r· 
'srnlltt 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
(Ofl,~r "f I~' :f<'I,,"'.r, 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
AUG 22 P 5 :{)9 
SENATE 
S. No. 
1343 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Phosphorus, along with nitrogen, is an element that, when added to freshwater lakes or 
rivers, stimulate excessive growth of algae and vegetation. This process is called 
"eutrophication," which severely damages water quality and ruin aquatic ecosystems. 
In most freshwater lakes and flvers, phosphorus is the "limiting nutrient." More 
phosphorus means more algae growth. Excess loading of phosphorus into streams, lakes, or 
rivers can cause drastic changes in water quality, including reduction in dissolved oxygen 
supplies, major changes in algae species and associated macro-invertebrate communities, algae 
blooms and associated foam and odors. 
Phosphorus in dishwashing detergents is currently a significant source of water pollution. 
It fosters unhealthy growth of algae and can seriously reduce dissolved oxygen. Dissolved 
oxygen is an important component of most healthy aquatic ecosystems. 
Eliminating phosphorous in dishwasher detergents is a step to preserve the natural 
ecosystems of our lakes and rivers. This bill regulates the sale and manufacture of cleaning 
agents that contain phosphorous as a measure to preserve the bionetwork of our rivers and lakes.' 
~'-
4k~.v-. J~ 
~' 
MIRIAM DEFE~SOR SA~IA~-
• This bill was origill811y filed in the Fourteenth Congress, Second Regular Session. 
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'sl'l1nb 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
10ft.:. ,,[ Ill' ~l>'rrtl.r'l 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
AUG 22 r 5 :09 
SENATE 
S. No. 
1343 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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AN ACT 
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REGULATING THE DISTRIBUTION FOR SALE OR USE OF CLEANING AGENTS 
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WHICH CONTAIN PHOSPORUS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act may be known as the "Envi-Protection Cleaning 
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Agents Act". 
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SECTION 2. D~finition. - For the purposes of this Act, "cleauing agent" means a laundry 
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detergent, dishwashing compound, household dishwashing detergent, household cleaner, metal 
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cleaner, industrial cleauer, phosphate compound, or other substauce that is intended to 'be used 
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for cleaning purposes. 
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SECTION 3. Prohibition. - It shall be illegal to sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or 
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use a cleaning agent that contains phosphorus in auy form in excess of 8.7% by weight expressed 
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as elemental phosphorus. 
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It shall also be illegal to sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or use either of the 
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following cleaning agents if they contain phosphorus in any form in excess of 0.5% by weight 
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expressed as elemental phosphorus: 
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(A) a cleauing agent intended for use in dishwashers; 
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(B) a cleauing agent that is intended for use with clothes detergents. 
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SECTION 4. Penalties. - (A) Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of 
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Section 3 of this Act shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than ten thousaud 
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pesos (P,JO,OOO.OO) but not more than fifty thousand pesos (P,SO,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not 
less than two (2) months but not more than one (I) year, or both, upon the discretion of the court. 
(B) Any director, officer, or agent of a corporation, association, pattnership, or any other 
entity who shall authorize, order, or perform any of the acts or practices constituting in whole or 
in part a violation of Section 3, shall be subject to the penalties to which that corporation may be 
subject. 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and sUbsisting. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with the provisions ofthis Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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