EMB-CALABARZON conducts seminar towards Effective Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Laws

EMB CALABARZON Field Personnel and Technical Staff with the Regional Director, Engr. Carlos J. Magno during the training on February 12, 2015 at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila.

A two-day seminar towards “Effective Implementation and Enforcement

of Environmental Laws” was conducted on February 12-13, 2015 at Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Blvd., Manila, which was participated in by officials and employees of EMB CALABARZON comprising the Regional Director, Division

Chiefs, Legal Staff, Technical Staff, Case Handlers and Field personnel.

The seminar was spearheaded by the Environmental Education and

Information Section and Legal Section intended for EMB4A personnel to be more equipped and knowledgeable on different Environmental Laws towards its effective implementation and enforcement and to further strengthen the DENR thrusts and mandates. The basic rules, procedures and protocol on inspection

and monitoring were likewise inculcated which are both necessary in the deliverance of the inherent functions of EMB4A personnel as environmental protector and enforcer.

To enable the participants to revisit the applicable laws on environmental protection and the policy mandates of EMB4A, as well as to understand the

general legal principles of administrative rules, settlement of cases and imposition of administrative fines on found violations, the Section and Division Chief concerned lectured on the different environmental laws and applicable

rules and procedures.

Atty. Falconi Millar, Legal Consultant of DENR-EMB4A demonstrate his

expertise in litigation and gave details on the Rules of Procedures on Environmental Cases.

Engr. Willy Billiones of Water Quality Monitoring Section and the Focal

Person for Adopt-An-Estero Program talked about the protocol on effluent sampling and the Republic Act 9275 otherwise known as the “Clean Water Act”.

Robert Angelo Metin, OIC of the Project Evaluation Section of

Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Division, go over with the New Screening Guidelines and the Presidential Decree 1586 otherwise known as the Philippines Environmental Impact Statement System.

Engr. Adonis Tomaro, OIC of the Air Quality Monitoring Section,

exhibited his adeptness on the technical matters that have to be dealt with in the implementation of Republic Act 8749 or the “Clean Air Act” and the basic rules and protocol on Stack Sampling and inspection.

Engr. Marissa Malabana, OIC of Hazardous Waste Management Section

educated the participants on the effects of the hazardous wastes to the health when improperly utilized and the Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes Control Act.

Ms. Severina Oandasan emphasized the proper handling and disposal of

solid wastes in consonance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Ms. Girliesina Sebarillo reiterated the importance of basic Do’s and Don’t’s

to be observed during inspection and monitoring. Mr. Joe Amil Salino, Special Assistant of the Regional Director gave

overview of the rules and procedures of the Pollution and Adjudication Board (PAB), in relation to the cases being endorsed to the Board.

Ms. Rysa Deron, OIC of the Legal Section and Environmental Education

and Information Section, enlightened the admonition of the participants on what are the Three-fold Liability of Public Officers.

Ms. Faina Ifurung, Regional Executive Assistant discussed the importance

of the Judicial Affidavit Rule in filing of cases.

The seminar was conceptualized for EMB4A personnel not only for them to be abreast with the latest policy updates on Environmental Laws but also to learn the knitty-gritty in handling environmental cases and complaints, the basic rules, procedures and protocol on monitoring, inspection and the

importance of Administrative Settlement or Adjudication. Thus, similarly, the learned techniques and procedures will make them efficient and effective in handling issues and other matters in relation Environmental Law enforcement,

implementation and litigation. The second day of the seminar is an in-depth study of the rules that a

public officer should always observe in the performance of his/her function as a public servant. Resource speakers are representatives from the different partner agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman, National Bureau of Investigation

and Civil Service Commission. Atty. Joselito Ferrer, Assistant Special Prosecutor III, Office of the Special

Prosecutor, Ombudsman, exhibited his proficiency as Prosecutor as he tackled the salient features of Ombudsman Act of 1989.

Mr. Abram Geronaga, Special Investigator III of the Technical Intelligence

Division, Intelligence Service, National Bureau of Investigation edify the participants on the techniques in the Enforcement of Environmental Laws in Criminal Aspect.

Atty. Maricar Mon, Legal Officer of the Office of the Legal Affairs, Civil

Service Commission, discussed the Salient Features of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment, Dishonesty and Falsification of Public Documents.

Mr. Werner Florentino of the Office of the Legal Affairs, Civil Service

Commission discussed the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and a little on Office Etiquettes.

The two-day activity has been an extensive way of learning yet fruitful

and joyful bonding experience where EMB4A personnel had the time to be loosen-up from their daily routine works, move their bodies and dine like king and queens.