CHAPTER 2

Human Relations (n)

Article 19. Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties,
act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith.

Article 20. Every person who, contrary to law, wilfully or negligently causes damage to another,
shall indemnify the latter for the same.

Article 21. Any person who wilfully causes loss or injury to another in manner that is contrary to
morals, good customs or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 192

PROVIDING FOR THE REORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT,

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, RENAMING IT AS THE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 4. Mandate. The Department shall be the primary government agency responsible for
the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and
natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in
reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the licensing and
regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law in order to ensure equitable
sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of
Filipinos.

To accomplish its mandate, the Department shall be guided by the following objectives that will
serve as basis for policy formulation:

(a) Assure the availability and sustainability of the country’s natural resources through judicious
use and systematic restoration or replacement, whenever possible;

(b) Increase the productivity of natural resources in order to meet the demands for forest,
mineral, and land resources of a growing population;

(c) Enhance the contribution of natural resources for achieving national economic and social
development;

(d) Promote equitable access to natural resources by the different sectors of the population;

(e) Conserve specific terrestrial and marine areas representative of the Philippine natural and
cultural heritage for present and future generations.
 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1151

PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Section 3. Right to a Healthy Environment. In furtherance of these goals and policies, the
Government recognizes the right of the people to a healthful environment. It shall be the duty
and responsibility of each individual to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the
Philippine environment.

1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.