ENVIRONMENTAL LAW (SY 2020-2021)

Module 1 Quiz

I. Please identify the environmental principle referred to in the following statements or scenarios:

1. The ASEAN agreed that the green house gas emissions in the region be reduced to 5% by 2030,
based on the respective capacities of the member-States. So, Singapore, a highly developed
economy, committed to spend $1 Billion. The Philippines committed to allocate $100 Million. Burma
agreed to spend $ 15 Million.
2. Juan threw 50 kilos of garbage at sea. He was caught, and penalized a fine of PhP 5,000 by the
City Government.
3. The government required a hydro electric company to put in place several mini-dams along a big
river to reduce the flow of fresh water, and in so doing, avoid flash floods.
4. The Government decided that during the mating season for Tuna, no fishing is allowed. This is to
ensure that the stock would not be depleted, thereby allowing enough supply for years ahead.
5. The Philippines decided to allow oil and gas exploration and development in the West Philippine
Sea, as well as in the Burnham Rise, two areas that belong to the Philippines. The Government
committed itself to abide by all ecological protection laws and international agreements to protect
the marine environment.
6. An investor wanted to reclaim a coastal area. Environmentalists opposed and demanded that a
comprehensive environmental impact assessment be made first, to determine what damage such a
project might cause on the area, and to introduce probable means to mitigate or even avoid the
same. The investor agreed.
7. An oil spill occurred somewhere between two (2) island LGUs. To prevent damage to their
coastlines, they decided to coordinate efforts in preventing the spread of the oil spill.
8. The Supreme Court sustained the call of young people for the Government to stop issuing timber
license agreements to companies. The idea was to preserve enough resources for the next
generations to use and conserve.
9. In order to avoid being seen by spy planes of government forces pursuing them, a large rebel
group decided to burn thousands of hectares of rain forest in order to hide their escape route. The
heavy smoke from forest fires traveled through a different country and posed respiratory dangers to
its inhabitants. Eventually the rebels were captured and tried for environmental damage.
10. A law was passed requiring all students to plant endemic trees as a requirement for them to
graduate in elementary and high school.
11. The Government required all mining companies to put up Mines Protection Fund, to cover for cost
of damage in case of cave-ins and mining disasters.
12. An incineration plant exceeded the limit of releasing dioxins and air pollutants. Despite warnings
from the regulatory agency, the company refused to correct the problem. The Government closed it
and fined the management PhP 3 Million.
13. The Philippines wanted to operate a floating power plant using natural gas. However, it is near the
border of Malaysia. The Philippines decided to use the state-of-the-art technology to prevent
environmental damage, and to avoid harming the marine ecosystem of Malaysia.
14. A businessman has a woodchip factory. The dust has been troubling the neighborhood. The people
complained. The Judge ordered the factory closed, or at least introduce mitigating procedures.
15. The Government can develop its resources the best way it can, provided, it does not harm others.
16. The principle that allows different players to be involved in an environmental activity to achieve a
goal that benefits everyone, although the manner or method of achieving the same varies among
each player or environmental actor.
17. This principle applies when the Government allows a person to pay a higher fee as the amount of
pollutants he is allowed to release also increases.
18. A law requiring a license to be procured first before cutting a mature or sick tree is consistent with
what principle?
19. This principle applies when the Government prohibits the introduction of exotic or non-native
species of plants and animals into the country.
20. To defeat the rebels, the government armed forces poisoned the rivers and streams where the
rebels were hiding. This violates what principle in environmental law?