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Knowing Your Rights: The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
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By:
Frances A. Ong
 The
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
states that we are all obligated
to keep the environment clean
and healthy because it directly
affects us all. This law was passed
to protect our welfare by ensuring
that we use our natural resources
in a responsible manner.
It was made to balance development
and environmental protection which
means that we can still use our
cars and run our factories for
as long as these activities don't
pollute the atmosphere. To do
this, the law focuses on programs
that prevent or manage air pollution.
It focuses on information and
educational programs that teach
and encourage people to preserve
or improve air quality. It also
seeks to put up a system for us
to identify and deal with polluters.
This is significant because it
makes it easier to prosecute (Ed.
This means to seek legal punishment)
those who add to pollution. This
system will also provide funding
to help clean the mess they made
and to help those who were hurt
by the environmental damage.
 This
law is important because it recognizes
our rights regarding environmental
issues. The most basic of these
rights are the right to breathe
clean air and the right
to enjoy our natural resources
without abusing the environment.
We are given control over which
environmental laws and programs
are to be approved.
We can participate in making
these laws and projects and we
can make sure that these are carried
out properly.
We have the right to be informed.
We have the right to know how
projects that are potentially
hazardous to our health and well
being are progressing-- we have
a right to know if we are in danger
and are allowed to look at all
public documents that can help
us to understand these environmental
issues.
 Lastly,
we have the right to seek action
or justice.If someone goes
against this law, we can file
a complaint in court to fix or
pay for the damages.
This article was just a general
overview of the Philippine Clean
Air Act of 1999. If you want to
now more about the specific programs
and proposed guidelines included
in that law, you can look it up
on-line. Many local law firms
have virtual libraries where you
can read up on our constitution.
It's always important to be aware
of your rights.
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