Republic Act No.

9275

March 22, 2004

AN ACT PROVI IN! "OR A COMPR#$#N%IV# &AT#R '(A)IT* MANA!#M#NT AN "OR OT$#R P(RPO%#% Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: C$APT#R + !#N#RA) PROVI%ION% ARTIC)# + #C)ARATION O" PRINCIP)#% AN PO)ICI#%

%#CTION +. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004." %#CTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall pursue a polic of econo!ic "rowth in a !anner consistent with the protection# preser$ation an% re$i$al of the &ualit of our fresh# brackish an% !arine waters. To achie$e this en%# the fra!ework for sustainable %e$elop!ent shall be pursue%. As such# it shall be the polic of the State: a' To strea!line processes an% proce%ures in the pre$ention# control an% abate!ent of pollution of the countr (s water resources) b' To pro!ote en$iron!ental strate"ies# use of appropriate econo!ic instru!ents an% of control !echanis!s for the protection of water resources) c' To for!ulate a holistic national pro"ra! of water &ualit !ana"e!ent that reco"ni*es that water &ualit !ana"e!ent issues cannot be separate% fro! concerns about water sources an% ecolo"ical protection# water suppl # public health an% &ualit of life) %' To for!ulate an inte"rate% water &ualit !ana"e!ent fra!ework throu"h proper %ele"ation an% effecti$e coor%ination of functions an% acti$ities) e' pro!ote co!!ercial an% in%ustrial processes an% pro%ucts that are en$iron!ent frien%l an% ener" efficient) f' To encoura"e cooperation an% self-re"ulation a!on" citi*ens an% in%ustries throu"h the application of incenti$es an% !arket-base% instru!ents an% to pro!ote the role of pri$ate in%ustrial enterprises

in shapin" its re"ulator profile within the acceptable boun%aries of public health an% en$iron!ent) "' To pro$i%e for a co!prehensi$e !ana"e!ent pro"ra! for water pollution focusin" on pollution pre$ention) h' To pro!ote public infor!ation an% e%ucation an% to encoura"e the participation of an infor!e% an% acti$e public in water &ualit !ana"e!ent an% !onitorin") i' To for!ulate an% enforce a s ste! of accountabilit for short an% lon"-ter! a%$erse en$iron!ental i!pact of a pro+ect# pro"ra! or acti$it ) an% +' To encoura"e ci$il societ an% other sectors# particularl labor# the aca%e!e an% business un%ertakin" en$iron!ent-relate% acti$ities in their efforts to or"ani*e# e%ucate an% !oti$ate the people in a%%ressin" pertinent en$iron!ental issues an% proble!s at the local an% national le$els. %#CTION ,. Coverage of the Act. - This Act shall appl to water &ualit !ana"e!ent in all water bo%ies: Pro$i%e%# That it shall pri!aril appl to the abate!ent an% control of pollution fro! lan% base% sources: Pro$i%e%# further# That the water &ualit stan%ar%s an% re"ulations an% the ci$il liabilit an% penal pro$isions un%er this Act shall be enforce% irrespecti$e of sources of pollution. ARTIC)# 2 #"INITION O" T#RM% %#CTION 4. Definition of Terms. - As use% in this Act: a' A&uifer - !eans a la er of water-bearin" rock locate% un%er"roun% that trans!its water in sufficient &uantit to suppl pu!pin" wells or natural sprin"s. b' A&uatic life - !eans all or"anis!s li$in" in freshwater# brackish an% !arine en$iron!ent. c' ,eneficial use - !eans the use of the en$iron!ent or an ele!ent or se"!ent thereof con%uci$e to public or pri$ate welfare# safet an% health) an% shall inclu%e# but not be li!ite% to# the use of water for %o!estic# !unicipal# irri"ation# power "eneration# fisheries# li$estock raisin"# in%ustrial# recreational an% other purposes.

-. .se of water for %o!estic purposes - !eans the utili*ation of water for %rinkin"# washin"# bathin"# cookin" or other househol% nee%s# ho!e "ar%ens an% waterin" of lawns or %o!estic ani!als) 2. .se of water for !unicipal purposes - !eans the utili*ation of water for suppl in" water re&uire!ents of the co!!unit ) /. .se of water for irri"ation - !eans the utili*ation of water for pro%ucin" a"ricultural crops) 4. .se of water for power "eneration - !eans the utili*ation of water for pro%ucin" electrical or !echanical power) 0. .se of water for fisheries - !eans the utili*ation of water for the propa"ation of culture of fish as a co!!ercial enterprise) 1. .se of water for li$estock raisin" - !eans the utili*ation of water for lar"e her%s or flocks of ani!als raise% as a co!!ercial enterprise) 2. .se of water for in%ustrial purposes - !eans the utili*ation of water in factories# in%ustrial plants an% !ines# inclu%in" the use of water as an in"re%ient of a finishe% pro%uct) an% 3. .se of water for recreational purposes - !eans the utili*ation of water for swi!!in" pools# bath houses# boatin"# water skiin"# "olf courses an% other si!ilar facilities in resorts an% other places of recreation. %' Classification45eclassification of Philippine Waters - !eans the cate"ori*ation of all water bo%ies takin" into account# a!on" others# the followin": 6-' e7istin" &ualit of the bo% of water) 62' si*e# %epth# surface area co$ere%# $olu!e# %irection# rate of flow an% "ra%ient of strea!) 6/' !ost beneficial e7istin" an% future use of sai% bo%ies of water an% lan%s bor%erin" the!# such as for resi%ential# a"ricultural# a&uacultural# co!!ercial# in%ustrial# na$i"ational# recreational# wil%life conser$ation an% aesthetic purposes) an% 64' $ulnerabilit of surface an% "roun%water to conta!ination fro! polluti$e an% ha*ar%ous wastes# a"ricultural che!icals an% un%er"roun% stora"e tanks of petroleu! pro%ucts. e' Ci$il Societ - !eans non-"o$ern!ent or"ani*ations 689:s' an% people(s or"ani*ations 6P:s'.

f' Cleaner Pro%uction - !eans the application of an inte"rate%# pre$enti$e en$iron!ental strate" to processes# pro%ucts# ser$ices to increase efficienc an% re%uce risk to hu!ans an% the en$iron!ent) "' Clean-up operations - !eans acti$ities in$ol$in" the re!o$al of pollutants %ischar"e% or spille% into a water bo% an% its surroun%in" areas# an% the restoration of the affecte% areas to their for!er ph sical# che!ical an% biolo"ical state or con%itions. h' Conta!ination - !eans the pro%uction of substances not foun% in the natural co!position of water that !ake the water less %esirable or unfit %esirable or unfit for inten%e% use. i' ;epart!ent - !eans the ;epart!ent of <n$iron!ent an% 8atural 5esources. +' ;ischar"e inclu%es# but is not li!ite% to# the act of spillin"# leakin"# pu!pin"# pourin"# e!ittin"# e!pt in"# releasin" or %u!pin" of an !aterial into a water bo% or onto lan% fro! which it !i"ht flow or %rain into sai% water. k' ;rinkin" water- !eans water inten%e% for hu!an consu!ption or for use in foo% preparation. l' ;u!pin" - !eans an unauthori*e% or ille"al %isposal into an bo% of water or lan% of wastes or to7ic or ha*ar%ous !aterial: Pro$i%e%# That it %oes not !ean a release of effluent co!in" fro! co!!ercial# in%ustrial# an% %o!estic sources which are within the effluent stan%ar%s. !' <ffluent - !eans %ischar"e fro! known sources which is passe% into a bo% of water or lan%# or wastewater flowin" out of a !anufacturin" plant# in%ustrial plant inclu%in" %o!estic# co!!ercial an% recreational facilities. n' <ffluent stan%ar% - !eans an le"al restriction or li!itation on &uantities# rates# an%4or concentrations or an co!bination thereof# of ph sical# che!ical or biolo"ical para!eters of effluent which a person or point source is allowe% to %ischar"e into a bo% of water or lan%. o' <n$iron!ental !ana"e!ent - !eans the entire s ste! which inclu%es# but is not li!ite% to# conser$ation# re"ulation an% !ini!i*ation of pollution# clean pro%uction# waste !ana"e!ent#

en$iron!ental law an% polic # en$iron!ental e%ucation an% infor!ation# stu% an% !iti"ation of the en$iron!ental i!pacts of hu!an acti$it # an% en$iron!ental research. p' <n$iron!ental !ana"e!ent s ste! - !eans the part of the o$erall !ana"e!ent s ste! that inclu%es or"ani*ational structure# plannin" acti$ities# responsibilities# practices# proce%ures# processes an% resources for %e$elopin"# i!ple!entin"# achie$in"# re$iewin" an% !aintainin" the en$iron!ent polic . &' =reshwater - !eans water containin" less than 000 pp! %issol$e% co!!on salt# so%iu! chlori%e# such as that in "roun%water# ri$ers# pon%s an% lakes. r' 9roun%water - !eans a subsurface water that occurs beneath a water table in soils an% rocks# or in "eolo"ical for!ations. s' 9roun%water $ulnerabilit - !eans relati$e ease with which a conta!inant locate% at or near the lan% surface can !i"rate to the a&uifer or %eep well. t' 9roun%water $ulnerabilit !ap - !eans the i%entifie% areas of the lan% surface where "roun%water &ualit is !ost at risk fro! hu!an acti$ities an% shall reflect the %ifferent %e"rees of "roun%water $ulnerabilit base% on a ran"e of soil properties an% h %ro "eolo"ical criteria to ser$e as "ui%e in the protection of the "roun%water fro! conta!ination. u' >a*ar%ous waste - !eans an waste or co!bination of wastes of soli% li&ui%# containe% "aseous# or se!i-soli% for! which cause# of contribute to# an increase in !ortalit or an increase in serious irre$ersible# or incapacitatin" re$ersible illness# takin" into account to7icit of such waste# its persistence an% %e"ra%abilit in nature# its potential for accu!ulation or concentration in tissue# an% other factors that !a otherwise cause or contribute to a%$erse acute or chronic effects on the health of persons or or"anis!. $' ?n%ustrial waste - !eans an soli%# se!i-soli% or li&ui% waste !aterial with no co!!ercial $alue release% b a !anufacturin" or processin" plant other than e7clu%e% !aterial. w' ?nte"rate% Water @ualit Aana"e!ent =ra!ework - !eans the polic "ui%eline inte"ratin" all the e7istin" fra!eworks prepare% b all "o$ern!ent a"encies contain the followin") water &ualit "oals an% tar"ets) 6b' perio% of co!pliance) 6c' water pollution control

