Book 4, Title 0, Sec. 17The Environmental Management Bureau, to be headed by a Director who shall be assisted by an Assistant Director shall, subject

Environmental Management Bureau. - The Environmental Management Bureau, to be headed by a Director who shall be assisted by an Assistant Director shall, subject to the provisions of this Code relative to the Pollution Adjudication Board, absorb and integrate the powers and functions of the National Environmental Protection Council, the National Pollution Control Commission, and the Environmental Center of the Philippines which are hereby abolished.

It shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to environmental management, conservation, and pollution control, and shall:

(1) Recommend possible legislation, policies and programs for environmental management and pollution control;

(2) Advise the Regional Offices in the efficient and effective implementation of policies, programs, and projects for the effective and efficient environmental management and pollution control;

(3) Formulate environmental quality standards such as the quality standards for water, air, land, noise and radiations;

(4) Recommend rules and regulation for environmental impact assessments and provide technical assistance for their implementation and monitoring;

(5) Formulate rules and regulations for the proper disposition of solid wastes, toxic and hazardous substances;

(6) Advise the Secretary on the legal aspects of environmental management and pollution control and assist in the conduct of public hearings in pollution cases;

(7) Provide secretariat assistance to the Pollution Adjudication Board;

(8) Coordinate the inter-agency committees that may be created for the preparation of the State of the Philippine Environment Report and the National Conservation Strategy;

(9) Provide assistance to the Regional Office in the formulation and dissemination of information on environmental and pollution matters to the general public;

(10) Assist the Secretary and the Regional Officers by providing technical assistance in the implementation of environmental and pollution laws; and

(11) Provide scientific assistance to the Regional Offices in the conduct of environmental research programs.