TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
of the TFiarn
25 AUG -4 PI 32
SENATE 
812
S. No.
RECEIVED 8V
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.
EGARDA
2https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/number-of-europeans-exposed-
to#:~:text=Long%2Dterm%20exposure%20to%20noise%20has%20significant%20health%20impac
ts.,of%20animals%20to%20quieter%20areas.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
812
odlic
25 ftUG-4 PI 32
RtCEIVED liV._
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
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Noise Pollution Control
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and Abatement Act".
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
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protect and promote the right to health, safety and general welfare of the people by
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providing them an environment free from environmental noise due to economic
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development and modern technology that disrupt the natural rhythm of life.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For this Act, the following terms shall mean:
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(a) Ambient Noise - the composite of noise from all sources near and far
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and in a given environment, exclusive or occasional and transient
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intrusive noise sources and of the particular noise source or sources to
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be measured;
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(b) Decibel (dB) - a unit of level which denotes the ratio between two
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quantities which are proportional to power, the number of decibels
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corresponding to the ratio of two amounts of power is 10 of this ratio;
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(c) Environmental Noise - the sound that is emitted in the course of
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industrial production, construction, transportation and social activities
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that impairs the living environment of the people;


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(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;
(j) 
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


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an impulsive or rapidly varying sounds, the fast response shall be used;
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and
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(I) Sound Level Meter - an instrument including a microphone, an
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amplifier, an output meter, and "A" frequency weighing network for the
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measurement of sound levels.
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Sec. 4. Creation of the Noise PoHution Controi Board (NPCB). - There is hereby
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created the Noise Pollution Control Board (NPCB), hereinafter referred to as the
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"Board" under the supervision of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with principal office in
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Metro Manila.
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Sec. 5. Composition of the NPCB. - The Board shall be composed of two (2)
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Assistant Secretaries of the DENR, as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively,
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appointed by the President. The members shall include one (1) representative each
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from:
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(a) Department of Health (DOH);
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(b) Department of Transportation (DOTr);
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(c) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);
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(d) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
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(e) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
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(0 Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
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(g) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and
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(h) Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)
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Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall:
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(a) Formulate and implement policies and programs;
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(b) Set and revise noise standards;
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(c) Determine and take measures to abate pollution;
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(d) Prescribe measurement procedures;
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(e) Conduct research;
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(f) Develop comprehensive abatement plans;
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(g) Issue rules and regulations;
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(h) Disseminate educational materials;
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(i) Deputize or request assistance from government agencies;


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(j) Issue, renew, or deny permits;
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(k) Impose fees for permits; and
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(I) Perform other necessary powers.
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Sec. 7. Secretariat of the Board. - The Board shall establish a Secretariat
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coordinated with the DBM and subject to Civil Service rules.
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Sec. 8. General Requirements and Restrictions on Noise Level and Control. -
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(a) Noise from devices audible up to 150 feet from the property line in
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residential zones;
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(b) Noise that exceeds ambient level by more than 5 decibels in adjacent
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properties is prohibited; and
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(c) Use of modern technology for control is mandated.
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Sec. 9. Sound Level Measurement Procedure and Criteria. - Details procedures
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using sound level meters, including measurements for specific types of noise and
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frequency band analysis using tables provided in the bill.
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Sec. 10. Criteria/Standards for Violations of this Act. - Includes: level, origin,
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zoning, proximity to residents, timing, intensity, and nature (commercial or not) of the
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noise.
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Sec. 11. Procedure and Criteria for Sound Level Measurement - Details about
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microphone placement, calibration, and averaging noise levels.
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Sec. 12. Prohibited Acts. - Enumerates specific activities considered noise
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pollution, including:
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(a) Loud use of devices in public or residential zones;
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(b) Operating machines at night;
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(c) Use of sound trucks, modified vehicle exhausts;
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(d) Excessive vehicle noise, musical chimes at night; and
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(e) Excessive sound amplification near hospitals, schools, or churches.
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Sec. 13. Penalties. -
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(a) Fine: P10,000 to P50,000;
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(b) Imprisonment: 2 months to 1 year, or both; and
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(c) Corporate officers liable if violations committed by juridical persons.
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Sec. 14. Comprehensive Anti-Noise PoUution Program. - To be developed by
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DENR, DOH, DPWH and other agencies within one (1) year of effectivity.


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Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - DENR to issue IRR within 30
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days in coordination with concerned agencies.
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Sec. 16. 
Appropriations. - Initial funding from the National Treasury;
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subsequent funding in DENR's annual budget.
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Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - Invalidity of part does not affect the remainder.
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Sec. 18. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, or regulations inconsistent
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herewith are repealed or modified.
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Sec. 19. 
Effectivity Clause. - Effective 15 days after publication in two
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newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,