TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. S31
of ill* .
25 ftUG-4 PI :45
RECiZIVLO^v.
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING THE VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE IN THE PROVINCES OF 
BATANGAS, MARINDUQUE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, ORIENTAL MINDORO, 
ROMBLON AND QUEZON, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF 
PROTECTED SEASCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED 
AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE VERDE ISLAND 
PASSAGE PROTECTED SEASCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to protect and advance 
the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm 
and harmony of nature. It also classifies national parks as lands of the public domain 
and mandates that once established, these parks shall be conserved and may not be 
increased or diminished except by law. These constitutional provisions underpin the 
development of the country's environmental and conservation policies and laws, 
especially the creation of protected areas.
To implement these provisions. Congress enacted Republic Act No. 7586, 
known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. This 
landmark law institutionalized a legal framework for managing ecologically important 
areas, ensuring the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the 
establishment of a comprehensive system of protected areas. The Act was later 
amended by Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018, which 
declared additional sites as legislated protected areas and enhanced the mechanisms 
for their governance and protection.


As of June 2025, the Philippines has a total of 117 legislated protected areas 
covering 4,436,519.94 hectares. In addition, 13 areas have been proclaimed as 
protected by the President, encompassing 1,105,465.98 hectares. There are also 121 
areas categorized as remaining initial components under the NIPAS, covering 
2,258,174.27 hectares.
Ecological Significance and Biodiversity
The Verde Island Passage (VIP) is globally recognized as a critical hotspot of 
marine biodiversity. A landmark study by Carpenter and Springer (2005) identified the 
VIP as the "center of the center" of global marine shorefish diversity, with a record 
1,736 species overlapping in a single 10 km x 10 km area between Mindoro and 
Luzon; the highest such concentration in the world.1
In 2018, a spatial prioritization analysis conducted by Asaad et al. confirmed 
the VIP as one of the seven most important biodiversity areas in the Coral Triangle, 
alongside Sulawesi, Ambon, and Raja Ampat.2 This finding highlights its ecological 
significance in sustaining regional marine life and supports its prioritization in 
conservation planning.
Policy actions have followed scientific evidence. In 2006, Executive Order No. 
578 declared the VIP a priority conservation area, mandating national and local 
agencies to mainstream biodiversity protection and develop a management plan.3 In 
2018, five surrounding provinces—Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, 
and Occidental Mindoro—joined national agencies in petitioning for the VIP's 
designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its protection as a Fishery 
Management Area, emphasizing its ecological and cultural value.4
1 Carpenter, K. E., & Springer, V. G. (2005). The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity:
The Philippine Islands. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 72(4), 
467-480.
https://doi.Org/10.1007/sl0641-004-3154-4. Retrieved on July 31, 
2025, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227112122_The_center_of_the_center_of_marine_shore_fi 
sh_biodiversity_The_Philippine_Islands
2 Asaad, I., Lundquist, C. J., Erdmann, M. V., & Costello, M. J. (2018). Delineating priority areas for
marine biodiversity conservation in the Coral Triangle. Biological Conservation, 222, 198-211. 
https://doi.Org/10.1016/j.biocon.2018.03.037. Retrieved on July 31, 
2025, from
https://www.sciencedirect.eom/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320717310200
3 Office of the President of the Philippines. (2006). Executive Order No. 578: Establishing the nationai
policy on bioiogica! diversity. Retrieved on July 31, 
2025, from
https://www.fao.Org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC076429
4 Pa-a, S. (2018, September 24). Declaration of Verde Isiand Passage as Worid Heritage Site sought 
Philippine News Agency. Retrieved on July 31, 2025, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048958


Conservation Threats
The environmental challenge facing the VIP arises from the concentration of 
existing and planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in Batangas, which 
hosts five operational natural gas-fired power plants—Avion, Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, 
San Gabriel, and Ilijan—and four of the seven proposed LNG terminals in the country. 