strate"ies an% techni&ues) 6%' water &ualit infor!ation an% e%ucation pro"ra!) 6e' hu!an resources %e$elop!ent pro"ra!. 7' Aar"in - !eans a lan%war% an% outer li!itin" e%"e a%+acent to the bor%er of an water bo%ies or a li!it be on% where be on% where saturation *one ceases to e7ist. ' 8ational Water @ualit Status 5eport - !eans a report to be prepare% b the ;epart!ent in%icatin": a' the location of water bo%ies# their &ualit # takin" into account seasonal# ti%al an% others $ariations# e7istin" an% potential uses an% sources of pollution per specific pollutant an% pollution loa% assess!ent) b' water &ualit !ana"e!ent areas pursuant to Section 0 of this Act) c' an% water classification. *' 8on-point source - !eans an source of pollution not i%entifiable as point source to inclu%e# but not be li!ite% to# runoff fro! irri"ation or rainwater# which picks up pollutants fro! far!s an% urban areas. aa' Point source - !eans an i%entifiable source of pollution with specific point of %ischar"e into a particular water bo% . bb' Pollutant- shall refer to an substance# whether soli%# li&ui%# "aseous or ra%ioacti$e# which %irectl or in%irectl : 6i' alters the &ualit of an se"!ent of the recei$in" water bo% to affect or ten% to affect a%$ersel an beneficial use thereof) 6ii' is ha*ar%ous or potential ha*ar%ous to health) 6iii' i!parts ob+ectionable o%or# te!perature chan"e# or ph sical# che!ical or biolo"ical chan"e to an se"!ent of the water bo% ) or 6i$' is in e7cess of the allowable li!its# concentrations# or &ualit stan%ar%s specifie%# or in contra$ention of the con%ition# li!itation or restriction prescribe% in this Act. cc' Pollution control technolo" - !eans pollution control %e$ices or apparatus# processes# or other !eans that effecti$el pre$ent control or re%uce pollution of water cause% b effluents an% other %ischar"es# fro! an point source at le$els within the water pollution stan%ar%s.

%%' Potentiall infectious !e%ical waste- inclu%e isolation wastes# infectious a"ents# hu!an bloo% an% bloo% pro%ucts# patholo"ical wastes# sharps# bo% parts# conta!inate% be%%in"# sur"ical wastes# an% other %isposable !e%ical e&uip!ent an% !aterial that !a pose a risk to the public health# welfare or the !arine en$iron!ent. ee' Secretar - !eans the Secretar of the ;epart!ent of <n$iron!ental an% 8atural 5esources 6;<85'. ff' Septa"e - !eans the slu%"e pro%uce% on in%i$i%ual onsite wastewater %isposal s ste!s# principall septic tanks an% cesspools. ""' Sewa"e - !eans water-borne hu!an or ani!al wastes# e7clu%in" oil or oil wastes# re!o$e% fro! resi%ences# buil%in"# institutions# in%ustrial an% co!!ercial establish!ents to"ether with such "roun%water# surface water an% stor! water as !a be present inclu%in" such waste fro! $essels# offshore structures# other receptacles inten%e% to recei$e or retain waste or other places or the co!bination thereof. hh' Sewera"e - inclu%es# but is not li!ite% to# an s ste! or network of pipelines# %itches# channels# or con%uits inclu%in" pu!pin" stations# lift stations an% force !ains# ser$ice connections inclu%in" other constructions# %e$ices# an% appliances appurtenant thereto# which inclu%es the collection# transport# pu!pin" an% treat!ent of sewa"e to a point of %isposal. ii' Slu%"e - !eans an soli%# se!i-soli% or li&ui% waste or resi%ue "enerate% fro! a wastewater treat!ent plant# water suppl treat!ent plant# or water control pollution facilit # or an other such waste ha$in" si!ilar characteristics an% effects. ++' Surface water - !eans all water# which is open to the at!osphere an% sub+ect to surface runoff. kk' Treat!ent - !eans an !etho%# techni&ue# or process %esi"ne% to alter the ph sical# che!ical or biolo"ical an% ra%iolo"ical character or co!position of an waste or wastewater to re%uce or pre$ent pollution. ll' To7ic a!ount - !eans the lowest a!ount of concentration of to7ic pollutants# which !a cause chronic or lon"-ter! acute or lethal con%itions or effects to the a&uatic life# or health of persons or which !a a%$ersel affect %esi"nate% water uses.

!!' Waste - !eans an !aterial either soli%# li&ui%# se!isoli%# containe% "as or other for!s resultin" in%ustrial# co!!ercial# !inin" or a"ricultural operations# or fro! co!!unit an% househol% acti$ities that is %e$oi% of usa"e an% %iscar%e%. nn' Wastewater - !eans waste in li&ui% state containin" pollutants. oo' Water bo% - !eans both natural an% !an-!a%e bo%ies of fresh# brackish# an% saline waters# an% inclu%es# but is not li!ite% to# a&uifers# "roun%water# sprin"s# creeks# strea!s# ri$ers# pon%s# la"oons# water reser$oirs# lakes# ba s# estuarine# coastal an% !arine waters. Water bo%ies %o not refer to those constructe%# %e$elope% an% use% purposel as water treat!ent facilities an% 4 or water stora"e for rec clin" an% re-use which are inte"ral to process in%ustr or !anufacturin". pp' Water Pollution - !eans an alteration of the ph sical# che!ical# biolo"ical# or ra%iolo"ical properties of a water bo% resultin" in the i!pair!ent of its purit or &ualit . &&' Water @ualit - !eans the characteristics of water# which %efine its use in characteristics b ter!s of ph sical# che!ical# biolo"ical# bacteriolo"ical or ra%iolo"ical characteristics b which the acceptabilit of water is e$aluate%. rr' Water &ualit "ui%elines - !eans the le$el for a water constituent or nu!erical $alues of ph sical# che!ical# biolo"ical an% bacteriolo"ical or ra%iolo"ical para!eters which are use% to classif water resources an% their use# which %oes not result in si"nificant health risk an% which are not inten%e% for %irect enforce!ent but onl for water &ualit !ana"e!ent purposes# such as %eter!inin" ti!e tren%s# e$aluatin" sta"es of %eterioration or enhance!ent of the water &ualit # an% as basis for takin" positi$e action in pre$entin"# controllin" or abatin" water pollution. ss' Water @ualit Aana"e!ent Area Action Plan - inclu%es# but not be li!ite% to# the followin": 6a' "oals an% tar"ets inclu%in" sewera"e or septa"e pro"ra!# 6b' sche%ule of co!pliance to !eet the applicable re&uire!ents of this Act) 6c' water pollution control strate"ies or techni&ues) 6%' water &ualit infor!ation an% e%ucation pro"ra!) e' resource re&uire!ent an% possible sources) f' enforce!ent proce%ures of the plan an% 6"' rewar%s an% incenti$es un%er Chapter 4 of this Act.

C$APT#R 2 &AT#R '(A)IT* MANA!#M#NT %*%T#M ARTIC)# + !#N#RA) PROVI%ION% %#CTION 5. Water Quality Management Area. - The ;epart!ent# in coor%ination with 8ational Water 5esources ,oar% 68W5,'# shall %esi"nate certain areas as water &ualit !ana"e!ent areas usin" appropriate ph sio"raphic units such as watershe%# ri$er basins or water resources re"ions. Sai% !ana"e!ent areas shall ha$e si!ilar h %rolo"ical# h %ro"eolo"ical# !eteorolo"ical or "eo"raphic con%itions which affect the ph sicoche!ical# biolo"ical an% bacteriolo"ical reactions an% %iffusions of pollutants in the water bo%ies# or otherwise share co!!on interest or face si!ilar %e$elop!ent pro"ra!s# prospects or proble!s. Sai% !ana"e!ent area shall be "o$erne% b a "o$ernin" boar% co!pose% of representati$es of !a ors an% "o$ernors of !e!ber local "o$ern!ent units 6B9.s'# an% representati$es of rele$ant national "o$ern!ent a"encies# %ul re"istere% non-"o$ern!ental or"ani*ation# water utilit sector# an% business sector. The ;epart!ent representati$e shall chair the "o$ernin" boar%. ?n the case of the B9.s with !e!berships on !ore than one 6-' !ana"e!ent boar%# the B9. shall %esi"nate onl one 6-' sin"le representati$e for all the !ana"e!ent areas wherein is a !e!ber. The "o$ernin" boar% shall for!ulate strate"ies to coor%inate policies necessar for the effecti$e i!ple!entation of this Act in accor%ance with those establishe% in the fra!ework an% !onitor the co!pliance with the action plan. <ach !ana"e!ent area shall create a !ulti-sectoral "roup to establish an% affect water &ualit sur$eillance an% !onitorin" network inclu%in" sa!plin" sche%ules an% other si!ilar acti$ities. The "roup shall sub!it its report an% reco!!en%ation to the chair!an of the "o$ernin" boar%. A technical secretariat for each !ana"e!ent area is hereb create% which shall be part of the %epart!ent an% shall pro$i%e technical support to the "o$ernin" boar%. The shall be co!pose% of at least four 64' !e!bers who shall ha$e the followin" !ini!u! &ualifications: a' :ne 6-' !e!ber shall be a !e!ber of the Philippines ,ar)

b' :ne 6-' !e!ber shall be a Che!ical <n"ineer# Che!ist# Sanitar <n"ineer# <n$iron!ental <n"ineer or <colo"ist or si"nificant trainin" an% e7perience in che!istr ) c' :ne 6-' !e!ber shall be a Ci$il <n"ineer or > %rolo"ist or Si"nificant trainin" an% e7perience in closel relate% fiel%s an% e7perience on "roun% water# respecti$el ) an% %' :ne 6-' !e!ber shall be a 9eolo"ist# ,iolo"ist# or si"nificant trainin" an% e7perience in closel relate% fiel%s. The areas within the +uris%iction of the Ba"una Bake ;e$elop!ent Authorit 6BB;A' shall be %esi"nate% as one !ana"e!ent area un%er the a%!inistration of BB;A in accor%ance with 5.A. 8o. 4300# as a!en%e%: Pro$i%e%# >owe$er# That the stan%ar%s pro!ul"ate% pursuant to this Act an% wastewater char"e s ste! establishe% pursuant hereof shall be enforce% in sai% area. %#CTION -. Management of Non-attainment Areas. - The ;epart!ent shall %esi"nate water bo%ies# or portions thereof# where specific pollutants fro! either natural or !an-!a%e source ha$e alrea% e7cee%e% water &ualit "ui%elines as non-attain!ent areas for the e7cee%e% pollutants. ?t shall prepare an% i!ple!ent a pro"ra! that will not allow new sources of e7cee%e% water pollutant in non-attain!ent areas without a correspon%in" re%uction in %ischar"es fro! e7istin" sources) Pro$i%e%# That if the pollutant is naturall occurrin"# e.". naturall hi"h boron an% other ele!ents in "eother!al areas# %ischar"e of such pollutant !a be allowe%: Pro$i%e%# further# That the effluent concentration of %ischar"e shall not e7cee% the naturall occurrin" le$el of such pollutant in the area: Pro$i%e%# =inall # That the effluent concentration an% $olu!e of %ischar"e shall not a%$ersel affect water suppl # public health an% ecolo"ical protection. The ;epart!ent shall# in coor%ination with 8W5,# ;epart!ent of >ealth 6;:>'# ;epart!ent of A"riculture 6;A'# "o$ernin" boar% an% other concerne% "o$ern!ent a"encies an% pri$ate sectors shall take such !easures as !a be necessar to up"ra%e the &ualit of such water in non-attain!ent areas to !eet the stan%ar%s un%er which it has been classifie%. .p"ra%in" of water &ualit shall likewise inclu%e un%ertakin"s# which shall i!pro$e the water &ualit of a water bo% to a classification that will !eet its pro+ecte% or potential use.

