Commonwealth Act No. 383, enacted on September 5, 1938, prohibits the dumping of refuse and waste into rivers if it may elevate river beds or obstruct streams. It also forbids creating artificial alluvial formations without permission from the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, which is only granted for necessary protective measures against water damage. Violators of this act may face penalties of up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to two hundred pesos, or both, at the court's discretion. The law aims to protect waterways and surrounding properties from harmful practices.
September 5, 1938
COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 383
AN ACT TO PUNISH THE DUMPING INTO ANY RIVER OF REFUSE, WASTE MATTER OR SUBSTANCES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER THAT MAY BRING ABOUT THE RISE OR FILLING IN OF RIVER BEDS OR CAUSE ARTIFICIAL ALLUVIAL FORMATIONS
SECTION 1. The dumping into any river of refuse, waste matter or substances of any kind whatsoever that may cause an elevation in the level of river beds, or block the course of a stream, is prohibited.
SECTION 2. To cause alluvial formations by whatever means or device that may give rise for river banks to expand or by any similar process to reclaim a strip of land through accession, except with the authority of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, which shall be granted if and when any such works were absolutely necessary for the protection of private property against the destructive action of water, and not otherwise harmful to other parties, is likewise prohibited.
SECTION 3. Any person who shall be found transgressing the provisions hereof shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than six months, or by a fine not to exceed two hundred pesos, or by both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on its approval.
Approved: September 5, 1938