These LNG projects pose serious ecological risks. Discharges of warmer water used in 
cooling systems, along with treated brine, can alter thermal conditions, stress coral 
reefs, and disrupt fish behavior, endangering local fisheries. Monitoring conducted in 
affected coastal areas has recorded elevated concentrations of pollutants including 
phosphate, copper, lead, and chromium. On land, forest clearing in project sites has 
affected areas inhabited by vulnerable tree and bird species, while dust emissions from 
construction activities have been linked to declining harvests of bananas, custard 
apples, and other crops.
Given its unparalleled marine biodiversity, recognized globally as the "center of 
the center" of marine shorefish diversity, and its growing vulnerability to ecological 
degradation from industrial pressures, the Verde Island Passage must be declared a 
protected area to safeguard its critical ecological functions, sustain regional fisheries, 
and ensure long-term environmental resilience.
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. No. S31
of t!*!:' 
1 .
25 AUG-4 PI :45
RECEIVEfJ BV,
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING THE VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE IN THE PROVINCES OF 
BATANGAS, MARINDUQUE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, ORIENTAL MINDORO, 
ROMBLON AND QUEZON, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF 
PROTECTED SEASCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED 
AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE VERDE ISLAND 
PASSAGE PROTECTED SEASCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Phiiippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known and referred to as the
2 
"Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape (VIPPS) Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the declared policy of the State to
4 
secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations, the perpetual
5 
existence of all plants and animals through the declaration of protected areas under
6 
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) within the classification of
7 
protected landscape/seascape as provided for in the Constitution.
8 
In acknowledgement of the global recognition of the area as the "center of the
9 
center of marine shore fish biodiversity" and cognizant of the profound impact of
10 
human activities on all components of the natural environment, the Verde Island
11 
Passage in the Provinces of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro,
12 
Marinduque, Romblon and Quezon is hereby declared a protected area with the
13 
category of Protected Seascape and shall hereinafter be referred to as the Verde Island
14 
Passage Protected Seascape.


1 
As such, the State shall ensure the conservation, protection, management and
2 
rehabilitation of this globally significant area. It is likewise recognized that effective
3 
administration of this area is possible only through cooperation and collaboration
4 
among national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), concerned non-
5 
government organizations (NGOs), private entities and local communities. The use
6 
and enjoyment of this area must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity
7 
and sustainable development taking into consideration all applicable laws and
8 
international conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory.
9 
The State also acknowledges that the Verde Island Passage currently faces
10 
serious threats arising from the concentration of existing and proposed liquefied
11 
natural gas (LNG) facilities and other fossil fuel infrastructure in and around the area,
12 
underscoring the urgency of providing it with legal protection.
13 
Towards this end, the State shall promote the Verde Island Passage fostering
14 
widespread awareness and concern for the marine environment, and engaging
15 
Filipinos in conservation for the same. As such, the State shall undertake
16 
comprehensive and holistic capacity building, and communication, education, and
17 
public awareness campaigns for the benefit of the general public, pursuant of the duty
18 
of the State to protect, conserve, and promote the biodiversity, ecosystems, and
19 
resources therein.
20 
Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. - The boundary of the Verde Island Passage
21 
Protected Seascape is more particularly described as the area beginning at a point
22 
marked "1" on the map being N 65-28-19 W, 2247.547 meters from PRS'92 Control
23 
Monument MMRW-46" with geographic coordinates of 13-53-28.86533" N, 120-2-
24 
47.07852" E, located at Brgy. Cabra (Cabra Island), Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
25 
The point of beginning containing an area of one million seven hundred
26 
thousand one hundred eighty (1,700,180) hectares more or less.
27 
The technical description of the area shall be provided by National Mapping and
28 
Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
29 
Sec. 4. Management Zoning. - The Department of the Environment and Natural
30 
Resources (DENR) Secretary, upon the recommendation of the PAMB, shall designate
31 
Strict Protection Zones (SPZ) within the VIPPS in areas with significant biodiversity


1 
values or habitats of threatened species, based on a comprehensive biodiversity
2 
inventory and assessments.
