Environmental Protection

Environmental Law Practice

Protecting Our Environment Through Legal Excellence

As a graduate of Environmental Science and a lawyer, Atty. Libayan brings unique expertise to environmental law. We handle ECC applications, environmental permits, environmental litigation, and advocacy for the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Environmental Law Services

Comprehensive environmental legal services under Philippine environmental laws

ECC & EIS Preparation

Environmental Compliance Certificate and Environmental Impact Statement preparation and filing with DENR

Environmental Permits

Discharge permits, hazardous waste permits, EMB clearances, and wildlife permits

Environmental Litigation

Cases under RA 8749 (Clean Air Act), RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management), and other environmental laws

Mining & Quarrying Law

MPSA, FTAA applications, small-scale mining permits, and compliance with Philippine Mining Act

Water Rights & Pollution

Water permits, pollution control, RA 9275 (Clean Water Act) compliance

Forest & Wildlife Protection

Illegal logging cases, wildlife protection, biodiversity law, and protected areas compliance

Environmental Compliance Certificate Process

Step-by-step guide to obtaining ECC from DENR-EMB

Project Description

1-2 weeks

Prepare detailed project description, site location, environmental setting baseline study

EIA Study

1-3 months

Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) depending on project classification

Public Consultation

1 month

Mandatory public hearing/scoping for Category A and B projects. Document stakeholder concerns

ECC Application

2-6 months

Submit EIS/IEE Report to DENR-EMB. Review by technical committee and issuance of ECC

DENR Project Categories

Understanding which environmental clearance your project requires

Category A - EIS Required

Projects with significant environmental impact

Examples:

Mining, large infrastructure, power plants, industrial estates, resorts in protected areas

Category B - IEE Required

Projects with moderate environmental impact

Examples:

Medium-scale industrial projects, commercial buildings, subdivisions, fishponds

Category C - Exempt

Projects with minimal environmental impact

Examples:

Small commercial establishments, residential houses, minor agricultural projects

Philippine Environmental Laws

Major environmental protection statutes and their penalties

RA 8749 - Clean Air Act

Air quality management, emission standards, vehicular emissions, smokebelchers

Penalties:

₱1,000 - ₱100,000/day + imprisonment

RA 9003 - Ecological Solid Waste Management

Waste segregation, recycling, composting, sanitary landfills, prohibited acts

Penalties:

₱1,000 - ₱1,000,000 + imprisonment

RA 9275 - Clean Water Act

Water quality standards, wastewater discharge permits, water pollution control

Penalties:

₱10,000 - ₱200,000/day + imprisonment

RA 7942 - Philippine Mining Act

Mineral production sharing agreements, small-scale mining, quarry permits

Penalties:

₱100,000 - ₱1,000,000 + cancellation

RA 9147 - Wildlife Resources Conservation

Protection of endangered species, wildlife trafficking, habitat conservation

Penalties:

₱50,000 - ₱5,000,000 + 2-20 years

PD 705 - Revised Forestry Code

Illegal logging, kaingin, forest land conversion, timber licensing

Penalties:

₱500 - ₱100,000 + 5-20 years

Your Constitutional Environmental Rights

The 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees every Filipino the right to a balanced and healthful ecology

Right to a balanced and healthful ecology (Section 16, Article II, 1987 Constitution)

Standing to file environmental cases (no need to prove direct injury in public interest cases)

Writ of Kalikasan (for environmental damage of constitutional magnitude)

Writ of Continuing Mandamus (for government inaction on environmental protection)

Citizen suits against environmental violators (under environmental laws)

Access to environmental information (DENR must provide data)

Right to participate in environmental decision-making (public consultations)

Writ of Kalikasan & Continuing Mandamus: The Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC) provide special remedies for environmental protection. We can help you file these special civil actions for environmental justice.

Need Environmental Legal Assistance?

Whether you need an ECC, environmental permit, or representation in an environmental case, we combine legal expertise with environmental science knowledge.

Excellence is our standard. Protecting the environment, one case at a time.