How are we disposing coal ash in the Philippines

We already know that coal-fired power plants continue to operate across the country. What we don’t always know is how we are disposing of the toxic byproducts they produce—especially coal ash.

Coal ash, which includes both fly ash and bottom ash, is a waste product from burning coal. It contains heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead—substances we do not want to leak into our air, soil, or water.

Yes, of course, there are laws regulating the disposal of coal ash. We have a comprehensive legal framework:

RA 6969 controls hazardous waste

RA 8749 (Clean Air Act) regulates emissions and ash pollution

RA 9003 governs solid waste

DENR AO 2004-36 lays out how hazardous waste should be handled

And even the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) touches on coal ash contracts

That’s impressive on paper. But here’s the real question: How do we know how much of these laws are being implemented?

There are agencies that are supposed to do the job—the DENR, its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the DOE, and our LGUs. But again, how do we know how well these agencies are doing their jobs?

Let me put this plainly: The people who live near coal ash disposal sites are the ones at risk. The victims are often communities with the least voice and the least access to health care.

So, let’s ask:

Are these people getting sick?

Is the DOH monitoring their health?

Are the LGUs equipped and empowered to enforce regulations and protect their constituents?

These are not rhetorical questions. These are urgent matters that demand real answers.

 

Who's supposed to be watching?

The DENR, through the EMB, is the main agency tasked with monitoring coal ash. They issue Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) and are supposed to conduct regular site inspections. But there have been documented violations.

Take, for example, the Balili lot case in Cebu—no monitoring team, improper landfill lining. Result? A PHP200,000 fine. And let’s be honest—that’s a small price to pay for risking people’s health and the environment.

Or the case of Kepco-SPC in Naga, where residents filed environmental complaints over alleged air pollution and unsafe ash transport.

There’s also the alarming case of coal ash reaching Mandaue without proper regulation. That prompted a petition for a temporary environmental protection order.

If these things are happening in relatively urbanized and visible areas, what more in rural or remote towns where watchdogs are fewer, and people are less empowered to file complaints?

 

Are LGUs ready?

LGUs are expected to manage solid waste under RA 9003, and they can even form Multipartite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) to monitor compliance. But forming a team and effectively running it are two different things.

How do we make sure that our LGUs are truly equipped to regulate and control coal ash waste? Not just in theory, but in practice? Are they trained? Funded? Supported by national agencies?

And what about the Department of Health (DOH)? Shouldn’t they be tracking how many people are getting sick in these affected communities? If coal ash contains carcinogens and neurotoxins, where are the health reports? Where’s the public data?

 

What can citizens do?

You and I don’t have to wait for agencies to act. Here’s what we can do at the community level:

Request copies of ECCs from your DENR regional office or LGU.

Join or help form an MMT in your barangay.

Conduct local health and environmental surveys.

Report suspected violations through the DENR’s Environmental Compliance Assistance Center (ECAC).

But even these small actions are hard if ordinary people don’t have the time, resources, or connections. That’s why we need stronger systems, not just better laws.

 

Final word

It’s not enough that coal ash is being "recycled" into cement or road base. That might sound eco-friendly, but who is testing for safety? Pozzolanic Philippines, for instance, processes fly ash from coal plants, but who’s checking that the final product doesn't pose health risks?

At the end of the day, coal ash is toxic. If not handled with strict oversight, it poisons our people, our land, and our future.

We need full transparency. We need honest enforcement. And most of all, we need to protect the people who have no choice but to live next to these plants.

So, I ask again:

How are we disposing of coal ash in the Philippines?

And more importantly: How are we making sure no one is getting hurt in the process?