Environment Undersecretary Ramon Paje said that as of July 2005, the level of total suspended particulates in Metro Manila was recorded at 152 micrograms per normal cubic meter, which is still above the national standard of 90 micrograms.

"The air in Metro Manila is still dirty but significantly improving," Paje said.

In 2003 and 2004, the TSP levels were at 170.8 micrograms and 161.4 micrograms, respectively.

To apprehend smoke-belchers on the road, Paje said there is a need for "radars" which are deemed more effective than actual roadside examinations.

He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has sought the support of the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) for the "radars" and other programs that promote clean air.

anti-air pollution law is also hampered by budgetary problems with the multimillion- peso collection in penalties yet to be released in its entirety for the upkeep and upgrade of air quality equipment.

Under the Clean Air Act, all fines and penalties collected from the implementation of the law were supposed to be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the Air Quality Management Fund.

"The fund should be turned over to the DENR then to the local government units. The money would be used to support programs for clean air at the LGUs and to buy more or upgrade equipment to improve air quality," Paje said.

Of the P200 million, only P500,000 have been released to the air management fund.

"I just don’t know why the DBM has not turned over the fund to us," he added.

Paje said efficient air quality management requires P120 million a year but the national government allocated only P20 million the past year.

Source: Inquirer News Service