What are the legal frameworks governing EIA in the Philippines?

• A. EO 30 and RA 9003 govern EIA.
• B. The Philippines has no formal EIA law.
• C. DAO 2002 requires only environmental monitoring post-construction.
• D. PD 1151 of 1977 and PD 1586 of 1978 establish the EIA system and require project sponsors to prepare an EIA.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the Philippines has a formal, pre-project environmental assessment framework established by two Presidential Decrees. These decrees created the Environmental Impact Assessment system and require project sponsors to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement before a project can proceed. This EIS documents potential environmental impacts, outlines mitigation measures, and forms the basis for regulatory review and approval, with the DENR overseeing the process. Other options don’t reflect this foundational setup: one references laws or orders that address different areas, and another option misstates the scope by implying only post-construction monitoring.