The Law and the Environment

Source: http://tunza.eco-generation.org/file/pasig.jpg

The Republic Act 9275 was published last March 22, 2004, an act that provides for a comprehensive water quality management in the Philippines. It is also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. This act has a declaration to "pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters".

ARTICLE 1
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters. To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable development shall be pursued. As such, it shall be the policy of the State:

a) To streamline processes and procedures in the prevention, control and abatement of pollution of the country's water resources;

b) To promote environmental strategies, use of appropriate economic instruments and of control mechanisms for the protection of water resources;

c) To formulate a holistic national program of water quality management that recognizes that water quality management issues cannot be separated from concerns about water sources and ecological protection, water supply, public health and quality of life;

d) To formulate an integrated water quality management framework through proper delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities;

e) promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment friendly and energy efficient;

f) To encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through the application of incentives and market-based instruments and to promote the role of private industrial enterprises in shaping its regulatory profile within the acceptable boundaries of public health and environment;

g) To provide for a comprehensive management program for water pollution focusing on pollution prevention;

h) To promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of an informed and active public in water quality management and monitoring;

i) To formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse environmental impact of a project, program or activity; and

j) To encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and business undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate and motivate the people in addressing pertinent environmental issues and problems at the local and national levels.

SECTION 3. Coverage of the Act. - This Act shall apply to water quality management in all water bodies: Provided, That it shall primarily apply to the abatement and control of pollution from land based sources: Provided, further, That the water quality standards and regulations and the civil liability and penal provisions under this Act shall be enforced irrespective of sources of pollution. 
Source: http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9275_2004.html


One might think that all hope is already lost for the water systems of the Philippines because the are hardly any changes in their states today. Moreover, with the recent calamities that most of the parts of the Philippines experienced, Ondoy and Sendong, the burden of the blame was borne by the government because of the inefficient sewage systems. But with the R.A. No. 9275, it lets the people become aware that the government is trying its best to address the problems of water pollution here in the Philippine. Why is it not very evident? Maybe it is because of the lack of needed resources and technology. We are not yet that advanced compared to other countries such as the United States, but keeping the R.A. 9275 in mind will remind us that despite the limitations of our government, they are still trying to do their best to improve the condition of our water systems like what the clean up that they are doing with the Pasig River and the Marikina River.

-Paul Yoingco