MALACAŅANG
M a n i l a
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1198
REQUIRING ALL INDIVIDUALS, PARTNERSHIPS OR CORPORATIONS ENGAGED IN THE EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES OR IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TO RESTORE OR REHABILITATE AREAS SUBJECT THEREOF OR AFFECTED THEREBY TO THEIR ORIGINAL CONDITION
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to create, develop, maintain and improve conditions under which man can be most productive and to insure the attainment of an environmental quality that enhances his dignity and well-being;
WHEREAS, in the pursuit of economic and development activities of individuals, partnerships and corporations engaged in the exploration, development, exploitation and utilization of natural resources, as well as in the construction of infrastructure projects, it is inevitable that said activities affect significantly the environment; and
WHEREAS, the cumulative environmental effects of these activities, if left uncontrolled, will cause irreparable damage and deterioration to the natural environment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following:
Section 1. All individuals, partnerships or corporations engaged in the exploitation of natural resources like those engaged in mining, quarrying, or construction dams, irrigation systems, roads and bridges and other infrastructure projects, as well as those engaged in similar or related operations or activities, shall, to the fullest extent possible, restore, rehabilitate, and return the lands, rivers, and natural environment subject thereof or affected thereby to their original conditions as of before such operations or activities.
Section 2. The Secretary of Natural Resources shall promulgate such rules and regulations as shall be necessary to implement the provisions of Section One hereof.
Section 3. All laws, decrees, rules and regulations, or parts thereof in conflict or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 4. This Decree shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 19th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-seven.
The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation
