of customary laws governing property rights
or relations in determining the ownership and extent of ancestral domain;

The State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to preserve and develop their
cultures, traditions and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national laws and
policies.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8172

AN ACT FOR SALT IODIZATION NATIONWIDE (ASIN)

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the health of the people, to maintain
an effective food regulatory system, and to provide the entire population especially women and children
with proper nutrition. For this purpose, the State shall promote the nutritional fortification of food to
combat micronutrient as a priority health program for the nation.

This act shall contribute to the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition in the country, particularly
iodine deficiency disorders, through the cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization. Also, this
shall require all producers manufacturers of food-grade salt to iodize the salt that they produce,
manufacture, import, trade or distribute. And, require the Department of Health (DOH) to undertake the
salt iodization program and for its Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), to set and enforce standards for
food-grade iodized salt and to monitor compliance thereof by the food-grade salt manufacturers;
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8048

COCONUT PRESERVATION ACT OF 1995

Considering the importance of the coconut industry in nation building being one of the principal
industries and one of the largest income earners of the country, it becomes mandatory for the
Government to step-in and regulate the unabated and indiscriminate cutting of the coconut trees.For
reasons of national interest, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to provide for the growth of the
industry by embarking on a sustainable and efficient replanting program.

No coconut tree or trees shall be cut unless a permit therefore, upon due application being made, has
been issued by the PCA pursuant to Section 6 of this Act. The applicant shall pay an application fee in the
amount of Twenty-five pesos (P25.00) for every tree intended to be cut payable to the PCA.Ten pesos
(P10.00) of the fee shall accrue in favor of the PCA, Ten pesos (P10.00) in favor of the municipal
government concerned, and Five pesos (P5.00) in favor of the barangay unit concerned. The fees shall
be used for the PCA's replanting program and for the repair and rehabilitation of roads of the respective
local government units which have been damaged by the passage of heavy vehicles used for
transporting coconut lumber.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8041

NATIONAL WATER CRISIS ACT OF 1995

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to adopt urgent and effective measures to address the
nationwide water crisis which adversely allocate the health and well-being of the population , food
production and industrialization process.

Pursuant thereto the government shall address the issues relevant to the water crisis including, but not
limited to, supply, distribution, finance, privatization of state-run water facilities, the protection and
conservation of watersheds and the waste and pilferage of water, including the serious matter of graft
and corruption in all the water agencies.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7942

PHILIPPINE MINING ACT OF 1995

All mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the
Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State. It shall be the responsibility of the State to promote
their rational exploration, development, utilization and conservation through the combined efforts of
government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively
safeguards the environment and protect the rights of affected communities.

Mineral resources are owned by the State and the exploration, development, utilization, and processing
thereof shall be under its full control and supervision. The State may directly undertake such activities or
it may enter into mineral agreements with contractors. The State shall recognize and protect the rights
of the indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands as provided for by the Constitution.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7907

AMENDMENT TO THE AGRARIAN REFORM CODE

Section 1. Sec. 75 of Republic Act No. 3844, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding the
following subsections to read as follows:

"(12) to act as an official government depository with full authority to maintain deposits of the
government, its branches, subdivisions and instrumentalities, and of government-owned or controlled
corporations which deposits shall be subjected to liquidity floor and/or reserve requirements as may be
imposed by the Monetary Board upon other commercial banks;

"(13) for the strengthening of the capital base of the bank, to establish a national marketing umbrella for
farmers and fisheries cooperatives to attract massive capital formation from savings deposits of the
cooperative member nationwide."
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7900

HIGH-VALUE CROPS DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1995

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to accelerate the growth and development of agriculture in
general, enhance productivity and incomes of farmers and the rural population, improve investment
climate, competencies and efficiency of agribusiness and develop high-value crops as export crops that
will significantly augment the foreign exchange earnings of the country, through an all-out promotion of
the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high-value crops in suitable areas of the
country.

The State shall be guided by the principles that land has a social function and land ownership has a social
responsibility. As such, owners and lessees of agricultural land, being stewards, have the obligation to
cultivate the lands they own or lease and make the land economically productive on a sustainable and
environmentally friendly manner. The State has the right to expropriate lands not utilized for the benefit
of the community and the country as a whole.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7611

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN (SEP) FOR PALAWAN ACT

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect, develop and conserve its natural resources.
Towards this end, it shall assist and support the implementation of plans, programs and projects
formulated to preserve and enhance the environment, and at the same time pursue the socioeconomic
development goals of the country.

It shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for the provinces through proper
conservation, utilization and development of natural resources to provide optimum yields on a
continuing basis. With specific reference to forest resources, the State shall pursue and implement
forest conservation and protection through the imposition of a total commercial logging ban as
hereinafter provided.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7586

NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM ACT OF 1992

Cognizant of the profound impact of man’s activities on all components of the natural environment
particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement and
recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological and physical
diversities of the environment notably on areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life
and development, as well as plant and animal life, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure
for the Filipino people of present and future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and
animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the
classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

It is hereby recognized that these areas, although distinct in features, possess common ecological values
that may be incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our natural heritage; that effective
administration of these areas is possible only through cooperation among national government, local
government and concerned private organizations; that the use and enjoyment of these protected areas
must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7308

SEED INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1992

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote and accelerate the development of the seed
industry and, for this purpose, the Government shall conserve, preserve and develop the plant genetic
resources of the nation; encourage and hasten the organization of all sectors engaged in the industry,
integrate all their activities, and provide assistance to them; consider the seed industry as a preferred
area of investment; encourage the private sector to engage in seed research and development and in
mass production and distribution of good quality seeds; and provide the local seed industry protection
against unfair competition from imported seeds.

There shall be a National Seed Quality Control Services, hereinafter referred to as "Services", which shall
be constituted in the Bureau of Plant Industry. It shall have control and supervision over filed inspection
and control services, and seed testing laboratories which shall be established by the Bureau of Plant
Industry in various parts of the country as are necessary to ensure the attainment of the purposes of this
Act. All personnel, funds and equipment of the existing control services and the field inspection services
of the Department of Agriculture are hereby transferred to the herein created body.