Export group backs creation of new government agency to protect environment

The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) has expressed its support for several bills filed at the Senate seeking to create an environmental protection agency.

Philexport and Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI) president Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr., in a position paper for submission to the Senate committee on environment, recognized the efforts of the senators in filing the bills attuned to the provisions of the Constitution protecting and advancing the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony in nature.

"We fully support the creation of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which will take charge of environmental protection and regulation," Ortiz Luis said.

However, he said that "instead of creating a new agency, it may be better to initially explore the possibility of rationalizing the functions of the existing environmental agencies, i.e. the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its bureas, and its attached agency, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

But if the situation really warrants that a new agency like the Philippine Environmental Protection Authority (PEPA) or National Environmental Protection Authority (NEPA) be created, we will fully support the concept of an EPA."

Senate Bill (SB) 1551, an act creating the Philippine Environmental Protection Authority, defining its powers and functions, and for other purposes, was filed by Sen. Robert Jaworski to correct the "institutional schizophrenia" on the part of the organization that is supposed to implement rules on the judicious use of the country’s resources and the accompanying regulations that should protect the same resources from abuse by creating the PEPA that shall be drawn separate from the DENR.

SB 112, an act creating the National Environmental Protection Authority, defining its powers and functions, appropriating funds, and for other purposes, was filed by Sen. Juan M. Flavier to separate the environmental protection and regulatory functions of the DENR by creating a separate agency called the National Environmental Protection Agency, which will take charge of regulatory functions.

SB 724, an act creating the National Environmental Protection Authority, defining its powers and functions, and appropriating funds was filed by Sen. Loren Legarda-Leviste to establish an independent, Cabinet-level and self-sustaining environment watchdog called the NEPA which will unequivocally spearhead government efforts in protecting the environment working closely and in consonance with the objectives and aspirations of relevant sectors of society.

All these measures hope to create an environmental protection agency which will be in charge of the protection and regulation functions currently enjoyed by the DENR.

The EPA shall primarily be tasked to implement and enforce laws, rules and regulations on environmental protection and natural resource degradation. It will also undertake research and information campaigns towards the attainment of environmental protection and sustainable development goals.

The EPA will also be tasked to manage the national Environmental Protection Fund for financing adequate, suitable and appropriate measures to protect environmental quality; promote cooperation and encourage greater participation of private sector and non-government organizations in the protection of the environment. – Matilde J. Fernando, Philexport News and Features