SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
Second Regular Session) 
SENATE 
'15 
HAR -2 P457 
SENATE BILL No.~6 
IU:nm:IW BY: . .J.~ 
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G, EJERCITO 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF BILIRAN A MINING-FREE ZONE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Section 16 provides: 
"The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and 
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature." 
With a total land area of 53,601 hectares (132,450 acres), Biliran is considered as 
the fourth smallest province in the Philippines. The province is composed of two major 
volcanic islands. Biliran's topography is enough evidence that mining will be 
destructive to the province. 
According to Greenpeace International, mining impacts includes, destruction of 
landscapes, forests and wildlife habitats at the site of the mine when trees, plants and 
topsoil are cleared from the mining area. This in turn leads to soil erosion and 
destruction of agricultural land. Sediments pollute waterways, which can cause 
disfiguration of river channels and streams which leads to flooding. There is also an 
increased risk of chemical contamination of ground water. Furthermore, mining 
produces greenhouse gas emissions. 1 
Apart from the widespread damage of mining to the environment, humans are 
also affected. There are many diseases that can come from the pollutants that are 
released into the air and water during the mining process. 
It is for this reason that the State must preserve the pristine beauty and rich 
natural resources and protect the people from the harsh effect of mining. Hence this bill, 
which seeks to declare the Province of Biliran as a mining-free zone. 
In view thereof, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
, 
1 
J:~~~. 
Ej=ito 
Senator 
1 http://www .greenpeaee. org/i nternation a 1/ enl ea m pa ign sl eli m ate-eha ngel eoa I/Mi n ing-i m paetsl 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
Second Regular Session, 
SENATE 
'15 
MAR -2 P 4 :5B 
SENATE BILL NO. 
2676 
I, / 
I{E(,EIVEIJ BY:-J_lI_'1 
Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF BILIRAN A MINING-FREE ZONE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in the Congress assembled: 
1 
Section 1. The Province of Biliran is hereby declared a mining-free zone, and all mining 
2 
operations therein shall be prohibited. 
3 
4 
For the purpose of this Act, mining shall refer to the extraction of valuable minerals or 
5 
other geological materials from the earth and shall include such mining activities as exploration, 
6 
feasibility, development, utilization and processing as well as quarry operations involving 
7 
cement raw materials, marble, granite, sand and gravel construction aggregates, whether large-
8 
scale or small-scale operation: Provided, That the quarrying of gravel and sand for projects 
9 
directly undertaken by agencies of the national government or by the provincial government for 
10 
basic services such as roads and bridges, school buildings, water and energy utilities and 
11 
similar public works, or any exploration activities for the generation of geothermal energy in 
12 
the Province of Biliran, is exempted from the coverage of this Act, subject, however, to the 
13 
requirements of existing mining and environmental laws: Provided, further, That the National 
14 
Government shall maintain the authority to conduct mineral exploration in any part of the 
15 
province, when national interest so requires, such as when there is a need to determine the 
16 
presence and availability of strategic raw materials for industries critical to national 
17 
development or for scientific, cultural or ecological value. 
18 
19 
Section 2. Any person, employee or employment agency who shall violate the 
20 
provisions of this Act shall be penalized with imprisonment of at least six (6) years but not more 
21 
than twelve (12) years and a fine of at least One hundred thousand pesos (P100,OOO.OO) but not 
22 
more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO). if the violator is a corporation or 
23 
association, the president and the manager of said corporation or association shall be held 
24 
liable. 
25 
26 
Section 3. Within six (6) months following the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the 
27 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in consultation with the provincial 
28 
and municipal governments, the religious sector, the business sector and accredited non-
29 
government organizations, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective 
30 
implementation. 
31 
32 
Section 4. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the 
33 
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
34 
35 
Section 5. All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent 
36 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
37 
38 
Section 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publications in the Official 
39 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
40 
41 
Approved,