3 
The areas outside of the strict protection zone but within the VIPPS shall
4 
automatically be designated as the Multiple-Use Zone and will be managed in close
5 
coordination with the Fisheries Management Area No. 12, pursuant to Republic Act
6 
No. 11038, or the "Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018" amending Republic Act No. 7586,
7 
and Republic Act No. 10654 amending Republic Act No. 8550, or the "Philippine
8 
Fisheries Code of 1998."
9 
The DENR Secretary, also upon recommendation of the Protected Area
10 
Management Board (PAMB), may designate areas surrounding the VIPPS as Buffer
11 
Zones for the purpose of providing extra layer of protection where restrictions may be
12 
applied: Provided, That, in cases where the designated buffer zone would cover
13 
private lands, the owners thereof shall be required to design their development with
14 
due consideration to the protected area management plan.
15 
Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the DENR, with the assistance of other
16 
government agencies, shall delineate and demarcate the VIPPS and its management
17 
zones.
18 
The PAMB may, upon technical recommendation of the DENR and in accordance
19 
with the precautionary principle, require environmental review and clearance for
20 
activities located outside the declared boundary of the VIPPS but which pose
21 
demonstrable ecological risk to the protected area. This includes areas up to ten (10)
22 
kilometers from the boundary when supported by impact or connectivity assessments.
23 
Sec. 5. Management Plan. - The management plan shall, at the minimum,
24 
promote the adoption and implementation of innovative management techniques
25 
including, when necessary, zoning, buffer zone management, habitat conservation
26 
and rehabilitation, diversity management, community organizing and development,
27 
socioeconomic and scientific research, site-specific policy development, climate
28 
change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and
29 
gender and development, among others.
30 
The updating of the Management Plan shall be as prescribed in the ENIPAS Act.
31 
Sec. 6. Creation and Composition of the Verde Island Passage Protected
32 
Seascape Management Board. - There shall be a Verde Island Passage Protected


1 
Seascape Management Board (VIPPS PAMB), which shall be the sole policy-making
2 
body of the VIPPS. The management and administration of the VIPPS shall be vested
3 
in the VIPPS PAMB, as herein provided, and shall be consultative and participatory. It
4 
shall be composed of, with reference to the ENIPAS Act, the following:
5 
a) DENR Regional Executive Director for Region 4B, to serve as Chairperson;
6 
b) DENR Regional Executive Director for Region 4A;
7 
c) The Governors of Provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro,
8 
Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and Quezon or their duly authorized
9 
representative;
10 
d) Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who are duly registered residents
11 
of the Provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental
12 
Mindoro, Romblon and Quezon or their duly authorized representative,
13 
unless the Senators decline the membership in the PAMB;
14 
e) District Representatives of the Congressional District of the Provinces of the
15 
VIPPS unless the District Representative/s decline the membership in the
16 
PAMB;
17 
f) Mayors of the Municipality/ies/City/es with territorial jurisdiction over VIPPS
18 
or their duly representative/s;
19 
g) Chairpersons of all the barangays with territorial jurisdiction over VIPPS or
20 
their duly representative/s;
21 
h) Regional Executive Directors of Department of Agriculture Bureau of
22 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA BFAR), the Department of Science and
23 
Technology (DOST), the Department of National Defense (DND), the
24 
Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, the Department of Tourism
25 
(DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Communication
26 
and Technology (DICT), representatives from 
the National Economic
27 
Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
28 
i) Four (4) representatives from NGOs or POs duly accredited by the DENR.
29 
The NGOs or POs should have been in existence for at least five (5) years
30 
and with track record in or related to protected area management;


1 
j) Up to four (4) Representatives from Academic Institutions, preferably from
2 
universities or colleges with proven track records in protected area
3 
management and research; and
4 
k) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably from the
5 
commercial fishing sector and a member of the National Fisheries and
6 
Aquatic Resources Management Council.
