Noise Pollution Control and Abatement Act

Senate Office of the ecretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session AUb -4 P1:32 SENATE RECEIVED B S. No. Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT REGULATING NOISE POLLUTION BY CREATING THE NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (NPCB), PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Noise pollution is often underestimated in its severity. It is an environmental hazard with profound impacts on public health, well-being, and quality of life. It arises when sound levels exceed acceptable thresholds, disrupting the natural rhythm of human activity and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies environmental noise as a critical public health issue. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise has been linked to adverse health outcomes such as hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, elevated stress levels, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment in children, and reduced overall life satisfaction. According to WHO's latest findings, long-term exposure to environmental noise contributes to 48,000 new cases of ischemic heart disease and 12,000 premature deaths annually across Europe.1 Furthermore, the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that at least 22 million people suffer from chronic high annoyance due to environmental noise, and 6.5 million people experience chronic high sleep disturbance. Notably, around 12,500 1 https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/noise

schoolchildren are estimated to suffer from reading impairment caused by aircraft noise alone.2 In the Philippines, rapid urbanization, increasing vehicular traffic, the proliferation of high-decibel commercial activities, and lax enforcement of existing environmental laws have all contributed to worsening noise conditions. This is particularly noticeable in metropolitan and high-density areas. Despite the serious health and social impacts of noise pollution, there remains no comprehensive national framework that addresses this environmental threat with clarity and accountability. This proposed measure seeks to establish the Noise Pollution Control Board (NPCB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to serve as the lead agency in formulating, implementing, and enforcing national policies on noise regulation. It also prescribes standards for sound level measurement, identifies prohibited noise-generating activities, and sets forth penalties for violators. In the pursuit of sustainable development and public well-being, the regulation of environmental noise must be treated with the same urgency as air and water pollution. The enactment of this measure will lay the groundwork for a sound-sensitive policy framework that protects the right of every Filipino to a peaceful, healthful, and livable environment. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA 2https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/number-of-europeans-exposed- to#:~:text=Lonq%2Dterm%20exposure%20to%20noise%20has%20significant%20health%20impac tS.,0f%20animals%20to%20quieter%20areas.

SPRALE Office of the carturory TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) AUG -4 P1:32 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY. SENATE S. No. 812 Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT REGULATING NOISE POLLUTION BY CREATING THE NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (NPCB), PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Noise Pollution Control

2 and Abatement Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

protect and promote the right to health, safety and general welfare of the people by 5 providing them an environment free from environmental noise due to economic 6 development and modern technology that disrupt the natural rhythm of life.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For this Act, the following terms shall mean:

(a) Ambient Noise - the composite of noise from all sources near and far and in a given environment, exclusive or occasional and transient intrusive noise sources and of the particular noise source or sources to be measured; (b) Decibel (dB) - a unit of level which denotes the ratio between two quantities which are proportional to power, the number of decibels corresponding to the ratio of two amounts of power is 10 of this ratio; (c) Environmental Noise - the sound that is emitted in the course of industrial production, construction, transportation and social activities that impairs the living environment of the people;

(d) Motor Vehicle - includes, but not limited to automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor bikes and go carts; (e) Noise Emission - noise discharged from the source to the living environment of the neighborhood; (f) Noise Pollution - an unwanted human-created sound that disrupts the environment and emitted sporadically or over a period of time; the dominant form of which are derived from transportation sources, motor vehicles, sound system, equipment, tools, apparatus, machinery and the like; (g) Noise-Sensitive Structures - those that require a quiet environment such as hospitals, schools, government offices, research institutions and residential buildings; (h) Octave Band Noise Analyzer - an instrument for measurement of sound levels in octave frequency band which satisfies the pertinent requirement for class 2 band analyzers of the American National Standards Specifications; (i) Person - an individual, firm, association, co-partnership, joint venture, corporation or any entity, private or public in nature; (i) Sound Amplifying Equipment - any machine or device for amplification of the human voice, music or any sound including the following: 1. automobile radios, stereo players, phonographs for television receivers used in or heard only by the occupants of the vehicle in which the same is installed; 2. radio, stereo players, phonographs or television receivers used in a house or apartment within any residential zone or within 500 feet thereof; 3. warning devices or emergency vehicles; and 4. horns or other warning devices authorized by law on any vehicle when used for traffic purposes; (k) Sound Level (Noise Level) - in decibels (dB), is the sound measured with an "A" weighing and slow responses by a sound level meter, except

an impulsive or rapidly varying sounds, the fast response shall be used; and (l) Sound Level Meter - an instrument including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter, and "A" frequency weighing network for the measurement of sound levels.

Sec. 4. Creation of the Noise Pollution Control Board (NPCB). - There is hereby

7 created the Noise Pollution Control Board (NPCB), hereinafter referred to as the "Board" under the supervision of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with principal office in Metro Manila.

Sec. 5. Composition of the NPCB. - The Board shall be composed of two (2)

Assistant Secretaries of the DENR, as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively, appointed by the President. The members shall include one (1) representative each from: (a) Department of Health (DOH); (b) Department of Transportation (DOTr); (c) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); (d) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); (e) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); (f) Department of Science and Technology (DOST); (g) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and (h) Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)

Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall:

(a) Formulate and implement policies and programs; (b) Set and revise noise standards; (c) Determine and take measures to abate pollution; (d) Prescribe measurement procedures; (e) Conduct research; (f) Develop comprehensive abatement plans; (g) Issue rules and regulations; (h) Disseminate educational materials; (i) Deputize or request assistance from government agencies;

(i) Issue, renew, or deny permits; (k) Impose fees for permits; and (I) Perform other necessary powers.

Sec. 7. Secretariat of the Board. - The Board shall establish a Secretariat

coordinated with the DBM and subject to Civil Service rules.

Sec. 8. General Requirements and Restrictions on Noise Level and Control. -

(a) Noise from devices audible up to 150 feet from the property line in residential zones; (b) Noise that exceeds ambient level by more than 5 decibels in adjacent properties is prohibited; and (c) Use of modern technology for control is mandated.

Sec. 9. Sound Level Measurement Procedure and Criteria. - Details procedures

using sound level meters, including measurements for specific types of noise and frequency band analysis using tables provided in the bill.

Sec. 10. Criteria/Standards for Violations of this Act. - Includes: level, origin,

zoning, proximity to residents, timing, intensity, and nature (commercial or not) of the noise.

Sec. 11. Procedure and Criteria for Sound Level Measurement. - Details about

microphone placement, calibration, and averaging noise levels.

Sec. 12. Prohibited Acts. - Enumerates specific activities considered noise

pollution, including: (a) Loud use of devices in public or residential zones; (b) Operating machines at night; (c) Use of sound trucks, modified vehicle exhausts; (d) Excessive vehicle noise, musical chimes at night; and (e) Excessive sound amplification near hospitals, schools, or churches.

Sec. 13. Penalties. -

(a) Fine: P10,000 to P50,000; (b) Imprisonment: 2 months to 1 year, or both; and (c) Corporate officers liable if violations committed by juridical persons.

Sec. 14. Comprehensive Anti-Noise Pollution Program. - To be developed by

DENR, DOH, DPWH and other agencies within one (1) year of effectivity.

Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - DENR to issue IRR within 30

2 days in coordination with concerned agencies.

Sec. 16. Appropriations. - Initial funding from the National Treasury;

subsequent funding in DENR's annual budget.

Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - Invalidity of part does not affect the remainder.

Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, or regulations inconsistent

7 herewith are repealed or modified.

Sec. 19. Effectivity Clause. - Effective 15 days after publication in two

9 newspapers of general circulation. Approved,