ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Sec. 16, Art. II: 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.

Sec. 2 (2), Art. XII: The State shall protect the nations marine wealth in its archipelagic
waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment
exclusively to Filipino citizens.

Sec.5, Art. XII: The State, subject to the provisions of this Constitution and national
development policies and programs, shall protect the rights of indigenous cultural
communities to their ancestral lands to ensure their economic, social, and cultural wellbeing.
The Congress may provide for the applicability of customary laws governing property
rights or relations in determining the ownership and extent of ancestral domain. (Note:
Indigenous peoples traditional ecological knowledge is an integral part of understanding
the environment).