7 
Ex officio members or members of the PAMB by virtue of their elective or
8 
appointive government positions as specified in the immediately preceding
9 
subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) shall serve for the duration of their respective
10 
terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government positions.
11 
On the other hand, the members of the PAMB specified under subparagraphs
12 
(e), (f), and (g) of this section shall be appointed by the DENR Secretary after the
13 
conduct of a transparent and fair selection process. They shall each serve a term of
14 
three (3) years and may be reappointed for another term.
15 
The members of the PAMB shall serve without compensation, except for the
16 
actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance
17 
of their duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the PAMB or in connection
18 
with other official business authorized, through a resolution, by the PAMB, subject to
19 
existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and
20 
accountability for decisions binding to the member's sector.
21 
The PAMB members duly appointed prior to the effectivity of this Act shall
22 
continue their term until the expiration of their appointment. Thereafter, members of
23 
the management board shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this
24 
Act: Provided, That, the Regional Director of the DENR shall ensure that the relevant
25 
members of the PAMB are duly appointed by the DENR Secretary: Provided, further,
26 
That, at least forty percent (40%) of the PAMB members shall be women pursuant to
27 
Republic Act No. 9710 or "The Magna Carta of Women".
28 
A member of the PAMB may be removed for any of the following grounds:
29 
a) More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular
30 
meetings of the management board;


1 
b) Commission of acts prejudicial to the management of protected areas as
2 
embodied in Section 20 hereof and/or other existing rules and
3 
regulations governing protected areas;
4 
c) Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;
5 
d) Termination of relationship with the office or organization being
6 
represented; or
7 
e) Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
8 
The processes for facilitating applications, appointments, and creation of
9 
committees of the VIPPS PAMB and its members, as well as the resolution of issues,
10 
shall be pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018.
11 
To ensure effective decision-making, the PAMB may establish subcommittees
12 
with defined mandates for enforcement, science and monitoring, sustainable
13 
livelihoods, and indigenous community engagement. The PAMB shall also adopt
14 
internal rules of quorum, voting, and conflict resolution.
15 
Sec. 7. Powers and Functions of the VIPPS PAMB. - The VIPPS PAMB shall have
16 
the same powers and functions as defined in Section 11-A. Powers and Functions of
17 
the PAMB of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, as follow:
18 
a) Oversee the management of the protected area;
19 
b) Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other
20 
related documents for the management of the protected areas;
21 
c) Approve the management plan of the protected area and ensure its
22 
harmonization and integration with national and other development
23 
plans, such as the FMA plan, public or private, and its implementation;
24 
d) Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedures in the
25 
conduct of business, and the creation of committees and their respective
26 
terms of reference;
27 
e) Recommend the deputation of appropriate agencies and individuals for
28 
the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the
29 
management of the protected area;
30 
f) Allocate financial resources for the implementation of the management
31 
plan and manage the Protected Area Retention Income Account and


1 
other funds in accordance with the accounting and budgeting rules and
2 
regulations;
3 
g) Set fees and charges in accordance with existing guidelines;
4 
h) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through
5 
appropriate and effective means;
6 
i) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other
7 
government authorities;
8 
j) Monitor and assess the performance of the Protected Area
9 
Superintendent (PASu) and other protected area personnel and
10 
compliance of partners with the terms and conditions of any
11 
undertaking, contract or agreement;
12 
k) Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the
13 
designation or appointment of the PASu; and
14 
I) Assess the effectiveness of the management of the protected area.
15 
Provided, That the members of the management board representing national
16 
agencies in the PAMB shall inform their respective constituents, offices or sectors, of
17 
PAMB-approved or other relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects
18 
and shall ensure that the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and
19 
regulations are complied with, and used as reference and framework in their
20 
respective plans, policies, programs, and projects. Failure to comply with the foregoing
21 
shall be the basis for disciplinary action against such member according to
22 
administrative rules and regulations and such penalties as the PAMB may provide:
23 
Provided, further. That the DENR, through the Undersecretary, shall ensure that the
24 
PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between
25 
the resolutions issued by the PAMB and the existing administrative orders of national
26 
application, the latter shall prevail.
