FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article 11, Section 16, of the Constitution provides: 
"The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced 
and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature" 
Of 312 species of seabirds, some 111 species, or 36 percent, tire known to mistakenly 
ingest plastic. Likewise, plastic particles are regularly eaten by sea turtles. A floating garbage 
bag looks like a jellyfish to a turtle. The plastic clogs the turtle's intestines, robbing the animals 
of vital nutrients, and has been the cause of untold turtle losses to stvation. All seven of the 
world's sea turtle species suffer mortality from both plastic ingestion and plastic entanglement. 
The release of large quantities of helium-filled, latex or mylar balloons has become a 
popular method of celebration and advertisement. This results in litter on land and sea. Placing 
statutory limitations on the quantity of balloons that may be launched on a daily basis will reduce 
litter and protect the marine environment. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
1 
8 RAY 28 3; 
21 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
PROHLBITING THE RELEASE OF CERTAIN BALLOONS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Release of Certain Balloons Prohibited -No business, firm, corporation, 
or association shall knowingly or intentionally cause to be released or knowingly or intentionally 
release at any single outdoor celebration, promotional activity, sporting, or other public event 
within a twenty-four hour (24) period more than twenty-five (25) balloons filled with helium or 
other substances which causes the balloon to rise or float in the atmosphere. 
SECTION 2. Exceptions -This Act shall not apply to : 
A) Balloons which are used for the purpose of carrying scientific instrumentation 
during the performance of an experiment or testing procedure or by a person on 
behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for 
scientific or meteorological purposes; 
B) Hot Air Balloons that are recovered after launching; 
C) Balloons released indoors. 
SECTION 3. Penalty. - Any violation of section 1 of this Act shall be punishable by a 
civil penalty of One Thousand Pesos (P1,OOO.OO) 
for each balloon released in excess of the 
limits set forth in such section, but not to exceed Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO). 
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SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. -All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified 
accordingly. 
SECTION 5 .  Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the 0 ) c i u l  Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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