The B9.s shall prepare an% i!ple!ent contin"enc plans an% other !easures inclu%in" relocation# whene$er necessar # for the protection of health an% welfare of the resi%ents within potentiall affecte% areas. %#CTION 7. National Sewerage and Se tage Management Program. The ;epart!ent of Public Works an% >i"hwa s 6;PW>'# throu"h its rele$ant attache% a"encies# in coor%ination with the ;epart!ent# local "o$ern!ent units 6B9.s' an% other concerne% a"encies# shall# as soon as possible# but in no case e7cee%in" a perio% of twel$e 6-2' !onths fro! the affecti$it of this Act# prepare a national pro"ra! on sewera"e an% septa"e !ana"e!ent in connection with Section 3 hereof. Such pro"ra! shall inclu%e a priorit listin" of sewera"e# septa"e an% co!bine% sewera"e-septa"e pro+ects for B9.s base% on population %ensit an% "rowth# %e"ra%ation of water resources# topo"raph # "eolo" # $e"etation# pro"ra!4pro+ects for the rehabilitation of e7istin" facilities an% such other factors that the Secretar !a %ee! rele$ant to the protection of water &ualit . :n the basis of such national listin"# the national "o$ern!ent !a allot# on an annual basis# fun%s for the construction an% rehabilitation of re&uire% facilities. <ach B9. shall appropriate the necessar lan%# inclu%in" the re&uire% ri"hts-of-wa 4roa% access to the lan% for the construction of the sewa"e an%4or septa"e treat!ent facilities. <ach B9. !a raise fun%s to subsi%i*e necessar e7penses for the operation an% !aintenance of sewera"e treat!ent or septa"e facilit ser$icin" their area of +uris%iction throu"h local propert ta7es an% enforce!ent of a ser$ice fee s ste!. %#CTION .. Domestic Sewage Collection! Treatment and Dis osal. Within fi$e 60' ears followin" the effecti$it of this Act# the A"enc $este% to pro$i%e water suppl an% sewera"e facilities an%4or concessionaires in Aetro Aanila an% other hi"hl urbani*e% cities 6>.Cs' as %efine% in 5epublic Act 8o. 2-10# in coor%ination with B9.s# shall be re&uire% to connect the e7istin" sewa"e line foun% in all sub%i$isions# con%o!iniu!s# co!!ercial centers# hotels# sports an% recreational facilities# hospitals# !arket places# public buil%in"s# in%ustrial co!ple7 an% other si!ilar establish!ents inclu%in" househol%s to a$ailable sewera"e s ste!. Pro$i%e%# That the sai% connection shall be sub+ect to sewera"e ser$ices char"e4fees in accor%ance with e7istin" laws# rules or re"ulations unless the sources ha% alrea% utili*e% their own sewera"e s ste!: Pro$i%e%# further# That all sources of sewa"e an% septa"e shall co!pl with the re&uire!ents herein.

?n areas not consi%ere% as >.Cs# the ;PW> in coor%ination with the ;epart!ent# ;:> an% other concerne% a"encies# shall e!plo septa"e or co!bine% sewera"e-septa"e !ana"e!ent s ste!. =or the purpose of this section# the ;:># coor%ination with other "o$ern!ent a"encies# shall for!ulate "ui%elines an% stan%ar%s for the collection# treat!ent an% %isposal of sewa"e inclu%in" "ui%elines for the establish!ent an% operation of centrali*e% sewa"e treat!ent s ste!. %#CTION 9. National Water Quality Management "und. - A water &ualit !ana"e!ent fun%# to be a%!inistere% b the ;epart!ent# in coor%ination with other concerne% a"encies# as a special account in the 8ational Treasur is hereb establishe%. The fun% shall be use% to finance the followin": a' =inance contain!ent an% clean-up operations of the "o$ern!ent in water pollution cases) b' 9uarantee restoration of ecos ste!s an% rehabilitation of affecte% areas) c' Support research# enforce!ent an% !onitorin" acti$ities) %' Pro$i%e technical assistance to the i!ple!entin" a"encies) e' 9rant rewar%s an% incenti$es) f' Support infor!ation an% e%ucational ca!pai"n) an% "' Such other %isburse!ents !a%e solel for the pre$ention# control or abate!ent of water pollution an% !ana"e!ent an% a%!inistration of the !ana"e!ent areas in the a!ounts authori*e% b the ;epart!ent. The fines i!pose% an% %a!a"es awar%e% to the "o$ern!ent b the Pollution A%+u%ication ,oar% 6PA,'# procee%s of per!its issue% b the ;epart!ent un%er this Act# %onations# en%ow!ents an% "rants in the for! of contributions to the national "o$ern!ent un%er this Act shall for! part of the fun%. Such %onations# en%ow!ents an% "rants shall be e7e!pt fro! %onor(s ta7es an% all other ta7es# char"es or fees i!pose% b the "o$ern!ent an% shall be %e%uctible fro! the "ross inco!e of the %onor for inco!e ta7 purposes. ;isburse!ents fro! the fun% shall be sub+ect to the usual accountin" an% bu%"etin" rules an% re"ulations.

%#CTION +0. The Area Water Quality Management "und. - The area water &ualit !ana"e!ent fun% is hereb establishe% for the !aintenance an% upkeep of the water bo%ies in a water &ualit !ana"e!ent area. The fun% shall be utili*e% for the "rant of rewar%s an% incenti$es for entities whose effluent %ischar"es are better than the water &ualit criteria of the tar"et classification of the recei$in" bo% of water# loans for ac&uisitions an% repairs of facilities to re%uce &uantit an% i!pro$e &ualit of wastewater %ischar"es# an% re"ular !aintenance of the water bo%ies within the !ana"e!ent area. An a!ount of not !ore than ten percent 6-0C' of the total a!ount accruin" to the fun%s annuall shall be allocate% for the operational e7penses of the "o$ernin" boar%# its secretariat an% !ulti-sectoral water &ualit sur$eillance an% !onitorin" network. This fun% shall initiall be source% fro! the fines incurre% b the establish!ents locate% in rural areas before the effecti$it of this Act. Thereafter# the fees collecte% un%er the wastewater char"e s ste! establishe% un%er Section -/ of this Act# %onations# en%ow!ents an% "rants for water &ualit !ana"e!ent of the area shall accrue to the fun%. ;isburse!ents fro! the fun% shall be sub+ect to the usual accountin" an% bu%"etin" rules an% re"ulations. This fun% shall be !ana"e% b the ,oar% of the correspon%in" !ana"e!ent area. %#CTION ++. Water Quality #ariance for $eothermal and %il and $as &' loration. - The ;epart!ent !a pro$i%e $ariance in water &ualit criteria an% stan%ar%s for "eother!al e7ploration that encounters rein+ection constraints: Pro$i%e%# That there shall be pro$ision for a%e&uate protection of beneficial use of water bo%ies# %ownstrea! of the "eother!al pro+ect: Pro$i%e%# further# That this pro$ision !a be applie% to oil an% "as e7ploration as %eter!ine% b the ;epart!ent. %#CTION +2. Categories of (ndustry Sector. - Within twent -four 624' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act# an% e$er two 62' ears thereafter# the ;epart!ent shall# throu"h %ue public consultation# re$ise an% publish a list of cate"ories of in%ustr sector for which effluent stan%ar%s will be pro$i%e% for each si"nificant wastewater para!eter per in%ustr sector. The ;epart!ent shall pro$i%e a%%itional classification base% on other para!eters specificall associate% to %ischar"e of a particular in%ustr which shall be inclu%e% in the listin" of cate"ories prescribe% in the prece%in" para"raph.

ARTIC)# 2 &AT#R PO))(TION P#RMIT% AN

C$AR!#%

%#CTION +,. Wastewater Charge System. - The ;epart!ent shall i!ple!ent a wastewater char"e s ste! in all !ana"e!ent areas inclu%in" the Ba"una Bake 5e"ion an% 5e"ional ?n%ustrial Centers throu"h the collection of wastewater char"es4fees. The s ste! shall be establishe% on the basis of pa !ent to the "o$ern!ent for %ischar"in" wastewater into the water bo%ies. Wastewater char"es shall be establishe% takin" into consi%eration the followin": a' To pro$i%e stron" econo!ic in%uce!ent for polluters to !o%if their pro%uction or !ana"e!ent processes or to in$est in pollution control technolo" in or%er to re%uce the a!ount of water pollutants "enerate%) b' To co$er the cost of a%!inisterin" water &ualit !ana"e!ent or i!pro$e!ent pro"ra!s) c' 5eflect %a!a"es cause% b water pollution on the surroun%in" en$iron!ent# inclu%in" the cost of rehabilitation) %' T pe of pollutant) e' Classification of the recei$in" water bo% ) an% f' :ther special attributes of the water bo% . The fee shall be base% on the net waste loa% %epen%in" on the wastewater# char"e for!ula which shall be establishe% with %ue public consultation within si7 61' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act: Pro$i%e%# That net waste loa% shall refer to the %ifference of the initial waste loa% of the abstracte% water an% the waste loa% of the final effluent %ischar"e of an in%ustr : Pro$i%e%# further# That no net waste loa% shall be lower than the initial waste loa%: Pro$i%e%# finall # That wastewater char"e s ste! shall not appl to wastewater fro! "eother!al e7ploration. ?n%ustries whose water effluent are within stan%ar%s pro!ul"ate% pursuant to this Act# shall onl be char"e% with !ini!al reasonable a!ount which shall be %eter!ine% b the ;epart!ent after %ue public consultation# "i$in" account to $olu!etric rate of %ischar"e an% effluent concentration. %#CTION +4. Discharge Pemits. - The ;epart!ent shall re&uire owners or operators of facilities that %ischar"e re"ulate% effluents pursuant to this Act to secure a per!it to %ischar"e. The %ischar"e per!it shall be the