27 
Sec. 8. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - With reference and
28 
pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, there is hereby established a VIPPS Protected
29 
Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a Protected Area Superintendent
30 
(PASu) with a permanent plantilla position who shall supervise the day-to-day
31 
management, protection, and administration of the VIPPS. A sufficient number of


1 
support staff with permanent plantilla position shall be appointed by the DENR to
2 
assist the PASu in the management of the VIPPS.
3 
The PASu shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the
4 
management and operations of the protected area. Pursuant thereto, the PASu shall
5 
have the following duties and responsibilities:
6 
a) Prepare the management plan, in consuitation with the stakeholders,
7 
including the annual work and financial plans and ensure its
8 
implementation;
9 
b) Ensure the integration of the protected area management plans,
10 
programs, projects, and policies with relevant national plans and
11 
programs;
12 
c) Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees and ensure
13 
the avaiiabiiity of relevant and timely information for decision-making;
14 
d) Formulate and recommend to the PAMB proposed policies, rules,
15 
regulations, and programs;
16 
e) Establish, operate, and maintain a database management system which
17 
shall be an important basis for decision-making;
18 
f) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the protected area,
19 
commence and institute administrative and legal actions in collaboration
20 
with other government agencies or organizations, and assist in the
21 
prosecution of offenses committed in violation of this Act;
22 
g) Monitor, evaluate, and report the implementation of management
23 
activities of the protected area;
24 
h) Request for and receive any technical assistance, support or advice from
25 
any agency or instrumentality of the government as well as academic
26 
institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, as may be necessary for the
27 
effective management, protection and administration of the protected
28 
area;
29 
i) Issue permits and clearances for activities that implement the
30 
management plan and other permitted activities as may be authorized
31 
by the PAMB: Provided, That all such permits shall be issued only after
32 
compliance with the terms, conditions, and criteria set by the PAMB. For
8


1 
environmentally critical activities, prior PAMB clearance is mandatory
2 
before DENR issues any Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC);
3 
j) Collect and/or receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other
4 
income for the protected area: Provided, That, such fees, charges,
5 
donations, and 
other income collected/received shall be reported
6 
regularly to the PAMB and the DENR in accordance with existing
7 
guidelines;
8 
k) Prepare and recommend to the PAMB approval of the annual work and
9 
financial plans of the protected area based on the management plan;
10 
I) Directly report to the DENR Regional Executive Director; and
11 
m) Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.
12 
Sec. 9. Role of the DENR. - The DENR shall perform all the functions as
13 
stipulated in the ENIPAS Act of 2018, as well as coordinate and collaborate closely
14 
with other concerned government agencies to ensure the sound management and
15 
conservation of the VIPPS. It shall also provide technical and financial assistance to
16 
the VIPPS as may be needed.
17 
Sec. 10. Reporting Responsibility. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the
18 
PASu, through the PAMB, shall submit an annual accomplishment report of the
19 
protected area to the Secretary of the DENR through the BMB. A report on the
20 
conditions and benefits of the biological resources and ecosystem services of the
21 
protected area shall also be submitted by the PASu, through channels, to the Secretary
22 
of the DENR every five (5) years. Further, the PASu shall coordinate with and provide
23 
the necessary documents needed by the BMB for the preparation of the National State
24 
of Protected Areas (NSPAs) report every five (5) years, to be submitted to the
25 
President, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
26 
Sec. 11. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). - Considering that protected
TJ 
areas are environmentally critical areas, the proponent of development projects and
28 
activities with potentially significant adverse impacts as determined by the
29 
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), whether or not these projects or activities
30 
are included in the management plan, shall secure an Environmental Compliance
31 
Certificate (ECC) in accordance with the Philippine Environment Impact Statement
32 
(EIS) System: Provided, That, for development projects and activities that are not


1 
environmentally critical, an initial environmental examination (lEE) shall be
2 
undertaken instead of a full-blown EIA. No project or activity may be undertaken by
3 
any project proponent without prior clearance from the PAMB. The DENR shall require
4 
the submission of the PAMB clearance, among others, before issuing an ECC to a
5 
project proponent.
