Republic Act No. 8749
Philippine Clear Air Act of 1999
In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements
Health Care: Philippine Setting
Preventive Medicine III
Department of Preventive, Family and Community Medicine
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
University of Santo Tomas
Rafael P. Bantayan, Jr. MD
What is R.A. 8749?
• Known as "Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999."
• An act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control
policy and for other purposes.
• Contains 7 chapters and 56 sections
• Approved on June 23, 1999
• The State shall protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology by promoting and protecting the
environment
• The
State
recognizes
the
primary
responsibility of local government units in
dealing with environmental problems.
• The State also recognizes that the
responsibility of cleaning the habitat and
environment is primarily area-based.
• The State also recognizes the principle that
"polluters must pay".
• Finally, the State recognizes that a clean and
healthy environment is for the good of all and
should therefore be the concern of all
The State shall pursue a policy
of balancing development and
environmental protection.
• The right to breathe clean air
• The right to utilize and enjoy all natural
resources
• RIGHTS also EMPOWER PEOPLE!
1. The right to participate in the formulation,
planning, implementation and monitoring of
environmental policies and programs.
2. The right to participate in the decision-making
process concerning development policies, plans
and programs.
Air Pollutant
and
Air Pollution
Air Pollutant
• means any matter found in the atmosphere
other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor,
carbon dioxide, and the inert gases in their
natural or normal concentrations, that is
detrimental to health or the environment
eg. Smoke
Dust
Soot
Cinders
Gases
Fumes
chemicals
Radioactive
substances
Air Pollution
• means any alteration of the physical, chemical
and biological properties of the atmospheric air
which will render the air resources of the
country harmful, detrimental, or injurious to
public health, safety or welfare or which will
adversely affect their utilization.
Air Quality Monitoring and
Information Network
• Annual National Air Quality Status Report:
- basis in formulating the Integrated Air Quality
Improvement Framework
It shall include, but is not limited to the
following:
a) Extent of pollution in the country, per type of pollutant and per
type of source
b) Analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends and projections
of air pollution at the various levels
c) Identification of critical areas, activities, or projects which will need
closer monitoring or regulation
d) Recommendations for necessary executive and legislative action
e)Other pertinent qualitative and quantitative information concerning
the extent of air pollution and the air quality performance rating of
industries in the country.
Integrated Air Quality Improvement
Framework
• the official blueprint with which all
government agencies must comply with to
attain and maintain ambient air quality
standards.
Air Quality Control Action Plan.
• shall include control
strategies and
control measures to
be undertaken
within a specified
time period
necessary for the
effective control and
abatement of air
pollution.
Air Quality Control Action Plan.
• In addition to direct regulations, the plan shall
be characterized by a participatory approach
to the pollution problem.
Airsheds
• the designation of airsheds:
- shall be on the basis of, but not limited to, areas with
similar climate, meteorology and topology or areas
which share common interest or face similar
development programs, prospects or problems.
Management of
Non-attainment Areas
• areas where specific pollutants have already
exceeded ambient standards.
Management of
Non-attainment 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.
• It will also implement a program and other
measures including relocation, whenever
necessary, to protect the health and welfare
of residents in the area.
CLEAN AIR ACT
• The department as well as the government
agencies and the like should be updated on
the technology available regarding air quality
control, and accordingly, inform the public
about it.
• An updated and annual list of hazardous
pollutants with corresponding guideline
values and its potential health risks should be
made available to the public
CLEAN AIR ACT
• Emission charges shall be imposed to the
industries as well as private owners of vehicles
that emit pollutants, and thus encourage
them to help lessen the pollution
• Funds collected from the emission charges,
and also from donations, will then be used to
finance the clean up operations
CLEAN AIR ACT
• The department, with the help from DOST and
private agencies, shall conduct research on
how to minimize and control air pollution
CLEAN AIR ACT
The department has the authority to issue
permits to industries that may emit pollutants,
however, these permits will cover the emission
limitations for the regulated air pollutants
The industries are required to have financial
guarantee mechanisms for emergency purposes;
if and when they breach the agreement and
cause harm to the environment
CLEAN AIR ACT
• Any new vehicles, imported or locallyassembled, as well as second-hand vehicles,
will not be registered unless it complies to the
emission standards set by the department
CLEAN AIR ACT
• Smoking in public
places is strictly
prohibited!
Fuels and Additives
Improvement of fuel composition for
increased efficiency and reduced emissions
– Department of Health (DOH)
– Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR)
– Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the DTI
– DOST
– representatives of the fuel and automotive
industries, academe and the consumers
Fuels and Additives
• DOE (Department of Energy)
– Allowable content of additives
– Based on threshold levels of health and research
studies
– Limit content or begin phase-out of additives
Fuels and Additives
• Additives shall not in any way increase
emissions of any of the regulated gases –
carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of
nitrogen and particulate matter
Fuels and Additives
• Department shall phase out ozone depleting
substance
• PAGASA – monitor and effectively guide air
pollution monitoring  reduced greenhouse
gas emissions
• reduce and eliminate Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins and furans
• Radioactive emissions should be regulated in
the interest of public health and welfare
Institutional Mechanism
 Local government units
(LGUs) shall share the
responsibility in the
management and
maintenance of air quality
within their territorial
jurisdiction
 Department should have a
training program designed
to teach LGUs to undertake
full administration of air
quality management
Institutional Mechanism
• There should be Environment and Natural
Resources Office in every province, city, or
municipality
• Roles:
– prepare comprehensive air quality management
programs, plans and strategies
– provide technical assistance and support to the
governor or mayor
– take the lead in all efforts concerning air quality
protection and rehabilitation
Institutional Mechanism
• Roles:
– recommend to the Board air quality standards
– coordinate with other government agencies and
non-governmental organizations in the
implementation of measures to prevent and
control air pollution
Actions
• Any person who has violated
the standards, rules and
regulations of the act shall
undergo administrative
proceedings.
• any citizen may also file a
civil, criminal or
administrative suit against
any person, department or
public officer.