le"al authori*ation "rante% b the ;epart!ent to %ischar"e wastewater: Pro$i%e%# That the %ischar"e per!it shall specif a!on" others# the &uantit an% &ualit of effluent that sai% facilities are allowe% to %ischar"e into a particular water bo% # co!pliance sche%ule an% !onitorin" re&uire!ent. As part of the per!ittin" proce%ure# the ;epart!ent shall encoura"e the a%option of waste !ini!i*ation an% waste treat!ent technolo"ies when such technolo"ies are %ee!e% cost effecti$e. The ;epart!ent shall also %e$elop proce%ures to relate the current water &ualit "ui%eline or the pro+ecte% water &ualit "ui%eline of the recei$in" water bo% 4ies with total pollution loa%in"s fro! $arious sources# so that effluent &uotas can be properl allocate% in the %ischar"e per!its. =or in%ustries without an %ischar"e per!it# the !a be "i$en a perio% of twel$e D-2' !onths after the effecti$it of the i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations pro!ul"ate% pursuant to this Act# to secure a %ischar"e per!it. <ffluent tra%in" !a be allowe% per !ana"e!ent area. ARTIC)# , "INANCIA) )IA/I)IT* M#C$ANI%M %#CTION +5. "inancial )ia*ility for &nvironmental +eha*ilitation . The ;epart!ent shall re&uire pro"ra! an% pro+ect proponents to put up en$iron!ental "uarantee fun% D<9=' as part of the en$iron!ental !ana"e!ent plan attache% to the en$iron!ental co!pliance certificate pursuant to Presi%ential ;ecree 8o.-031 an% its i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations. The <9= shall finance the !aintenance of the health of the ecos ste!s an% speciall the conser$ation of watershe%s an% a&uifers affecte% b the %e$elop!ent# an% the nee%s of e!er"enc response# clean-up or rehabilitation of areas that !a be %a!a"e% %urin" the pro"ra!(s or pro+ect(s actual i!ple!entation. Biabilit for %a!a"es shall continue e$en after the ter!ination of a pro"ra! or pro+ect an%# until the lapse of a "i$en perio% in%icate% in the en$iron!ental co!pliance certificate# as %eter!ine% b the ;epart!ent. The <9= !a be in the for! of a trust fun%# en$iron!ental insurance# suret bon%s# letters of cre%it# self-insurance an% an other instru!ents which !a be i%entifie% b the ;epart!ent. The choice of the "uarantee instru!ent or co!binations thereof shall %epen%# a!on" others# on the assess!ent of the risks in$ol$e% an% financial test !echanis!s %e$ise% b the ;epart!ent. Proponents re&uire% to put up "uarantee instru!ents shall furnish the ;epart!ent with e$i%ence of a$ail!ent of such instru!ents fro! accre%ite% financial instru!ent pro$i%ers.

%#CTION +-. Clean-, % erations. - 8otwithstan%in" the pro$isions of Sections -0 an% 21 hereof# an person who causes pollution in or pollutes water bo%ies in e7cess of the applicable an% pre$ailin" stan%ar%s shall be responsible to contain# re!o$e an% clean-up an pollution inci%ent at his own e7pense to the e7tent that the sa!e water bo%ies ha$e been ren%ere% unfit for utili*ation an% beneficial use: Pro$i%e%# That in the e$ent e!er"enc clean-up operations are necessar an% the polluter fails to i!!e%iatel un%ertake the sa!e# the ;epart!ent# in coor%ination with other "o$ern!ent a"encies concerne%# shall con%uct contain!ent# re!o$al an% clean-up operations. <7penses incurre% in sai% operations shall be rei!burse% b the persons foun% to ha$e cause% such pollution upon proper a%!inistrati$e %eter!ination in accor%ance with this Act. 5ei!burse!ents of the cost incurre% shall be !a%e to the Water @ualit Aana"e!ent =un% or to such other fun%s where sai% %isburse!ents were source%. %#CTION +7. Programmatic &nvironmental (m act Assessment. - The ;epart!ent shall i!ple!ent pro"ra!!atic co!pliance with the en$iron!ental i!pact assess!ent s ste!# as in the followin" t pes of %e$elop!ent: a' %e$elop!ent consistin" of a series of si!ilar pro+ects# or a pro+ect sub%i$i%e% into se$eral phases an%4or sta"es whether situate% in a conti"uous area or "eo"raphicall %isperse%) an% b' %e$elop!ent consistin" of se$eral co!ponents or a cluster of pro+ects co-locate% in an area such as an in%ustrial estate# an e7port processin" *one# or a %e$elop!ent *one i%entifie% in a local lan% use plan. Pro"ra!!atic co!pliance with the en$iron!ental i!pact assess!ent s ste! shall be "ui%e% b carr in" capacit assess!ents %eter!ine% fro! ecolo"ical profiles. <colo"ical profiles shall ?%entif en$iron!ental constraints an% opportunities in pro"ra!!atic areas. Pro"ra!!atic assess!ent shall also take into account cu!ulati$e i!pacts an% risks. Consistent with the pro$isions of the Bocal 9o$ern!ent Co%e# the ;epart!ent !a enter into a"ree!ent with B9.s to incorporate pro"ra!!atic en$iron!ental i!pact assess!ent into the preparation# up%atin" or re$ision of local lan% use plans an% area %e$elop!ent plans. %#CTION +.. &nvironmental (m act Assessment System Programmatic Com liance with Water Quality Standards . - The. ;epart!ent !a allow each re"ional in%ustrial center establishe% pursuant to 5epublic Act 8o.2E-1 6P<FA law' to allocate effluent &uotas to pollution

sources within its +uris%iction that &ualif un%er an en$iron!ental i!pact assess!ent s ste! pro"ra!!atic co!pliance pro"ra! in accor%ance with Presi%ential ;ecree 8o. -0312 an% its i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations. C$APT#R , IN%TIT(TIONA) M#C$ANI%M %#CTION +9. )ead Agency. - The ;epart!ent shall be the pri!ar "o$ern!ent a"enc responsible for the i!ple!entation an% enforce!ent of this Act unless otherwise pro$i%e% herein. As such# it shall ha$e the followin" functions# powers an% responsibilities: a' Prepare a 8ational Water @ualit Status 5eport within twent four 624' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act: Provided# That the ;epart!ent shall thereafter re$iew or re$ise an% publish annuall # or as the nee% arises# sai% report) b' Prepare an ?nte"rate% Water @ualit Aana"e!ent =ra!ework within twel$e 6-2' !onths followin" the co!pletion of the status report) c' Prepare a ten 6-0' ear Water @ualit Aana"e!ent Area Action Plan within twel$e 6-2' !onths followin" the co!pletion of the fra!ework for each %esi"nate% water !ana"e!ent area. Such action plan shall be re$iewe% b the water &ualit !ana"e!ent area "o$ernin" boar% e$er fi$e 60' ears or as nee% arises) %' Prepare an% publish a national a national "roun%water $ulnerabilit !ap incorporatin" the pre$ailin" stan%ar%s an% !etho%olo"ies# within twent four 624' !onths after the effecti$it of this Act) e' <nforce# re$iew an% re$ise within twel$e 6-2' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act water &ualit "ui%elines after %ue consultation with the concerne% stakehol%er sectors: Pro$i%e%# That the ;epart!ent# in coor%ination with appropriate a"encies shall re$iew sai% "ui%elines e$er fi$e 60' ears or as nee% arises) f' 5e$iew an% set effluent stan%ar%s e$er fi$e 60' ears fro! the effecti$it of this Act or sooner as %eter!ine% b the ;epart!ent: Provided# That in the interi!# the pro$isions of ;<85 A%!inistrati$e :r%er 8o. /0 of the ;epart!ent shall appl : Provided# further# That when new an% !ore strin"ent stan%ar%s are set in accor%ance with this section# the ;epart!ent !a establish a "race perio% with a !a7i!u! of fi$e 60'

ears: Provided# finally# That such "race perio% shall be li!ite% to the !oratoriu! on the issuance of cease an% %esist an%4or closure or%er a"ainst the in%ustr (s operations e7cept in the e$ent such operation poses serious an% "ra$e threat to the en$iron!ent# or the in%ustr fails to institute retoolin"# up"ra%in" or establishin" an en$iron!ental !ana"e!ent s ste! 6<AS'. "' <stablish within twel$e 6-2' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act# internationall -accepte% proce%ures for sa!plin" an% anal sis of pollutants an% in coor%ination with other concerne% a"encies# for!ulate testin" proce%ures an% establish an accre%itation s ste! for laboratories) h' Within ei"hteen 6-3' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act an% e$er two 62' ears thereafter# cate"ori*e point an% non-point sources of water pollution) i' Classif "roun%water sources within twel$e 6-2' !onths fro! the effecti$it of this Act) +' Classif or reclassif all water bo%ies accor%in" to their beneficial usa"es: Provided# that in the interi!# the pro$isions of ;<85 A%!inistrati$e :r%er 8o./4 shall appl : Provided, further# that such classification or reclassification shall take into consi%eration the operation of businesses or facilities that are e7istin" prior to the effecti$it of the Act: Provided, furthermore# that the ;epart!ent !a authori*e the use of the water for other purposes that are !ore restricti$e in classification: Provided, finally# That %ischar"es resultin" fro! such use shall !eet the effluent stan%ar%s set b the ;epart!ent) k' <7ercise +uris%iction o$er all aspects of water pollution# %eter!ine its location# !a"nitu%e# e7tent# se$erit # causes# effects an% other pertinent infor!ation on pollution# an% to take !easures# usin" a$ailable !etho%s an% technolo"ies to pre$ent an% abate such pollution) l' <7ercise super$ision an% control o$er all aspects of water &ualit !ana"e!ent) !' <stablish a cooperati$e effort in partnership with the "o$ern!ent# B9.s# aca%e!ic institutions# ci$il societ an% the pri$ate sector to attain the ob+ecti$es of this Act)