6 
No actual implementation of such activities shall be allowed without the
7 
required ECC under the Philippine EIA System. Violations of environmental laws, rules
8 
and regulations, including those under the EIA System, shall be penalized accordingly.
9 
For the avoidance of doubt, the issuance of permits by the PASu under Section 8(i)
10 
shall not dispense with the requirement for prior PAMB clearance for any project
11 
requiring an ECC under the Philippine EIA System.
12 
Sec. 12. Energy Resource Exploration and Risk Management. - Consistent with
13 
Section 14 of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the exploration for energy resources may be
14 
allowed in protected areas only for the purpose of gathering data and information and
15 
only if such activity is carried out with the least damage to surrounding areas.
16 
Surveys for non-renewable energy projects shall be conducted only in
17 
accordance with a program approved by the DENR, and the result of such surveys
18 
shall be made available to the public and submitted to the President who shall make
19 
the appropriate recommendations to Congress.
20 
Renewable energy projects may be allowed within the protected area by the
21 
PAMB with the concurrence of the DENR Secretary: Provided, That, renewable energy
22 
projects, which shall be located outside the strict protection zones, shall undergo the
23 
EIA as provided by law, and shall adopt reduced impact technologies so as not to be
24 
detrimental to ecosystem functions, biodiversity, cultural practices and traditions:
25 
Provided, further. That, sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the
26 
DENR. The amount shall be based on the estimated damage upon decommissioning
27 
and the projected cost of rehabilitation. It shall be released to the depositor upon the
28 
satisfactory decommissioning of all equipment, structures and improvements and the
29 
rehabilitation of the site according to the zones and objectives of the management
30 
plan as attested to by the PAMB.
31 
Sec. 13. Special Uses Within Protected Areas. - For purposes of this Act,
32 
"special uses" shall refer to activities such as scientific research, educational fieldwork.
10


1 
low-impact ecotourism, spiritual or cultural ceremonies, and other similar purposes
2 
consistent with conservation objectives, as determined by the PAMB. Consistent with
3 
Section 25 of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, special uses may be allowed within the VIPPS
4 
except in the strict protection zone.
5 
A sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR to be released
6 
to the depository bank in the event of damage by or closure of the establishment after
7 
satisfactory rehabilitation according to the zones and objectives of the management
8 
plan as attested to by the PAMB.
9 
Sec. 14. OH Spill Prevention and Fossil Fuel Risk Management. - In view of the
10 
proximity of the VIPPS to major fossil fuel infrastructure including oil depots, fuel
11 
terminals, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, the following shall be observed:
12 
a) All vessels carrying oil, fuel, LNG, or other hazardous substances passing
13 
through or operating within the buffer zones of the VIPPS shall comply
14 
with internationally accepted safety and pollution control standards,
15 
including 
those under 
the MARPOL Convention, and national
16 
environmental laws.
17 
b) The operation of any fossil fuel-related facility within or adjacent to the
18 
VIPPS shall be required to install and maintain early-warning systems,
19 
real-time leak and discharge detection technologies, and emergency
20 
response mechanisms specifically designed to protect sensitive marine
21 
habitats.
22 
c) The DENR, in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE),
23 
Philippine Coast Guard 
(PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority
24 
(MARINA), shall conduct quarterly inspections of vessels, ports, and
25 
terminals located in or near the VIPPS to ensure compliance with all
26 
environmental safety standards.
27 
d) Proponents of LNG or fuel-related infrastructure projects located within
28 
ten (10) kilometers of the VIPPS shall be required to submit an
29 
Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), in addition to the Environmental
30 
Impact Assessment (EIA), and secure PAMB clearance in accordance
31 
with Section 4 of this Act.
