PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND NATURAL RESOURCES

PART 1. A Brief Background on Philippine Environmental Problems

Identify present environmental problems in Philippine waters, forest lands, loss of biodiversity, aerial
territory, and mining sector.
Environmental Law
1. International Law
Basis for adoption: Article II, Section 2, 1987 Constitution (incorporation vs. transformation)
a. 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm (Stockholm
Declaration)
b. 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio Declaration)
c. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), September 22, 1988 [see Art.
194 which obliges parties to make measures to any source, including land-based sources
and installations and devices used in exploration or exploitation of the natural resources of
the seabed and subsoil]
d. 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its 1987 Montreal Protocol
on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, January 1, 1989
e. 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
and their Disposal, May 5, 1992
f. 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (December 29, 1993) and 1979 Bonn Convention on
the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
g. 1998 Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, February 24, 2004
h. 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, May 17, 2004
i. United Nations General Assembly Resolution I803 on Permanent Sovereignty Over Natural
Resources (December 14, 1962)
j. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 37/7 on a World Charter for Nature (October
28, 1982)
k. United Nations Conference on Environmental and Development Declaration on Environment
and Development (June 16, 1992, Rio de Janeiro)
l. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (May 9, 1992, New York)
m. The Kyoto Protocol to Global Climate Change Convention (December 11, 1997)
n. Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter
(December 19, 1972, London)
o. Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (November 16,
1972, Paris)
p. Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (March 3,
1973, Washington)
q. ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (July 9, 1985, Kuala
Lumpur)
r. Principles for the Management, Conservation, and Sustainable Development of All Types of
Forests (June 13, 1992, Rio de Janeiro)
s. Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (May 21, 1963)
t. Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Underwater
(August 5, 1963, Moscow)
u. Protocol I Addition to the General Convention of August 12, 1949 and Relating to the
Protection of the Victims of Armed Conflict (June 8, 1977, Geneva)
v. World Banks Operational Directive on Environmental Assessment (1989)
w. International Atomic Energy (IAEA) Code of Practice on the International Transboundary
Movement of Radioactive Waste (June 27, 1990)
x. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of
Pesticides, As Amended (1990)
y. The Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (April 15, 1994, Marrackesh)

2. Constitutional Policy and Framework on Environmental Protection

As human rights concern
Article II, Section 6
Article III, Section 1
As resource allocation concern
Article XII, Sections 2, 3, 4
As social justice concern
Article II, Sections 14, 21, 22, 23
Article XII, Section 2 par. 3; Sections 5, 6
Article XIII, Section 4, 7, 14, 15, 16
Philippine Environmental Policy, P.D. 1151 (1977)
2. Terrestrial Laws
Act No. 3572 - An Act Prohibiting the Cutting of Tindalo, Alde, or Molave Trees under Certain
Conditions, and to Penalize Violations Thereof
P.D. No. 705 - Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines
a. Jurisdiction matters
Merida v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 158182, June 12, 2008, 554 SCRA 366
Momongan v. Judge Omipon, A.M. No. MTJ-93-874, March 14, 1995, 242 SCRA 332
Provident Tree Farms, Inc. v. Hon. Demetrio Batario, G.R. No. 92285, March 28, 1994,
231 SCRA 463
People of the Philippines v. CFI of Quezon, Branch VII, G.R. No. L-46772, February 13,
1992, 206 SCRA 187
Daylinda A. Lagua, et al. v. Hon. Vicente N. Cusi, et al., G.R. No. L-44649, April 15, 1988,
160 SCRA 260
b. Prohibited Acts
Aquino v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 165448, July 27, 2009, 594 SCRA 50
Mustang Lumber, Inc. v. Court of Appeals , G.R. No. 104988, June 18, 1996, 257 SCRA
430
Tan v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 115507, May 19, 1998, 290 SCRA 117
c. Possession of Lumber without the Necessary Documents
Taopa v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 184098, November 25, 2008, 571 SCRA 610
Monge v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 170308, March 7, 2008, 548 SCRA 42
Rodolfo Tigoy v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 144640, June 26, 2006, 492 SCRA 539
Perfecto Pallada v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 131270, March 17, 2000, 385 Phil.
195
People of the Philippines v. Que, G.R. No. 120365, December 17, 1996, 265 SCRA 721
d. Non-applicability of Replevin on Items Under Custodia Legis
Dagudag v. Paderanga, A.M. No. RTJ-06-2017, June 19, 2008, 555 SCRA 217
Prosecutor Leo C. Tabao v. Judge Frisco T. Lilagan and Sheriff IV Leonardo V. Aguilar,
A.M. No. RTJ-01-1651 (Formerly A.M. No. 98-551-RTJ), September 4, 2001, 364
SCRA 322
Calub v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 115634, April 27, 2000, 331 SCRA 55
Factoran v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 93540, December 13, 1999, 320 SCRA 530
Basilio P. Mamanteo, et al. v. Deputy Sheriff Manuel M. Magumun, A.M. No. P-98-1264,
July 28, 1999, 311 SCRA 259
Paat v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 111107, January 10, 1997, 266 SCRA 167
e. Conversion of TLAs to IFMAs
Alvarez v. PICOP, G.R. No. 162243, November 29, 2006, 508 SCRA 498
Alvarez v. PICOP, G.R. No. 162243, December 3, 2009, 606 SCRA 444
f. Obligations of the Transferee