n' ;isse!inate infor!ation an% con%uct e%ucational awareness an% $alue for!ation pro"ra!s an% ca!pai"ns on the effects of water pollution on health an% en$iron!ent# water &ualit !ana"e!ent# an% resource conser$ation an% reco$er to encoura"e an en$iron!entall action-oriente% societ in coor%ination with "o$ern!ent a"encies i%entifie% in Section 22 6f') o' Pro!ote. an% encoura"e pri$ate an% business sectors especiall !anufacturin" an% processin" plants the use of water &ualit !ana"e!ent s ste!s e&uip!ent# inclu%in" but not li!ite% to# in%ustrial wastewater treat!ent collection an% treat!ent facilities) p' 5eport# on an annual basis# to Con"ress the# &ualit status of water bo%ies an% other pertinent infor!ation an% reco!!en% possible le"islation# policies an% pro"ra!s for en$iron!ental !ana"e!ent an% water pollution control) &' ?ssue rules an% re"ulations for the effecti$e i!ple!entation of the pro$isions of this Act) r' ?ssue or%ers a"ainst an person or entit an% i!pose fines# penalties an% other a%!inistrati$e sanctions to co!pel co!pliance with water &ualit the pro$isions of this Act) s' .n%ertake appropriate protocol with other concerne% a"encies for i!!e%iate coor%inate% responses to water relate% e!er"enc inci%ents) t' ?ssue per!its# clearances an% si!ilar instru!ents pursuant to this Act) an% u' <7ercise such powers an% perfor! such other functions as !a be necessar to carr out the ob+ecti$es of this Act The ;epart!ent shall "ra%uall %e$ol$e to the B9.s# an% to the "o$ernin" boar%s the authorit to a%!inister so!e aspects of water &ualit !ana"e!ent an% re"ulation# inclu%in"# but not to be li!ite% to# per!it issuance# !onitorin" an% i!position of a%!inistrati$e penalties# when# upon the ;epart!ent(s %eter!ination# the B9. or the "o$ernin" boar% has %e!onstrate% rea%iness an% technical capabilit to un%ertake such functions. %#CTION 20. +ole of )ocal $overnment ,nits. - Bocal "o$ern!ent units shall share the responsibilit in the !ana"e!ent an% i!pro$e!ent of water &ualit within their territorial +uris%ictions.

<ach local "o$ern!ent unit shall within si7 61' !onths after the establish!ent of the water &ualit !ana"e!ent area action plan prepare a co!pliance sche!e in# accor%ance thereof# sub+ect to re$iew an% appro$al of the "o$ernin" boar%. <ach local "o$ern!ent unit shall# throu"h its <n$iron!ent an% 8atural 5esources :ffice 6<85:' establishe% in 5epublic Act 8o.2-10# ha$e the followin" powers an% functions: a' Aonitorin" of water &ualit ) b' <!er"enc response) c' Co!pliance with the fra!ework of the Water @ualit Aana"e!ent Action Plan) %' To take acti$e participation in all efforts concernin" water &ualit protection an% rehabilitation) an% e' To coor%inate with other "o$ern!ent a"encies an% ci$il societ an% the concerne% sectors in the i!ple!entation of !easures to pre$ent an% control water pollution: Provided, however# That in pro$inces4cities4!unicipalities where there are no en$iron!ent an% natural resources officers# the local e7ecuti$e concerne% !a # with the appro$al of the Secretar of the ;<85 %esi"nate an of his official an%4or chief of office preferabl the pro$incial# cit or !unicipal a"riculturist# or an of his e!plo ee: Provided, finally# That in case an e!plo ee is %esi"nate% as such# he !ust ha$e sufficient e7perience in en$iron!ental an% natural resources !ana"e!ent# conser$ation an% utili*ation. %#CTION 2+. -usiness and (ndustry +ole in &nvironmental Management. - The ;epart!ent an% the B9.s# in coor%ination with the appropriate "o$ern!ent a"encies. an% in consultation with the business an% in%ustrial sectors inclu%in" co!!erce# shall for!ulate appropriate incenti$es for the a%option proce%ures that will preser$e an% protect our water bo%ies throu"h the intro%uction of inno$ati$e e&uip!ent an% processes that re%uce if totall eli!inate %ischar"e of pollutants into our water bo%ies. %#CTION 22. )in.age Mechanism. - The ;epart!ent an% its concerne% attache% a"encies inclu%in" BB;A shall coor%inate an% enter into a"ree!ent with other "o$ern!ent a"encies# in%ustrial sector an% other concerne% sectors in the furtherance of the ob+ecti$es of this Act- The followin" a"encies shall perfor! tile functions specifie% hereun%er:

a' Philippine Coast 9uar% in coor%ination with ;A an% the ;epart!ent shall enforce for the enforce!ent of water &ualit stan%ar%s in !arine waters# set pursuant to this Act# specificall fro! offshore sources) b' ;PW> throu"h its attache% a"encies# such as the AWSS# BW.A# an% inclu%in" other urban water utilities for the pro$ision or sewera"e an% sanitation facilities an% the efficient an% safe collection# treat!ent an% %isposal of sewa"e within their area of +uris%iction) c' ;A# shall coor%inate with the ;epart!ent# in the for!ulation of "ui%elines for the re-use of wastewater for irri"ation an% other a"ricultural uses an% for the pre$ention# control an% abate!ent of pollution fro! a"ricultural an% a&uaculture acti$ities: Provided# That %ischar"es co!in" fro! non-point sources be cate"ori*e% an% further %efine% pursuant to this Act: Provided, further# That the ,ureau of =isheries an% A&uatic 5esources 6,=A5' of the ;A shall be pri!aril responsible for the pre$ention an% control of water pollution for the %e$elop!ent# !ana"e!ent an% conser$ation of the fisheries an% a&uatic resources) %' ;:> shall be pri!aril responsible for the pro!ul"ation# re$ision an% enforce!ent of %rinkin" water &ualit stan%ar%s) e' ;:ST# in coor%ination with the ;epart!ent an% other concerne% a"encies# shall prepare a pro"ra! for the e$aluation# $erification# %e$elop!ent an% public %isse!ination of pollution pre$ention an% cleaner pro%uction technolo"ies) an% f' ;epart!ent of <%ucation 6;ep<%'# Co!!ission >i"her <%ucation 6C><;'# ;epart!ent of the ?nterior an% Bocal 9o$ern!ent 6;?B9' an% Philippine ?nfor!ation A"enc 6P?A' shall assist an% coor%inate with the ;epart!ent in# the preparation an% i!ple!entation of a co!prehensi$e pro"ra! pursuant to the ob+ecti$es of this Act. %#CTION 2,. +e/uirement of +ecord-.ee ing! Authority for &ntry to Premises and Access to Documents. - The ;epart!ent or its %ul authori*e% representati$e shall# after proper consultation an% notice# re&uire an person who owns or operates an pollution source or who is sub+ect to. an re&uire!ent of this Act to sub!it reports an% other written infor!ation as !a be re&uire% b the %epart!ent. An recor%# report or infor!ation obtaine% un%er this section shall be !a%e a$ailable to the public# e7cept upon a satisfactor showin" to the

;epart!ent b the# entit concerne% that the recor%# report# or infor!ation or parts thereof# if !a%e public# woul% %i$ul"e secret !etho%s or processes entitle% to protection as intellectual propert . Such recor%# report or infor!ation shall likewise be incorporate% in the ;epart!ent(s in%ustrial ratin" s ste!. Pursuant to this Act# the ;epart!ent# throu"h it(s authori*e% representati$es# shall ha$e the ri"ht to: 6a' enter an pre!ises or to ha$e access to %ocu!ents an% rele$ant !aterials as referre% to in the herein prece%in" para"raph) 6b' inspect an pollution or waste source# control %e$ice# !onitorin" e&uip!ent or !etho% re&uire%) an% 6c' test an %ischar"e. ?n cases of fish kill inci%ence# the ,ureau of =isheries of the ;A# in the course of its in$esti"ation# !a enter the pre!ises of an establish!ent reporte% to ha$e cause% sai% inci%ent. %#CTION 24. Pollution +esearch and Develo ment Programs. - The ;epart!ent# in coor%ination with the ;epart!ent of Science an% Technolo" 6;:ST'# other concerne% a"encies an% aca%e!ic research institutions# shall establish a national research an% %e$elop!ent pro"ra! for the pre$ention an% control of water pollution. As part of sai% pro"ra!# the ;:ST shall con%uct an% pro!ote the coor%ination an% acceleration of research# in$esti"ation# e7peri!ents# trainin"# sur$e an% stu%ies relatin" to the causes# e7tent# pre$ention an% control of pollution a!on" concerne% "o$ern!ent a"encies an% research institutions. C$APT#R 4 INC#NTIV#% AN R#&AR % %#CTION 25. +ewards. - 5ewar%s# !onetar or otherwise# shall be pro$i%e% to in%i$i%uals# pri$ate or"ani*ation an% entities# inclu%in" ci$il societ # that ha$e un%ertaken outstan%in" an% inno$ati$e pro+ects# technolo"ies# processes an% techni&ues or acti$ities in water &ualit !ana"e!ent. Sai% rewar%s shall be source% fro! the Water @ualit Aana"e!ent =un% herein create%. %#CTION 2-. (ncentives Scheme. - An incenti$e sche!e is hereb pro$i%e% for the purpose of encoura"in" B9.s# water %istricts 6W;s'# enterprises# or pri$ate entities# an% in%i$i%uals# to %e$elop or un%ertake an effecti$e water &ualit !ana"e!ent# or acti$el participate in an pro"ra! "eare% towar%s the pro!otion thereof as pro$i%e% in this Act. A. 8on-fiscal incenti$e -. Inclusion in the Investments Priority Plan (IPP . - Sub+ect to the rules an% re"ulations of the ,oar% of ?n$est!ents 6,:?'# in%ustrial

wastewater treat!ent an%4or a%option of water pollution control technolo" # cleaner pro%uction an% waste !ini!i*ation technolo" shall be classifie% as preferre% areas of in$est!ent un%er its annual priorit plan an% shall en+o the applicable fiscal an% non-fiscal incenti$es as !a be pro$i%e% for un%er the :!nibus ?n$est!ent Co%e# as a!en%e%. =iscal ?ncenti$es -. !a" and #uty $"emption on Imported Capital $%uipment . - Within ten -0' ears upon the effecti$it of this Act# B9.s# W;s# enterprises or pri$ate entities shall en+o ta7-an%-%ut -free i!portation of !achiner # e&uip!ent an% spare parts use% for in%ustrial wastewater treat!ent4collection an% treat!ent facilities: Pro$i%e%# That the i!portation of such !achiner # e&uip!ent an% spare parts shall co!pl with the followin" con%itions: a' The are not !anufacture% %o!esticall in sufficient &uantit # of co!parable &ualit an% at reasonable prices) b' The are reasonabl nee%e% an% will be use% actuall # %irectl an% e7clusi$el for the abo$e !entione% acti$ities) an% c' Written en%orse!ent b the ;epart!ent that the i!portation of such !achiner # e&uip!ent an% spare parts woul% be beneficial to en$iron!ental protection an% !ana"e!ent: Provided, further# That the sale# transfer or %isposition of such !achiner # e&uip!ent an% spare parts without prior appro$al of the ,:? within fi$e 60' ears fro! the %ate of ac&uisition shall be prohibite%# otherwise the B9. concerne%# W;# enterprise or pri$ate entit an% the concerne% $en%ee# transferee or assi"nee shall be soli%arit liable to pa twice the a!ount of ta7 an% %ut e7e!ption "i$en it. 2. !a" Credit on #omestic Capital $%uipment. - Within ten 6-0' ears fro! the effecti$it of this Act# a ta7 cre%it e&ui$alent to one hun%re% percent 6-00C' of the $alue of the national internal re$enue ta7es an% custo!s %uties that woul% ha$e been wai$e% on the !achiner # e&uip!ent# an% spare parts# ha% these ite!s been i!porte% shall be "i$en to enterprises or pri$ate entities an% in%i$i%uals# sub+ect to the sa!e con%itions an% prohibition cite% in the prece%in" para"raph.

/. !a" and #uty $"emption of #onations, &egacies and 'ifts . - All le"acies# "ifts an% %onations to B9.s# W;s# enterprises# or pri$ate entities an% in%i$i%uals# for the support an% !aintenance of the pro"ra! for effecti$e water &ualit !ana"e!ent shall be e7e!pt fro! %onor(s ta7 an% shall be %e%uctible fro! the "ross inco!e of the %onor for inco!e ta7 purposes. ?!porte% articles %onate% to# or for the account of an B9.s# W;s# local water utilities# enterprises# or pri$ate entities an% in%i$i%uals to be e7clusi$el use% for water &ualit !ana"e!ent pro"ra!s shall be e7e!pte% fro! the pa !ent of custo!s %uties an% applicable internal re$enue ta7es. ?n%ustrial wastewater treat!ent an%4or installation of water pollution control %e$ices shall be classifie% as pioneer an% preferre% areas of in$est!ent un%er the ,:?(s annual priorit plan an% shall en+o - the applicable fiscal an% non-fiscal incenti$es as !a be pro$i%e% for un%er the :!nibus ?n$est!ent Co%e# as a!en%e%. ,. =inancial Assistance Pro"ra! 9o$ern!ent financial institutions such as the ;e$elop!ent ,ank of the Philippines# Ban% ,ank of the Philippines# 9o$ern!ent Ser$ice ?nsurance S ste!# an% such other "o$ern!ent institutions pro$i%in" financial ser$ices shall# in accor%ance with an% to the e7tent allowe% b the enablin" pro$isions of their respecti$e charters or applicable laws# accor% hi"h priorit to e7ten% financial ser$ices to B9.s# W;s# enterprises# or pri$ate entities en"a"e% in sewa"e collection an% treat!ent facilities. C. <7tension or 9rants to B9.s Cities an% !unicipalities which shall establish or operate sewera"e facilities !a be entitle% to recei$e "rants for the purpose of %e$elopin" technical capabilities. C$APT#R 5 CIVI) )IA/I)IT*0P#NA) PROVI%ION% %#CTION 27. Prohi*ited Acts. - The followin" acts are hereb prohibite%: a' ;ischar"in"# %epositin" or causin" to be %eposite% !aterial of an kin% %irectl or in%irectl into the water bo%ies or alon" the !ar"ins of an surface water# where# the sa!e shall be liable to be washe% into such surface water# either b ti%e action or b stor!#

floo%s or otherwise# which coul% cause water pollution or i!pe%e natural flow in the water bo% ) b' ;ischar"in"# in+ectin" or allowin" to seep into the soil or sub-soil an substance in an for! that woul% pollute "roun%water. ?n the case of "eother!al pro+ects# an% sub+ect to the appro$al of the ;epart!ent# re"ulate% %ischar"e for short- ter! acti$ities 6e.". well testin"# flushin"# co!!issionin"# $entin"' an% %eep re-in+ection of "eother!al li&ui%s !a be allowe%: Provided# That safet !easures are a%opte% to pre$ent the conta!ination of the "roun%water) c' :peratin" facilities that %ischar"e re"ulate% water pollutants without the $ali% re&uire% per!its or after the per!it was re$oke% for an $iolation of an con%ition therein) %' ;isposal of potentiall infectious !e%ical waste into sea water b $essels unless the health or safet of in%i$i%uals on boar% the $essel is threatene% b a "reat an% i!!inent peril) e' .nauthori*e% transport or %u!pin" into sea waters of sewa"e slu%"e or soli% waste as %efine% un%er 5epublic Act 8o.E00/) f' Transport# %u!pin" or %ischar"e of prohibite% che!icals# substances or pollutants liste% un%er 5epublic Act 8o.1E1E) "' :perate facilities that %ischar"e or allow to seep# willfull or throu"h "ross ne"li"ence# prohibite% che!icals# substances or pollutants liste% un%er 5. A. 8o. 1E1E into water bo%ies or wherein the sa!e shall be liable to be washe% into such surface# "roun%# coastal# an% !arine water) h' .n%ertakin" acti$ities or %e$elop!ent an% e7pansion of pro+ects# or operatin" wastewater4sewera"e facilities in $iolation of Presi%ential ;ecree. 8o.-031 an% its i!ple!entin" rules# an% re"ulations) i' ;ischar"in" re"ulate% water pollutants without the $ali% re&uire% %ischar"e per!it pursuant to this Act or after the per!it was re$oke% for an $iolation of con%ition therein) +' 8on-co!pliance of the B9. with the Water @ualit =ra!ework an% Aana"e!ent Area Action Plan. ?n such a case# sanctions shall be i!pose% on the local "o$ern!ent officials concerne%)

k' 5efusal to allow entr # inspection an% !onitorin" b the ;epart!ent in accor%ance with this Act) l' 5efusal to allow access b the ;epart!ent to rele$ant reports an% recor%s in accor%ance with this Act) !' 5efusal or failure to sub!it reports whene$er re&uire% b the ;epart!ent in accor%ance with this Act) n' 5efusal or failure to %esi"nate pollution control officers whene$er re&uire% b # the ;epart!ent in accor%ance with this Act) an% o' ;irectl usin" booster pu!ps in the %istribution s ste! or ta!perin" with the water suppl in such a wa as to alter or i!pair the water &ualit . %#CTION 2.. "ines! Damages and Penalties. - .nless otherwise pro$i%e% herein# an person who co!!its an of the prohibite% acts pro$i%e% in the i!!e%iatel prece%in" section or $iolates an of the pro$ision of this Act or its i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations# shall be fine% b the Secretar # upon the reco!!en%ation of the PA, in the a!ount of not less than Ten thousan% pesos 6P-0#000.00' nor !ore than Two hun%re% thousan% pesos 6P200#000.00' for e$er %a of $iolation. The fines herein prescribe% shall be increase% b ten percent 6-0C' e$er two 62' ears to co!pensate for inflation an% to !aintain the %eterrent function of such fines: Provided# That the Secretar # upon reco!!en%ation of the PA, !a or%er the closure# suspension of %e$elop!ent or construction# or cessation of operations or# where appropriate %isconnection of water suppl # until such ti!e that proper en$iron!ental safe"uar%s are put in place an%4or co!pliance with this Act or its rules an% re"ulations are un%ertaken. This para"raph shall be without pre+u%ice to the issuance of an e" parte or%er for such closure# suspension of %e$elop!ent or construction# or cessation of operations %urin" the pen%enc of the case. =ailure to un%ertake clean-up operations# willfull # or throu"h "ross ne"li"ence# shall be punishe% b i!prison!ent of not less than two 62' ears an% not !ore than four 64' ears an% a fine not less than =ift thousan% pesos 6P00#000.00' an% not !ore than :ne hun%re% thousan% pesos 6P-00#000.00' per %a for each %a of $iolation. Such failure or refusal which results in serious in+ur or loss of life an%4or irre$ersible water conta!ination of surface# "roun%# coastal an% !arine water shall be punishe% with i!prison!ent of not less than si7 61' ears an% one %a an% not !ore than twel$e 6-2' ears# an% a fine of =i$e >un%re% Thousan%

Pesos 6P000#000.00' per %a for each %a %urin" which the o!ission an%4or conta!ination continues. ?n case of "ross $iolation of this Act# the PA, shall issue a resolution reco!!en%in" that the proper "o$ern!ent a"encies file cri!inal char"es a"ainst the $iolators. 9ross $iolation shall !ean an of the followin": a' %eliberate %ischar"e of to7ic pollutants i%entifie% pursuant to 5epublic Act 8o.1E1E in to7ic a!ounts) b' fi$e D0' or !ore $iolations within a perio% of two 62' ears) or c' blatant %isre"ar% of the or%ers of the PA,# such as the nonpa !ent of fines# breakin" of seals or operatin" %espite the e7istence of an or%er for closure# %iscontinuance or cessation of operation. ?n which case# offen%ers shall be punishe% with a fine of not less than =i$e hun%re% thousan% pesos 6P000#000.00' but not !ore than Three !illion pesos 6P/#000#000.00G per %a for each %a of $iolation or i!prison!ent of not less than si7 D1' ears but not !ore than ten D-0' ears# or both# at the %iscretion of the court. ?f the offen%er is a +uri%ical person# the presi%ent# !ana"er an% the pollution control officer or the official in char"e of the operation shall suffer the penalt herein pro$i%e%. =or $iolations fallin" un%er Section 4 of Presi%ential ;ecree 8o.E2E or an re"ulations prescribe% in pursuance thereof# such person shall be liable for a fine of no- less than =ift thousan% pesos DP00#000.00' nor !ore than :ne !illion pesos 6P-#000#000.00' or b i!prison!ent of not less than one D-' ear nor !ore than si7 61' ears or both# for each offense# without pre+u%ice to the ci$il liabilit of the offen%er in accor%ance with e7istin" laws. ?f the offen%er is a +uri%ical entit # then its officers# %irectors# a"ents or an person pri!aril responsible shall be hel% liable: Provided# That an $essel fro! which oil or other har!ful substances are %ischar"e% in $iolation of Section 4 of Presi%ential ;ecree 8o.E2E shall be liable for penalt of fine specifie% in the i!!e%iatel prece%in" para"raph an% clearance of such $essel fro! the port of the Philippines !a be withhel% until the fine is pai% an% such penalt shall constitute a lien on such $essel which !a be reco$ere% in procee%in"s b libel in rem in the proper court which the $essel !a be. The owner or operator of a $essel or facilit which %ischar"e% the oil or other har!ful substances will be liable to pa for an clean-up costs.

