VARIOUS government agencies and environmental groups are set to convene following reports that the United States hauled in 234 containers of suspected electronic waste through the Port of Subic.
The Port of Subic is under the supervision of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
In a statement, no less than Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno hinted at the need to convene a meeting aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental and customs laws, and identifying appropriate legal and regulatory measures related to the alleged e-waste shipments.
Environmental groups earlier claimed that at least 234 containers of suspected electronic waste and one container of plastic waste from the United States were brought to the Subic Bay Freeport where materials are stored since March.
The shipments were supposedly tracked through “Operation Can Opener,” an initiative of the Basel Action Network that uses trade data and GPS trackers placed on e-waste exports.
LEGAL REMEDIES
According to Nepomuceno, the BOC is pursuing legal remedies related to the alleged e-waste shipments. He however declined to elaborate details of the litigation.
“While the case is still under judicial review, it is important to engage with all concerned agencies and stakeholders so that we can more clearly understand the issue, their respective roles, and the laws and regulations that must be followed,” reads part of the statement.
“The coordination meeting will help make sure that all actions are coordinated and carried out in compliance with the law,” the BOC added.
Invited to the meeting were the Office of the Solicitor General, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Invitations were also sent to Basel Action Network, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International, and EcoWaste Coalition.
BUSINESS AS USUAL
Customs operations at the Port of Subic continue under existing procedures while coordination with other agencies remains in place to support environmental and regulatory safeguards.
Environmental advocates however find it rather urgent to investigate the shipments, arguing that the importation of e-waste violates Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act), and the Philippines’ obligations under the Basel Convention.
Sometime in 2025, the Manila Regional Trial Court ruled to junk a case involving shipments seized in 2024 from three Subic-based electronics firms, to the dismay of the environmental groups.
In its decision, the court ruled that the Subic freeport is no longer within the radar of the BOC. It also struck down the requirement for a Department of Environment and Natural Resources pre-shipment importation clearance within the zone.
SEVERE THREATS
Dumping e-waste poses severe environmental and public health threats. Improper disposal releases toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, into the air, soil, and local water supplies.
Threats are classified into two clusters — health and environment.
Respiratory and Neurological Illnesses: Informal dismantlers and nearby residents often suffer from severe lung issues (like pneumonia), blurred vision, and nerve damage from inhaling toxic fumes and burning rubber wire casings.
High Risk to Vulnerable Groups: Children and pregnant women face the highest risks. Exposure is heavily linked to brain development issues in toddlers, asthma, stillbirths, and premature deliveries.
Soil and Water Contamination: Chemicals leached from discarded electronics contaminate local waterways and soil, degrading agricultural lands and severely damaging marine ecosystems.
E-WASTE COMPONENTS
E-waste is dangerous because it contains a complex mix of toxic heavy metals and hazardous chemicals. When discarded devices are broken down improperly—such as through open burning or acid baths—toxins leach into soil, water, and air, posing severe risks to human health and the environment.
Electronics are built with materials that become dangerous as soon as the device is broken or improperly disposed of:
Lead: Commonly found in circuit boards and solder, this heavy metal can cause permanent neurological damage, especially in children, and affect cardiovascular and kidney health.
Mercury: Used in flat-screen monitors, switches, and lamps, mercury damages the brain and central nervous system.
Cadmium: Found in rechargeable batteries, cadmium is a known carcinogen that can accumulate in the kidneys and bones.
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs): Used in plastics and cables to prevent fires, these chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and can disrupt thyroid and reproductive functions.
Beryllium & Lithium: Often present in computer motherboards and batteries, exposure to these materials can lead to respiratory illnesses and cause fires if damaged.