Matuguina Integrated Wood Products, Inc., v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 98310, October
24, 1996, 263 SCRA 490
Dy v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 121587, March 9, 1999, 304 SCRA 331
P.D. No. 1433 - Plant Quarantine Decree of 1978
R.A. No. 3571 - An Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing
Trees, Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plaints of Scenic Value along Public Roads, in
Plazas, Parks, School Premises or in any Other Public Ground
R.A. No. 7076 - Peoples Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991
R.A. No. 7586 - National Integrated Protection Areas System Act of 1992
A. RA No. 8978 or the Mt. Kitanglad Range Protected Area Act of 2000
B. RA No. 8991 or the Batanes Protected Area Act of 2000
C. RA No. 9106 or the Sagay Marine Reserve Law
D. RA No. 9125 or the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park Act of 2001
E. RA No. 9154 or the Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park Act of 2001
F. RA No. 9237 or the Mt. Apo Protected Area Act of 2003
G. RA No. 9303 or the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary Act of 2004
H. RA No. 9304 or the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park Act of 2004
I. RA No. 9486 or the Central Cebu Protected Landscape Act of 2007
J. RA No. 9494 or the Mimbilisan Protected Landscape Act
K. RA No. 9847 or the Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape Act of 2009
L. RA No. 10067 or the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009.
PICOP Resources v. Base Metals, G.R. No. 163509, December 6, 2006, 510 SCRA 400
R.A. 7611 - Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act
R.A. 7942 - Philippine Mining Act of 1995
a. Jurisdiction Matters
Asaphil v. Tuason, G.R. No. 134030, April 25, 2006, 488 SCRA 126
b. Nature of Mining Grants and Licenses
Dipidio Earth-Savers Multi-Purpose Association v. Gozun, G.R. No. 157882, March 30,
2006, 485 SCRA 586
Republic v. Rosemoor, G.R. No. 149927, March 30, 2004, 426 SCRA 517
c. Validity of FTAAs
La Bugal-BLaan v. Ramos, G.R. No. 127882, January 27, 2004, 421 SCRA 148
La Bugal-BLaan v. Ramos, G.R. No. 127882, December 1, 2004, 445 SCRA 1
d. Non-impairment of Contracts
Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. v. WMC Resources, G.R. No. 162331, November 20,
2006, 507 SCRA 315
e. Resort to the Mines Adjudication Board
Benguet Corp. v. DENR, G.R. No. 163101, February 13, 2008, 545 SCRA 196
f. Right to mining patents
Yinlu Bicol Mining Corporation vs. Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation,
January 12, 2015
R.A. 9072 - National Caves and Cave Resource Management and Protection Act
R.A. 9147 - Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act
R.A. 9175 - Chain Saw Act of 2002
3. Marine and Aquatic Resources Laws
P.D. No. 979 - Marine Pollution Decree of 1979
P.D. No. 1067 - Water Code of the Philippines
a. Jurisdiction Matters

Metro Iloilo Water District v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 122855, March 31, 2005, 454
SCRA 249
BF Northwest Homeowners Association, Inc. v. Intermediate Appellate Court, G.R. No.
72370, May 29, 1987, 234 Phil. 537
Amistoso v. Ong, G.R. No. L-60219, June 29, 1984, 130 SCRA 228
b. Prosecution for Multiple Violations
Loney, et al. v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 152644, February 10, 2006, 482 SCRA
194
c. Writ of Continuing Mandamus
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, G.R.
Nos. 171947-48, December 18, 2008, 574 SCRA 661
R.A. No. 4850 - Laguna Lake Development Authority Act
Public Hearing Committee of the Laguna Lake Development Authority v. SM Prime
Holdings, Inc., G.R. No. 170599, September 22, 2010
Pacific Steam Laundry v. Laguna Lake Development Authority, G.R. No. 165299,
December 18, 2009, 608 SCRA 442
The Alexandra Condominium Corporation v. Laguna Lake Development Authority, G.R.
No. 169228, September 11, 2009, 599 SCRA 452
Laguna Lake Development Authority v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 110120, March
16, 1994, 231 SCRA 292
Laguna Lake Development Authority v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. Nos. 120865-71,
December 7, 1995, 251 SCRA 42
R.A. No. 8550 - Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998
a. Jurisdiction of LGUs
Tano v. Socrates, G.R. No. 110249, August 21, 1997, 278 SCRA 154
b. Prohibited Acts
People of the Philippines v. Vergara, G.R. No. 110286, April 2, 1997, 270 SCRA 624
Hizon v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 119619, December 13, 1996, 265 SCRA 517
R.A. No. 9275 - Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
R.A. No. 9483 - Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007
4. Aerial Law
R.A. 8749 - Clean Air Act of 1999
Bishop Carlito Cenzon, et al. vs. Hon. Nicasio Aliping, et al., CA-GR NO. SP No. 00029
w/k (available online)
Hilarion M. Henares, et al. v. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
and Department of Transportation and Communications, G.R. No. 158290,
October 23, 2006, 505 SCRA 104
5. Other Laws
P.D. 1586 - Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System Including Other
Environmental Management Related Measures and for Other Purposes
Bangus Fry Fisherfolk, et al. v. Hon. Lanzanas, et al., G.R. No. 131442, July 10, 2003, 405
SCRA 530
Lina vs. Pano, GR No. 1209093, 21 August 2001, 364 SCRA 76
Boracay Foundation, Inc. vs. The Province of Aklan, GR No. 196870, June 26, 2012.
Secretary Ramon Paje, et al. vs. Hon. Teodor Casino, et al., G.R No. 207257, February 3,
2015
P.D. No. 856 - Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
R.A. 6969 - Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990

