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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #142

Philippines

No comprehensive ban. Amphibole asbestos (crocidolite and amosite) banned since 2000 via DENR Administrative Order for Chemical Control Order for Asbestos. Chrysotile remains legal for use in specific high-density products. Multiple ban bills have been filed in Congress since 2008 but none has been enacted due to industry opposition. Current policy is 'controlled use' with regulation of disposal.

—No Ban
—
No ban in place
—
Mesothelioma Rate
—
Data not available
1970s-present
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 2000s

    1. 2000Legislation

      DENR issues Administrative Order (Chemical Control Order for Asbestos) banning crocidolite and amosite; chrysotile permitted for specific high-density products

      ↗ Source
    2. 2008Regulation

      Senator Miriam Santiago introduces bill to ban asbestos; trade unionists, engineers, and homeowners call for a ban throughout the Philippines

      ↗ Source
    3. 2009Regulation

      House Bill 6544 (Ban Asbestos Act of 2009) filed; House Committee on Health approves consolidation of three asbestos ban bills in September

      ↗ Source

  2. 2010s

    1. 2014Regulation

      House Bill 4437 (Asbestos Ban Act of 2014) filed, proposing ban on importation, manufacturing, processing, use, and distribution of asbestos within two years

      ↗ Source

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement water pipes

MODERATENon-friable

1930–1990

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

↗Learn more

What To Do If You Live Here

  • Asbestos is still legally used in your country.
  • New and older construction alike may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Consult a certified professional before any renovation work.
  • Advocate for stronger asbestos regulations in your region.

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Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →