Environmental impact assessment in the Philippines: Progress, problems, and directions for the future

The environmental impact statement (EIS) system of the Philippines is reviewed, identifying progress made in its effective implementation since 1986. Improvement in coverage is noted and real commitment to good environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice is found in those responsible for the EIS...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental impact assessment review 1994, Vol.14 (4), p.217-232
Main Author: Ross, W.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment, Health, & Safety
ASIA
DECISION MAKING
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ISLANDS
PHILIPPINES
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Summary:The environmental impact statement (EIS) system of the Philippines is reviewed, identifying progress made in its effective implementation since 1986. Improvement in coverage is noted and real commitment to good environmental impact assessment (EIA) practice is found in those responsible for the EIS system. Project proponents show a modest acceptance of the system. Major problems remaining are: (1) the EIS system is seen as a bureaucratic requirement needed to obtain project approvals; (2) political interference determines the outcome of some environmental reviews; (3) questionable practices by public servants serve to discredit the system; and (4) the treatment of projects in environmentally critical areas is less than satisfactory. Based on the principle that it is essential to establish a credible process seen to work effectively by the public, politicians, the government bureaucracy, and proponents, suggestions for improvement are made. They deal with the treatment of EISs for projects already under construction, EIA training courses, and simple adjustments to the EIS system to focus it on the most important projects.
ISSN:0195-9255
1873-6432
DOI:10.1016/0195-9255(94)90020-5