R.A. No. 8371 - Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997

Isagani Cruz and Cesar Europa vs. The Secretary of DENR, G.R. No. 135385, December 6,
2000
Baguio City v. Masweng, G.R. No. 180206, February 4, 2009, 578 SCRA 88
Province of North Cotabato v. GRP Peace Panel, G.R. No. 183591, October 14, 2008, 568
SCRA 402
R.A. No. 9003 - Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
Province of Rizal, et al. v. Executive Secretary, et al., G.R. No. 129546, December 13, 2005,
477 SCRA 436
R.A. No. 9729 - Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009
R.A. No. 10174 - Amendments to R.A. 9729
6. Provisions in Other Laws
a. Commonwealth Act No. 141, The Public Land Act
The Secretary of DENR, et al. vs. Mayor Jose S. Yap, et al., G.R. No. 167707, October 8,
2008
b. Republic Act No. 6657, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988
c. Republic Act No. 7160, The Local Government Code
d. Republic Act No. 7161, Tax laws incorporated in the Revised Forestry Code and other
environmental laws
e. Republic Act No. 7308, Seed Industry Development Act of 1992
f. Republic Act No. 7900, High Value Crops Development Act
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications, Inc. vs.
Greenpeace Southeast Asia (Philippines), et al., G.R. No. 209271, December 8,
2015
g. Republic Act No. 8048, Coconut Preservation Act
h. Republic Act No. 8435, Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997
i. Republic Act No. 9522, The Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law
Professor Merlin Magallona vs. Executive Secretary Ermita, et al., G.R. No. 187167,
August 16, 2011
j. Republic Act No. 9513, Renewable Energy Act of 2008
k. Republic Act No. 9367, Biofuels Act of 2006
7. Supplemental Laws
a. Chapter Two on Human Relations - Civil Code, Articles 19-28
b. Abatement of Nuisance - Articles 694-707
c. Easements - Articles 634-636 (general provisions); Articles 637-681
d. Torts/Quasi-Delict - Articles 2176-2184
Part 2: Right to the Environment; Environmental Justice
A. Basic Principles on the Right to the Environment
Reading materials (available online) Max Valverde Soto (1996). General Principles of International Environmental Law (pdf)
Paradell-Trius, Lluis (2000). Principles of International Environmental Law: An Overview
(pdf)
1. Sovereignty Over Natural Resources and the Obligation Not to Cause Harm
Principle 21 of Stockholm Declaration

What is Trans-Boundary Pollution?

2. Principle of Prevention
Principle 15, Rio Declaration
3. Precautionary Principle
Rule 20, Section 1, Rules of Procedure in Environmental Cases (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC)
Reading material (available online) - Stevens, Mary (2002). The Precautionary Principle in
the International Arena. Sustainable Development Law and Policy,
Spring/Summer. Pages 13-15.
http://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1278&cont
ext=sdlp
West Tower Condominium Corporation v. First Philippine Industrial Corp., et al., G.R. No.
194239, June 16, 2015
Social Justice Society (SJS) vs. Alfredo S. Lim, G.R. No. 187836, November 25, 2014
Precautionary Principle vs. Reactionary Principle
Rapanos v. United States, 126 S.Ct. 2208 (__US 2006)
Babbitt v. Sweet Home Chapter of Communities for a Great Oregon, 515 US 687
(1997)
4. Sustainable Development
Brundtland Principle
Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, U.N. Doc.
A/RES/42/187 (December 11, 1987)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(additional readings here to be given next time)
5. Intergenerational Equity
Oposa v. Factoran, G.R. No. 101083, July 30, 1993
6. Legal Standing
Mead v. Argel, G.R. No. L-41958, July 20, 1982
Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 110120,
March 16, 1994
Resident Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tanon Strait vs. Secretary Angelo
Reyes, et al., G.R. No. 180771, April 21, 2015
Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555 (1992); Lujan v. Natl Wildlife Fedn, 497 U.S.
871 (1990)
Friends of the Earth, Inc., v. Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc., 528 U.S. 167, 181
(2000)