Provided, finally# That water pollution cases in$ol$in" acts or o!issions --co!!itte% within the Ba"una Bake 5e"ion shall be %ealt with in accor%ance with the proce%ure un%er 5. A. 8o.4300 as a!en%e%. %#CTION 29. Administrative Sanctions Against Non-com liance with the Water Quality Management Area Action Plan. - Bocal "o$ern!ent officials concerne% shall be sub+ect to A%!inistrati$e sanctions incase of failure to co!pl with their action plan accor%ance with the rele$ant pro$isions of 5.A. 8o. 2-10. C$APT#R ACTION% %#CTION ,0. Administrative Action. - Without pre+u%ice to the ri"ht of an affecte% person to file an a%!inistrati$e action# the ;epart!ent shall# on its own instance or upon $erifie% co!plaint b an person# institute a%!inistrati$e procee%in"s in the proper foru! a"ainst an person who $iolates: a' Stan%ar%s or li!itations pro$i%e% b this Act) or b' , an such or%er# rule or re"ulation issue% b the ;epart!ent with respect to such stan%ar% or li!itation. C$APT#R 7 "INA) PROVI%ION% %#CTION ,+. A ro riations.- An a!ount of :ne hun%re% !illion pesos 6P-00#000#000.00' shall be appropriate% fro! the sa$in"s of the 8ational 9o$ern!ent to the ;epart!ent for the initial i!ple!entation of this Act. Thereafter# the a!ount necessar to effecti$el carr out the pro$ision of this Act shall be inclu%e% in the 9eneral Appropriations Act of the ear followin" its enact!ent into law an% thereafter. %#CTION ,2. (m lementing +ules and +egulations. - The ;epart!ent# in coor%ination with the Co!!ittees on <n$iron!ent an% <colo" of the Senate an% the >ouse of 5epresentati$es# respecti$el an% other concerne% a"encies shall pro!ul"ate the i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations for this Act# within one 6-' ear after the enact!ent of this Act: Pro$i%e%. That rules an% re"ulations issue% b other "o$ern!ent a"encies an% instru!entalities for the pre$ention an%4or abate!ent of water pollution not inconsistent with this Act shall supple!ent the rules an% re"ulations issue% b the ;epart!ent# pursuant to the pro$isions of this Act.

The %raft of the i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations shall be publishe% an% be the sub+ect of public consultations with affecte% sectors. There shall be a !an%ator re$iew of the i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations an% stan%ar%s set pursuant to the pro$isions of this Act. %#CTION ,,. 0oint Congressional %versight Committee. - There is hereb create% a Hoint Con"ressional :$ersi"ht Co!!ittee to !onitor the i!ple!entation of this Act an% to re$iew the i!ple!entin" rules an% re"ulations pro!ul"ate% b the ;epart!ent. The Co!!ittee shall be co!pose% of fi$e 60' Senators an% fi$e) 60' 5epresentati$es to be appointe% b the Senate Presi%ent an% the Speaker of the >ouse of 5epresentati$es# respecti$el . The :$ersi"ht Co!!ittee shall be cochaire% b the Chairpersons of the Co!!ittee on <n$iron!ent of the Senate an% the Co!!ittee on <colo" of the >ouse of 5epresentati$es. %#CTION ,4. +e ealing Clause. - Presi%ential ;ecree 8o.E34 is hereb repeale%. 5epublic Act 8os. 1E1E an% 4300 as a!en%e%# Presi%ential ;ecree 8os. -031# --02# E2E an% 301 are hereb a!en%e% an% !o%ifie% accor%in"l . All other laws# or%ers# issuance# rules an% re"ulations inconsistent herewith are hereb repeale% or !o%ifie% accor%in"l . %#CTION ,5. Se ara*ility Clause. - ?f an pro$ision of this Act or the application such pro$ision to an person or circu!stances is %eclare% unconstitutional# the re!ain%er of the Act or the application of such pro$ision to other person or circu!stances shall not be affecte% b such %eclaration. %#CTION ,-. &ffectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen 6-0' %a s fro! the %ate of its publication in the :fficial 9a*ette or in at least two 62' newspapers of "eneral circulation.

Appro$e%# "RAN1)IN RI)ON Presi%ent of the Senate 2O%# # V#N#CIA 2R. Speaker of the >ouse of 5epresentati$es

This Act which is a consoli%ation of Senate ,ill 8o. 2--0 an% >ouse ,ill 8o. 0/E3 was finall passe% b the Senate an% the >ouse of 5epresentati$es on =ebruar 4# 2004.

O%CAR !. *A/#% Secretar of Senate Appro$e%: Aarch 22# 2004

RO/#RTO P. NA3AR#NO Secretar 9eneral >ouse of 5epresenati$es

!)ORIA MACAPA!A)4ARRO*O President of the Philippines

!.R. No. +9+427

Ma5 ,0, 20++

(NIV#R%A) RO/INA CORP. 6CORN IVI%ION7, Petitioner# $s. )A!(NA )A1# #V#)OPM#NT A(T$ORIT*, 5espon%ent. ;<C?S?:8 CARPIO MORA)#%, 012 The present petition for re$iew on certiorari assails the Court of Appeals ;ecision- %ate% :ctober 22# 200E an% 5esolution %ate% =ebruar 2/# 20-0 in CA-9. 5. SP 8o. -0244E. .ni$ersal 5obina Corp. 6petitioner' is en"a"e% in# a!on" other thin"s# the !anufacture of ani!al fee%s at its plant in ,a"on" ?lo"# Pasi" Cit . Ba"una Bake ;e$elop!ent Authorit 6BB;A'# respon%ent# throu"h its Pollution Control ;i$ision I Aonitorin" an% <nforce!ent Section# after con%uctin" on Aarch -4# 2000 a laborator anal sis of petitionerJs corn oil refiner plantJs wastewater# foun% that it faile% to co!pl with "o$ern!ent stan%ar%s pro$i%e% un%er ;epart!ent of <n$iron!ent an% 8atural 5esources 6;<85' A%!inistrati$e :r%ers 6;A:s' 8os. /4 an% /0# series of -EE0. BB;A later issue% on Aa /0# 2000 an <7-Parte :r%er re&uirin" petitioner to e7plain wh no or%er shoul% be issue% for the cessation of its operations %ue to its %ischar"e of polluti$e effluents into the Pasi" 5i$er an% wh it was operatin" without a clearance4per!it fro! the BB;A.

Still later# the BB;A# after recei$in" a phone-in co!plaint con%ucte% on Au"ust /-# 2000# another anal sis of petitionerJs wastewater# which showe% its continue% failure to confor! to its effluent stan%ar% in ter!s of Total Suspen%e% Soli%s 6TSS'# ,ioche!ical :7 "en ;e!an% 6,:;'# Color an% :il49rease. >earin"s on petitionerJs pollution case were thereafter co!!ence% on Aarch -# 200-. ;espite subse&uent co!pliance !onitorin" an% inspections con%ucte% b the BB;A# petitionerJs wastewater faile% to confor! to the para!eters set b the afore!entione% ;A:s. ?n earl 200/# petitioner notifie% BB;A of its plan to up"ra%e the wastewater treat!ent facilit 6WT=' of its corn oil refiner plant in an effort to co!pl with en$iron!ental laws# an up"ra%e that was co!plete% onl in 2002. :n Aa E# 2002 on its re&uest#2 a re-sa!plin" of petitionerJs wastewater was con%ucte% which showe% that petitionerJs plant finall co!plie% with "o$ern!ent stan%ar%s. Petitioner soon re&ueste% for a re%uction of penalties# b Aanifestation an% Aotion/ file% on Au"ust 24# 2002 to which it attache% copies of its ;ail :peration 5eports an% Certifications4 to show that accrue% %ail penalties shoul% onl co$er a perio% of 010 %a s. After con%uctin" hearin"s# the BB;A issue% its :r%er to Pa Hanuar 2-# 2003# the pertinent portion of which rea%s:
0

6:P' %ate%

After careful e$aluation of the case# respon%ent is foun% to be %ischar"in" polluti$e wastewater co!pute% in two perio%s reckone% fro! Aarch -4# 2000 I the %ate of initial sa!plin" until 8o$e!ber /# 200/ I the %ate it re&ueste% for a re-sa!plin" co$erin" E/2 %a s in consi%eration of the inter$al of ti!e when subse&uent !onitorin" was con%ucte% after an inter$al of !ore than 2 ears an% fro! Aarch -0# 2001 I the %ate when resa!plin" was %one until April -2# 2002 co$erin" 443 %a s1 for a total o8 +,247 9a5: . W><5<=:5<# pre!ises consi%ere%# respon%ent is hereb or%ere% to pa within fifteen 6-0' %a s fro! receipt hereof the accu!ulate% %ail penalties a!ountin" to a total of Pesos: :ne Aillion Two >un%re% =ort -Se$en 6Thousan%' Pesos :nl 6P>P -#242#000.00' prior to %is!issal of the case an% without pre+u%ice of filin" another case for its subse&uent $iolations. 6e!phasis an% un%erscorin" supplie%'

