Controlling all potential emission sources (e.g., mobile, stationary, area sources) of air pollution is mandated in the Philippines by the Clean Air Act or the Republic Act No. 8749. The law is primarily intended for institutionalizing the responsibilities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in leading local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies and organizations towards air pollution control.
The law is obviously necessary towards optimal public health, particularly in minimizing morbidity and mortality from diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The objectives of the law also benefit the planetary health that has long been burdened by climate change.
The law was passed more than two decades ago. I cannot think of any disadvantages, per se, but like most laws, RA 8749 must have stringent implementation and evaluation. Unfortunately, most municipalities and cities in the country, if not all, have failed in achieving comprehensive control of air pollution. Current efforts are mere banning of wastes incineration and inconsistent regulation of motor vehicles, engines, fuels and other substances.
The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Ambient Air Quality Guidelines illustrated that the world underestimated the effect of air pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to human health. Our country was observed to have an annual standard level of PM2.5, the most dangerous pollutant, that is five times higher than the recommendation of the new and revised WHO guidelines. Furthermore, we also lose almost 90 billion US dollars yearly due to healthcare costs and productivity loss attributable to air pollution. These emphasize that our country needs to intensify its efforts to have cleaner air.
Recommended solutions include supporting the shift to renewable energy and low-carbon transport modalities, updating national regulatory standards, and definitive evaluation of efforts in reducing emission and pollutant levels in ambient air.
References:
Suarez, I. L., & Garcia, V. C. (2021). Aiming higher: Benchmarking the Philippine Clean Air Act. Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) & Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSP). https://energyandcleanair.org/publication/aiming-higher-benchmarking-the-ph-clean-air-act/#:~:text=Twenty%20years%20after%20the%20passing,air%20quality%20at%20%2487.6%20billion
Tantengco, O. A. G., & Guinto, R. R. (2022). Tackling air pollution in the Philippines. The Lancet Planetary Health, 6(4), e300. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00065-1