Juan Carlo Castaneda May 20, 2018

Environmental Law Ambassador Tolentino

CLEAN AIR ACT: Alternative Way to Improve the Air Condition in the Philippines

Introduction:

Everyday air pollution is increased by the various activities from man. Some of those
activities are smoke from factories, smoke from cigarettes and from vehicles that emit smoke that is
harmful for the environment. In this regard, many of us Filipinos are guilty that we contributed to the
degradation of the atmosphere through the use of cars that used fuel which includes public and
private transportation. In this paper the author would try to suggest an alternative way on how the
Philippines through the Republic Act No. 8748 or the Clean Air Act of 1999.

Air Pollution in the Philippines:

In the report of the Environmental Management Bureau, 80 percent of Air Pollution in Metro
Manila came from motor vehicles1. The air pollution in Metro Manila could increase with the gradual
increase of vehicles in Metro Manila. It is not possible in the future that the 80 percent contribution
by vehicles to the air pollution would increase and this would worsen the air pollution not only in
Metro Manila but also in other areas in the Philippines. This condition will only get worse, everyday
commuters faced the heavy traffic in various roads in Metro Manila particularly in EDSA, A new
study by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals about 7 million people die every year due to
air pollution2. In Southeast Asia, most of this air pollution comes from traffic in highly urbanized
areas.

The effects of air pollution are very alarming as it would lead to diseases even to death. Air
pollution is an environmental health risk around the world with 92% of the world’s population
exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO’s ambient air quality guidelines 3. The people from

1
80 percent of air pollution in Metro Manila comes from cars,
<http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/581417/80-percent-of-air-pollution-in-metro-manila-comes-
from-cars/story/>
2
Traffic is main source of deadly air pollution in Southeast Asia - WHO,
<http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/09/14/traffic-air-pollution-WHO.html>
3
Air Pollution: A Public Health Concern In The Philippines, <https://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-features/latest-
news/3295-air-pollution-a-public-health-concern-in-the-philippines.html>
urbanized areas are more exposed to air pollution as compared to those who live in rural areas. As in
the case of the Philippines, commuters in Metro Manila faced the dangers of air pollution through
smoke belching vehicles specially in public transport like jeepneys and buses who failed to take
measures to reduce the smoke emission from their vehicles.

According to a study, air pollutants such as sulfate, nitrates and black carbon, found in both
indoor and outdoor settings, are extremely dangerous to people’s health. When the size of the
particulate matter in the air is 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and below, it penetrates to a person’s lungs
and cardiovascular system. This is study is very alarming since according to WHO, the safe level for
PM2.5is10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) of air in a year. In Manila, the annual average of
these pollutants is at 17 μg/m3, 70 percent more than the recommended safe level 4. The numbers
were very alarming and it would require an innovative way to reduce the effects of air pollution in
the Philippines for the future generations to come and to make sure that they will have a clean air to
breath.

Alternative way of Transportation:

In Section 2 of R.A. 8749 under declaration of principles it is provided that “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”5. With this declaration, the state shall think of ways to improve the
condition of the environment which includes reducing the effects of air pollution in the country. The
author of this paper would recommend that there should be a mandatory use of Hybrid or
Electronic Vehicles in the country and refrain from using fueled power vehicles which have smoke
emissions. Hybrid vehicles also burn regular gasoline, but they are more fuel efficient. According to
the U.S. Energy Information Administration sets the average mileage for a hybrid at 38.7 miles per
gallon (16.5 kilometers/liter) compared with 26.7 (11.4 kilometers/liter) for a gas-only vehicle -- they
require far less gas to cover the same distance6. Hybrid cars produce less danger to the environment
as compared to the conventional vehicles which burns more fuel as well as produce more danger and
contribute more to the air pollution. Electronic vehicles on the other hand, also produce emissions the

4 Air Pollution: A Public Health Concern In The Philippines, <https://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-

features/latest-news/3295-air-pollution-a-public-health-concern-in-the-philippines.html>

5 R.A. 8749, <https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1999/ra_8749_1999.html>

6
Hybrid Car Air Pollution Statistics, <https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/does-
hybrid-car-production-waste-offset-hybrid-benefits2.htm>
same as conventional vehicles. But studies show that in some cases, certain plug-in electric vehicles
that pull electricity from gas-fired plants produce up to 60 percent fewer emissions than a
conventional car with an internal combustion engine7.

It could be said that hybrid cars and electronic vehicles are more expensive than buying
conventional vehicles. But through the help of the government and private partnership the dream of
lessening the effects of air pollution through vehicles may be realized. It could be done by the
government by subsidizing at least 25% of the purchase price of those who would switch from
conventional vehicles to hybrid or electronic cars. In this regard, the expenses of a Filipino who wish
to buy a hybrid or electronic car would be lessened and it would not burdensome for them.

It could be a way to give incentives for those who care for the environment by buying hybrid
cars and electronic cars. Nowadays, the price of cars was cheaper than before. Some would only pay
the down payment and the car would be released from the showroom to be used already. With the
rise of ride-sharing like Uber and Grab, many Filipinos bought cars to gain profit from ride-sharing
services since the income is promising as compared to the capital needed when buying for a new car.
This produced more cars in the road which would contribute to the air pollution in the country. The
government through Public Private Partnership create state monitored ride-sharing services using
only Hybrid and Electronic Cars. With this, commuters who don’t want to use the MRT or LRT may
use ride-sharing services without compromising the condition of the environment and contributing to
lessen the effects of air pollution. The government may also provide incentives and subsidy for
drivers and operators who would switch from traditional ride-sharing services to the state monitored
ride sharing services that use Hybrid and Electronic Cars.

It may seem a long way to go before people would realize to use alternative means of
transportation which would not compromise the environment, but through the efforts of the
government the dream of lessening the smoke emissions in the roads of the Philippines may become
a reality as long as efforts and cooperation with private individuals is evident from us all.

7
Green Guru: Do Electric Cars Really Reduce Pollution?,
<https://www.audubon.org/magazine/september-october-2011/green-guru-do-electric-cars-really>