Republic of the Philippines

“ No motor vehicle shall be registered with the DOTC unless it meets the emission standards set by the Department as provided in Section 21 hereof.
Any vehicle suspected of violation of emission standards through visual signs, such as, but not limited to smoke-belching, shall be subjected to an emission test by a duly authorized testing center for this purpose, the DOTC or its authorized testing center shall establish a roadside inspection system. Should it be shown that there was no violation of emission standards, the vehicle shall be immediately released. ”

“ Chapter 1- General Provisions Article 1- Basic Air Quality Policies
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This act shall be known as Philippine "Clean Air Act of 1999".
SECTION 2. Declaration of Principles. - 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. ”

“ A continuing air quality information and education campaign shall be promoted by the Department, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) , the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) , the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) . Consistent with Section 7 of this Act, such campaign shall encourage the participation of other government agencies and the private sector including NGOs, POs, the academe, environmental groups and other private entities in a multi-sectoral information campaign. ”

“ Pollution from Motor Vehicles. - a) The DOTC shall implement the emission standards for motor vehicles set pursuant to and as provided in this Act. To further improve the emission standards, the Department shall review, revise and publish the standards every two (2) years, or as the need arises. It shall consider the maximum limits for all major pollutants to ensure substantial improvement in air quality for the health, safety and welfare of the general public. ”

“ Any violation of the provisions of Section 21 paragraph (d) with regard to national inspection and maintenance program, including technicians and facility compliance shall be penalized with a fine of not less than Thirty thousand pesos (Php30,000.00) or cancellation of license of both the technician and the center, or both, as determined by the DTI.
All law enforcement officials and deputized agents accredited to conduct vehicle emissions testing and apprehensions shall undergo a mandatory training on emission standards and regulations. ”

“ Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries though the application of market-based instruments; (c) Focus primarily on pollution prevention rather than on control and provide for a comprehensive management program for air pollution; (d) Promote public information and education to encourage the participation of an informed and active public in air quality planning and monitoring ”

“ The right to be informed of the nature and extent of the potential hazard of any activity, undertaking or project and to be served timely notice of any significant rise in the level of pollution and the accidental or deliberate release into the atmosphere of harmful or hazardous substances ”

“ There may be established an Environment and Natural Resources Office in every province, city, or municipality which shall be headed by the environment and natural resources officer and shall be appointed by the Chief Executive of every province, city or municipality in accordance with the provisions of Section 484 of Republic Act No. ”

“ Emissions trading may be allowed among pollution sources within an airshed.
SECTION 10. Management of Nonattainment Areas. - The Department shall designate areas where specific pollutants have already exceeded ambient standards as nonattainment areas. The Department shall prepare and implement a program that will prohibit new sources of exceeded air pollutant without a corresponding reduction in existing sources. ”

“ Provided, That the issuance of information on air quality control techniques shall not be construed as requiring the purchase of certain pollution control devices by the public.
SECTION 12. Ambient Air Quality Values and Standards. – TheDepartment, in coordination with other concerned agencies, shall review and/or revise and publish annually a list of hazardous air pollutants with corresponding ambient guideline values and/or standard necessary to protect public health and safety, and general welfare. ”

“ Pursuant to the above-declared principles, the following rights of citizens are hereby sought to be recognized and the State shall seek to guarantee their enjoyment:
(a) The right to breathe clean air ”

“ For heavy duty vehicles, the exhaust emission limits of gaseous pollutants shall be: Fuel evaporative emission for spark-ignition engines shall not exceed 2.0 grams hydrocarbons per test. Likewise, it shall not allow any emission of gases from crankcase ventilation system into the atmosphere. ”

“ Consistent with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs under this section, it is declared that:
a) not later than eighteen (18) months after the effectivity of this Act, no person shall manufacture, import, sell, supply, offer for sale, dispense, transport or introduce into commerce unleaded premium gasoline fuel which has an antiknock index (AKI) of not less than 87.5 and Reid vapor pressure of not more than 9 psi. ”

“ Independence of Action. – The filing of an administrative suit against such person/entity does not preclude the right of any other person to file any criminal or civil action. Such civil action shall proceed independently.
SECTION 43. Suits and Strategic Legal Actions Against Public Participation and the Enforcement of this Act. ”

“ The Department may allow each regional industrial center that is designated as special airshed to allocate emission quotas to pollution sources within its jurisdiction that qualify under an environmental impact assessment system programmatic compliance program pursuant to the implementing rules and regulations of Presidential Decree No. ”

“ Linkage Mechanism. – The Department shall consult, participate, cooperate and enter into agreement with other government agencies, or with affected nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or people's organizations (POs) , or private enterprises in the furtherance of the objectives of this Act.
SECTION 36. Role of Local Government Units. – Local government units (LGUs) shall share the responsibility in the management and maintenance of air quality within their territorial jurisdiction. ”