House approves Environmental Assessment System Bill

The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 11093, known as the Philippine Environmental Assessment System Act, with 203 votes. This bill mandates the institutionalization of environmental assessments in all policies, plans, programs, and projects to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

The proposed measure established the Philippine Environmental Assessment System (EAS), requiring Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) for policies, plans, and programs, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects. Integrating environmental considerations into development initiatives early will ensure a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts on the environment, human health, and the economy. 

High-impact projects must secure a Certificate of Proponent’s Environmental Commitment (CPEC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to guarantee compliance with environmental protections, including applying preventive and mitigating measures. Violators may be subject to closure or suspension of operations in addition to severe penalties, which include fines ranging from P5 million to P20 million. 

HB 11093 will complement the  Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act by establishing a system for assessing and mitigating the environmental impacts of development initiatives. The PENCAS Act, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and managing various ecosystems and their services. Both legislative measures aim to enhance environmental governance in the Philippines.

The current status of the bill is detailed as follows: approved by the House on December 17, 2024, transmitted to the Senate on December 18, 2024, and received by the Senate on the same date.