In conjunction with DENR Administrative Order No. 35 (DAO 35), Series of 1990, the quality of Philippine waters shall be maintained in a safe and satisfactory condition according to their best use. For this purpose, Sections 4 and 5 of DAO 35 are hereby amended as follows:

Sections 4 and 5. The following footnote shall be added to (a) Table 1, Section 4 and (b) Tables 2A and 2B, Section 5:

"For other inland and coastal waters not yet classified, the effluent standards shall be based according to the best use of these waters. This refers to the current best beneficial use that is expected to last, at least 10 to 20 years, as determined by the DENR in consultation with the concerned LGU, government agency, NGOs, academe, industry, and stakeholders. In special cases when dictated by political, economic, social, public health, environmental and other considerations, certain waters may be classified according to the intended or future beneficial use (DAO 34, S. 1990 - Revised Water Usage and Classification/Water Quality Criteria Amending Section Nos. 68 and 69, Chapter III of the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations)."

Section 5. Table 2B. The column heading "Class SD and Other Coastal Waters Not Classified" is modified to "Class SD."

This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Adopted: 27 May 1999

(SGD.) ANTONIO H. CERILLES
Secretary