Petitioner !o$e% to reconsi%er# pra in" that it be or%ere% to pa onl accu!ulate% %ail penalties in the su! of =i$e >un%re% Si7t Thousan% 6P010#000' Pesos2 on "roun%s that the BB;A erre% in first# a%optin" a strai"ht co!putation of the perio%s of $iolation I base% on the flawe% assu!ption that petitioner was operatin" on a %ail basis K without e7clu%in"# a!on" others# the perio% %urin" which the BB;A Baborator un%erwent rehabilitation work fro! ;ece!ber -# 2000 to Hune /0# 2006co$erin" 2-2 %a s') an% secon%# in %isre"ar%in" the ;ail :peration 5eports an% Certifications which petitioner sub!itte% to attest to the actual nu!ber of its operatin" %a s# i.e.# 010 %a s. , :r%er3 of Hul --# 2003# the BB;A %enie% petitionerJs !otion for reconsi%eration an% reiterate% its or%er to pa the aforestate% penalties# %isposin" of the issues thusl : :n the first issue# while it is true that the Authorit faile% to state in its :P %ate% 2- Hanuar 2003 the basis for actual co!putation of the accu!ulate% %ail penalties# the Authorit woul% like to e7plain that its co!putation was base% on the followin"# to wit: The co!putation of accu!ulate% %ail penalties was reckone% perio% LsicM fro! -4 Aarch 2000 I the %ate of initial sa!plin" to 0/ 8o$e!ber 200/ I the %ate when its letter re&uest for re-sa!plin" was recei$e% which co$ers E/2 %a s co!pute% at 1 %a s per week operation as reflecte% in the 5eports of ?nspection. Since subse&uent inspection con%ucte% after two 62' ears an% four 64' !onths# such perio% was %e%ucte% fro! the co!putation. Bikewise# the perio% when the BB;A Baborator was rehabilitate% fro! ;ece!ber -# 2000 to Hune /0# 200- was also %e%ucte% with a total of Two >un%re% Twel$e 62-2' %a s. :n the secon% clai!# the sa!e cannot be "rante% for lack of le"al basis since the %ocu!ents sub!itte% are self-ser$in". The perio% fro! -0 Aarch 2001 to -2 April 2002 was co!pute% fro! the %ate of re-sa!plin" when it faile% to confor! to the stan%ar%s set b law up to the %ate of receipt of its letter re&uest for re-sa!plin" prior to its co!pliance on Aa E# 2002. The perio% co$ers /42 %a s. >ence# respon%ent is foun% to be %ischar"in" polluti$e wastewater not confor!in" with the stan%ar%s set b law co!pute% fro! Aarch -4# 2000 I 8o$e!ber /# 200/ co$erin" E/2 %a s an% fro! Aarch -0# 2001 I April -2# 2002 co$erin" /42 %a s for a total of -#224 %a s. Petitioner challen"e% b certiorari the twin or%ers before the Court of Appeals# attributin" to BB;A "ra$e abuse of %iscretion in %isre"ar%in" its %ocu!entar e$i%ence# an% !aintainin" that the lack of an plain# spee%

or a%e&uate re!e% fro! the enforce!ent of BB;AJs or%er +ustifie% such recourse as an e7ception to the rule re&uirin" e7haustion of a%!inistrati$e re!e%ies prior to +u%icial action. , ;ecision of :ctober 22# 200E the appellate court affir!e% both BB;A or%ers# which it foun% to be a!pl supporte% b substantial e$i%ence# the co!putation of the accu!ulate% %ail penalties bein" in accor% with pre$ailin" ;<85 "ui%elines. The appellate court hel% that while petitioner !a ha$e offere% %ocu!entar e$i%ence to support its assertion that the %a s when it %i% not operate !ust be e7clu%e% fro! the co!putation# the BB;A has the prero"ati$e to %isre"ar% the sa!e for bein" un$erifie%# hence# unreliable. The appellate court went on to chi%e petitionerJs petition for certiorari as pre!ature since the law pro$i%es for an appeal fro! %ecisions or or%ers of the BB;A to the ;<85 Secretar or the :ffice of the Presi%ent# a re!e% which shoul% ha$e first been e7hauste% before in$okin" +u%icial inter$ention.E PetitionerJs !otion for reconsi%eration ha$in" been %enie% b 5esolution of =ebruar 2/# 20-0# it file% the present petition. Petitioner cites %epri$ation of %ue process an% lack of an plain# spee% or a%e&uate re!e% as "roun%s which e7e!pte% it fro! co!pl in" with the rule on e7haustion of a%!inistrati$e re!e%ies. The petition fails. The %octrine of e7haustion of a%!inistrati$e re!e%ies is a cornerstone of our +u%icial s ste!. The thrust of the rule is that courts !ust allow a%!inistrati$e a"encies to carr out their functions an% %ischar"e their responsibilities within the speciali*e% areas of their respecti$e co!petence.-0 The rationale for this %octrine is ob$ious. ?t entails lesser e7penses an% pro$i%es for the spee%ier resolution of contro$ersies. Co!it an% con$enience also i!pel courts of +ustice to sh awa fro! a %ispute until the s ste! of a%!inistrati$e re%ress has been co!plete%. -<7ecuti$e :r%er 8o. -E2-2 6<: -E2' was issue% on Hune -0# -E32 for the salutar purpose of reor"ani*in" the ;<85# char"in" it with the task of pro!ul"atin" rules an% re"ulations for the control of water# air an% lan% pollution as well as of pro!ul"atin" a!bient an% effluent stan%ar%s for water an% air &ualit inclu%in" the allowable le$els of other pollutants an% ra%iations. <: -E2 also create% the Pollution A%+u%ication ,oar% un%er the :ffice of the ;<85 Secretar which took o$er the powers an% functions of the 8ational Pollution Control Co!!ission with respect to the a%+u%ication

of pollution cases# inclu%in" the latterJs role as arbitrator for %eter!inin" reparation# or restitution of the %a!a"es an% losses resultin" fro! pollution.-/ Petitioner ha% thus a$ailable a%!inistrati$e re!e% of appeal to the ;<85 Secretar . ?ts contrar ar"u!ents to show that an appeal to the ;<85 Secretar woul% be an e7ercise in futilit as the latter !erel a%opts the BB;AJs fin%in"s is at best# speculati$e an% presu!ptuous. As for petitionerJs in$ocation of %ue process# it fails too. The appellate court thus aptl brushe% asi%e this clai!# in this wise: ;ue process# as a constitutional precept# %oes not alwa s an% in all situations re&uire a trial-t pe procee%in". ;ue process is satisfie% when a person is notifie% of the char"e a"ainst hi! an% "i$en an opportunit to e7plain or %efen% hi!self. ?n a%!inistrati$e procee%in"s# the filin" of char"es an% "i$in" reasonable opportunit for the person so char"e% to answer the accusations a"ainst hi! constitute the !ini!u! re&uire!ents of %ue process. The essence of %ue process is si!pl to be hear%# or as applie% to a%!inistrati$e procee%in"s# an opportunit to e7plain oneJs si%e# or an opportunit to seek a reconsi%eration of the action or rulin" co!plaine% of. . . . A%!inistrati$e %ue process cannot be full e&uate% with %ue process in its strict +u%icial sense for it is enou"h that the part is "i$en the chance to be hear% before the case a"ainst hi! is %eci%e%. >ere# petitioner .5C was "i$en a!ple opportunities to be hear% I it was "i$en show cause or%ers an% allowe% to participate in hearin" to rebut the alle"ation a"ainst it of %ischar"in" polluti$e wastewater to the Pasi" 5i$er# it was "i$en the chance to present e$i%ences in support of its clai!s# it was notifie% of the assaile% ":r%er to Pa #" an% it was allowe% to file a !otion for reconsi%eration. 9i$en these# we are of the $iew that the !ini!u! re&uire!ents of a%!inistrati$e %ue process ha$e been co!plie% with in this case.-4 6e!phasis in the ori"inal' ?n fine# the assaile% BB;A or%ers of Hanuar 2-# 2003 an% Hul --# 2003 correctl reckone% the two perio%s within which petitioner was foun% to ha$e continue% %ischar"in" polluti$e wastewater an% applie% the penalt as pro$i%e% for un%er Article N?# Section /2 of BB;A 5esolution 8o. //# Series of -EE1.-0 BB;AJs e7planation that behin% its inclusion of certain %a s in its co!putation of the i!posable penalties I that it ha% alrea% %e%ucte% not +ust the perio% %urin" which the BB;A Baborator un%erwent rehabilitation work fro! ;ece!ber -# 2000 to Hune /0# 2006co$erin" 2-2 %a s' but ha% also e7clu%e% fro! the co!putation the

perio% %urin" which no inspections or co!pliance !onitorin"s were con%ucte% 6a perio% co$erin" two ears an% four !onths' is well-taken. ?t is note% that %urin" the hearin" on Hune -E# 2002# the BB;A "a$e petitioner the opportunit "to sub!it within fifteen 6-0' %a sO.an $ali% %ocu!ents to show proof of its non-operatin" %ates that woul% be necessar for the possible re%uction of the accu!ulate% %ail penalties#"-1 but petitioner faile% to co!pl therewith. As earlier note%# petitioner file% a Aanifestation an% Aotion to which it attache% ;ail :peration 5eports an% Certifications# which $olu!inous %ocu!ents were# howe$er# un$erifie% in %ero"ation of 5ule P# Section 2-2 of the 2004 5e$ise% 5ules# 5e"ulations an% Proce%ures ?!ple!entin" 5epublic Act 8o. 4300. Absent such $erification# the BB;A !a not be faulte% for treatin" such e$i%ence to be purel self-ser$in". 5espectin" BB;AJs %ecision not to attach an e$i%entiar wei"ht to the ;ail :peration 5eports or Certifications# recall that the BB;A con%ucte% an anal sis of petitionerJs wastewater %ischar"e on Au"ust /-# 2000# upon recei$in" a phone-in co!plaint. An% it con%ucte% too an anal sis on Aa /# 2002 in the course of perio%ic co!pliance !onitorin". The ;ail :peration 5eports for both Au"ust /-# 2000-3 an% Aa /# 2002-E sub!itte% b petitioner clearl !anifest that the plant %i% not operate on those %ates. :n the other han%# BB;AJs ?n$esti"ation 5eport an% 5eport of ?nspection20 %ate% Au"ust /-# 2000 an% Aa /# 2002# respecti$el # %isclose otherwise. Petitioner ne$er %ispute% the factual fin%in"s reflecte% in these reports. Thus spawns %oubts on the $eracit an% accurac of the ;ail :peration 5eports.
lawphi(

Petitioner asserts that BB;A ha% not cre%ite% it for un%ertakin" re!e%ial !easures to rehabilitate its wastewater treat!ent facilit # %espite the prohibiti$e costs an% at a ti!e when its inco!e fro! the a"ro-in%ustrial business was alrea% se$erel affecte% b a poor business cli!ate) an% that the enforce!ent of the assaile% BB;A or%ers a!ounte% to a "ross %isincenti$e to its business. Without belaborin" petitionerJs assertions# it !ust be un%erscore% that the protection of the en$iron!ent# inclu%in" bo%ies of water# is no less ur"ent or $ital than the pressin" concerns of pri$ate enterprises# bi" or s!all. <$er one !ust %o their share to conser$e the national patri!on Js !ea"er resources for the benefit of not onl this "eneration# but of those to follow. The len"th of ti!e alone it took petitioner to up"ra%e its WT= 6fro! 200/ to 2002'# a !o$e arri$e% at onl un%er threat of continuin" sanctions# !ilitates a"ainst an "enuine concern for the well-bein" of the countr Js waterwa s.

W><5<=:5<# the petition is ;<8?<;. The :ctober 22# 200E ;ecision an% the =ebruar 2/# 20-0 5esolution# of the Court of Appeals in CA-9. 5. SP 8o. -0244E# are A==?5A<;. S: :5;<5<;.