AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL WATER AND AIR POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 3931

National Policy and Definitions (Sections 1-2):
- Declares a national policy to maintain reasonable standards of purity for waters and air in the Philippines.
- Defines key terms such as "pollution", "sewage", "industrial waste", "other waste", "sewage system", "treatment works", "sewage works", "outlet", "waters of the Philippines", "atmospheric air of the Philippines", "person", "stream standard", and "Commission".

Creation of the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission (Section 3):
- Establishes the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission in the Office of the President.
- Outlines the composition, appointment, terms, and compensation of the Commission members.
- Includes representatives from government agencies, private sector, and full-time commissioners.

Organization and Functions of the Commission (Sections 4-6):
- Provides for the organization, staffing, and cooperation with other agencies.
- Authorizes the Commission to conduct scientific experiments, investigations, and research.
- Outlines the powers and duties of the Commission, including:
  - Determining the existence of pollution and adopting rules and regulations. (Section 6(a)(1-2))
  - Holding public hearings, receiving evidence, and making findings of fact. (Section 6(a)(3))
  - Issuing orders to discontinue pollution and specifying conditions. (Section 6(a)(4))
  - Instituting legal proceedings for compliance. (Section 6(a)(5))
  - Issuing, renewing, or denying permits for discharge of wastes. (Section 6(a)(6))
  - Revoking, suspending, or modifying permits. (Section 6(a)(7))
  - Conducting investigations. (Section 6(a)(8))
  - Settling or compromising disputes. (Section 6(a)(9))
  - Performing other necessary duties. (Section 6(a)(10))

Public Hearings and Proceedings (Sections 7-8):
- Requires public hearings for orders discontinuing waste discharge or denying/revoking permits. (Section 7)
- Outlines procedures for investigations, hearings, and issuance of orders by the Commission. (Section 8)

Prohibitions and Penalties (Sections 9-10):
- Prohibits the discharge of pollutants into waters or air without a permit. (Section 9)
- Requires permits for construction, operation, or modification of sewage works or industrial waste disposal systems. (Section 9)
- Imposes penalties of fines up to 50 pesos per day and/or imprisonment of 2-6 years for violations. (Section 10)
- Requires payment of damages for destruction of fish or aquatic life. (Section 10)

Jurisdiction and Appropriations (Sections 11-12):
- Excludes jurisdiction over waterworks or sewage systems operated by NAWASA. (Section 11)
- Authorizes an annual appropriation of 1,500,000 pesos for operating expenses. (Section 12)

Repealing Clause and Effectivity (Sections 13-14):
- Repeals inconsistent laws, except Republic Act No. 1378. (Section 13)
- Specifies the effective date upon approval. (Section 14)