Health and environment over other considerations

THIS IS in response to the Bizz Buzz item titled, “A questionable lifestyle” (Business, 3/30/15). In the last part of the article, subtitled “Sidetracked?” a question was asked as to the motive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in advancing the schedule of the switch from Euro 2 to Euro 4 fuels and emission standards to July 2015. The original schedule was January 2016.

Please allow us to clarify.

First of all, don’t we all want to breathe clean air? In 2014, the average total suspended particulates in Metro Manila’s air was about 106 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm), which is beyond the allowable healthy guideline limit of 90 ug/Ncm. These particulates come from vehicular emissions which account for about 80 percent of the total air pollution load in Metro Manila. Studies show that sulfur oxides, a by-product of fuel combustion, are respiratory irritants that contribute to respiratory illnesses and aggravate existing cardiopulmonary conditions. Reducing the sulfur content in fuel was shown to significantly help reduce the amount of particulate matter and its related carcinogenic and toxic effects. So, secondly, don’t we all want clean fuels?

The decision to switch was based on the outcome of a series of consultation meetings with all stakeholders—the automotive manufacturing industry, public transport sector and oil industry players i.e., the Japan Automotive Research Institute/Japan Automotive Manufacturers Association, Piston, Acto, Fejodap, Chevron and Petron, etc.—which realized the urgency to further reduce air pollution and its impacts on human health and the environment.

Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the DENR issued, on March 24, 2015, Administrative Order (DAO) 2015-04. This DAO stipulates that new and in-use vehicles must comply with Euro 4 emission standards starting July 1, 2015, and for Euro 4 fuels to be made available in the market by this date. Euro 4 fuels contain less sulfur, thus minimizing air pollution. This new DAO also provides more stringent emission standards for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter to be complied with by new passenger, and light- and heavy-duty vehicles. It stipulates that all new vehicles to be used or introduced into the Philippine market by January 2016 must be equipped with Euro 4 engine and compliant with Euro 4 emission standards. The DENR-EMB will issue certificates of conformity for new motor vehicles that comply with the new standards.

Indeed, there are challenges that beset us in the switch from Euro 2 to Euro 4 fuels, but we believe that benefits to our health and environment should always take precedence over other considerations.

—JONAS R. LEONES, undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and concurrent director,Environmental

Management Bureau