32 
e) In case of an oil spill or hazardous discharge, the responsible party shall:
11


1 
1. Immediately activate their oil spill contingency plan and inform
2 
the PAMO, PCG, and DENR;
3 
2. Bear the full cost of environmental damage assessment,
4 
response, rehabilitation, and long-term 
monitoring, as
5 
determined by the DENR and the PAMB; and
6 
3. Remit an emergency rehabilitation fund to the IPAF, separate
7 
from any penalty or criminal liability incurred.
8 
f) The PAMB shall develop and implement an Oil Spill and LNG Risk
9 
Management Subplan under the Management Plan of the VIPPS, which
10 
shall include zoning restrictions, navigational hazard mapping, and
11 
ecological risk thresholds, in coordination with LGUs and relevant
12 
national agencies.
13 
g) Any violation of the requirements under this Section that results in
14 
pollution, ecological harm, or unauthorized discharge shall constitute a
15 
prohibited act and be penalized in accordance with Section 16 of this
16 
Act.
17 
Sec. 15. Persons and Deputies Authorized to Enforce this Act and Other
18 
Environmental Rules and Regulations. - The law enforcement officers of the
19 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as the Department
20 
of Agriculture (DA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard
21 
(PCG), and Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP MG) are hereby authorized
22 
to enforce this Act and other marine environmental laws, rules and regulations.
23 
Further, the PAMO may also be augmented by the deputized environment and natural
24 
resources, law enforcement officers upon the recommendation of the PAMB and
25 
approval of the DENR.
26 
Nothing herein mentioned shall be construed as preventing regular enforcers
27 
and police officers from arresting any person in the act of violating said laws and
28 
regulations.
29 
Sec. 16. Prohibited Acts. - Pursuant to rules and regulations governing the
30 
same and to Section 20 of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the following acts are prohibited
31 
within the VIPPS:
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a) Failure to comply with the requirements under Section 14, including but not 
limited to:
1. Failure to install or maintain environmental risk mitigation measures, 
such as early warning systems or leak detection mechanisms;
2. Failure to implement timely and effective emergency response 
protocols in the event of a spill or discharge;
3. Failure to undertake or complete clean-up, containment, ecological 
rehabilitation, or long-term monitoring following a discharge; or
4. Concealment or non-reporting of any spill, leakage, or hazardous 
discharge.
b) Poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife within the protected 
area;
c) Hunting, taking, collecting, gathering or possessing of any wildlife or by­
products derived therefrom, or resources, whether living or nonliving within 
the protected area without the necessary permit, authorization or 
exemption: Provided, That the PASu as authorized by the PAMB shall issue 
a permit, authorization or exemption only for culling, scientific research, the 
exceptions provided under Section 27(a) of Republic Act No. 9147, or the 
'Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act', harvests of non­
protected species in multiple-use zones by fishers who are traditionally 
operating in the area, as may be determined by the PAMB through 
consultation with LCDs, fisherfolk organizations, and local community 
representatives;
d) Possessing or transporting outside the protected area any wildlife, or by­
products derived therefrom, which are ascertained to have been taken from 
the protected area, except as may be allowed by this Act and authorized 
through obtaining of the appropriate permit/s;
e) Using any fishing or harvesting gear or employing any practices, or any of 
their variations, that are unsustainable or detrimental to coral reefs, 
seagrass or seaweed beds or other marine life and their associated habitats: 
Provided, That, mere possession of such gears within the protected area 
shall be prima facie evidence of their use;
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f) Holding fast or securing a vessel in place either by using an anchor or tying 
onto any part of the reef: Provided, That, all vessels permitted to enter shall 
utilize the mooring buoys provided by the VIPPS;
g) Dumping, throwing, using, or causing to be dumped into or placed in the 
protected area of any toxic chemical, noxious or poisonous substance or 
non-biodegradable material, untreated sewage or animal waste products or 
products whether in liquid, solid or gas state, including pesticides and other 
hazardous substances as defined under Republic Act No. 6969, otherwise 
known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control 
Act of 1990' detrimental to the protected area, or to the plants, animals, 
inhabitants or habitats therein;
h) Operating any motorized conveyance within the protected area without 
permit from the PAMB;
i) Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks, buoys, or signs;
j) Mutilating, defacing, destroying, excavating, vandalizing or, in any manner, 
damaging any natural formation, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts 
and other objects of natural beauty, scenic value or objects of interest;
k) Littering or depositing refuse or debris within the protected area;
l) 
Possessing or using blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the 
protected area;
m) Occupying or dwelling within the protected area without clearance from the 
PAMB;
n) Entering, enjoying or utilizing any portion of the VIPPS and the resources 
therein, for whatever purpose without the prior permission from the VIPPS- 
PAMB;
o) Obstructing, evading, or hindering Law Enforcement Officers from 
performing their duties within the Protected Area;
p) Constructing, erecting, or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or 
enclosures, conducting any business enterprise within the protected area 
without prior clearance from the PAMB and permit from the DENR, or 
conducting these activities in a manner that is inconsistent with the 
management plan duly approved by the PAMB;
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q) Undertaking mineral exploration or extraction within the protected area,
2 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942, or the 'Philippine Mining Act of 1995';
3 
r) Engaging in commercial or large-scale quarrying within the protected area;
4 
s) Establishing or introducing exotic species, including GMOs or invasive alien
5 
species within the protected area;
6 
t) Conducting bioprospecting within the protected area without prior PAMB
7 
clearance in accordance with existing guidelines: Provided, That in addition
8 
to the penalty provided herein, any commercial use of any substance
9 
derived from non-permitted bioprospecting within a protected area will not
10 
be allowed and all revenue earned from illegal commercialization thereof
11 
shall be forfeited and deposited as part of the IPAF; and
12 
u) Prospecting, hunting or otherwise locating hidden treasures within the
13 
protected area.
14 
Sec. 17. Penalties. - The violations under this Act shall be subject to the
15 
following penalties:
16 
a) A fine of not less than Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000) but not more than
17 
Five hundred million pesos (P500,000,000), or the full cost of actual
18 
damages as determined by the DENR and the PAMB, whichever is higher,
19 
shall be imposed upon any person found liable under paragraph (a) of
20 
Section 16. The responsible party shall also bear the full cost of
21 
containment, clean-up, ecological rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring,
22 
notwithstanding that full restitution to the former state of the affected
23 
ecosystems may no longer be possible.
24 
Corporate officers, project managers, or responsible personnel proven to
25 
have willfully disregarded environmental safeguards or concealed discharge
26 
events shall be held solidarily liable and may face imprisonment of twelve
27 
(12) years to twenty (20) years. In such cases, the DENR may revoke the
28 
ECC or operating permits and order the suspension or cessation of facility
29 
operations.
30 
b) A fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) but not more
31 
than Two million pesos (R2,000,000) or imprisonment of one (1) year but
32 
not more than six (6) years, or both, plus damages of triple the value of the
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said resources, shall be imposed upon any person who violates paragraphs
2 
(b) to (e) of Section 16 herein.
3 
c) A fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) but not more
4 
than Two million pesos (f2,000,000), or imprisonment of one (1) year but
5 
not more than six (6) years, or both, shall be imposed for violations under
6 
paragraphs (0 to (i) of Section 16;
7 
d) A fine of not less than Two million pesos (P2,000,000) but not more than
8 
Ten million pesos (P10,000,000), or imprisonment of two (2) years but not
9 
more than ten (10) years, or both, shall be imposed for violations under
10 
paragraphs Q) to (t) of Section 16;
11 
e) Administrative fines of not less than Two hundred fifty thousand pesos
12 
(P250,000) but not exceeding Five million pesos (P5,000,000) shall be
13 
imposed by the DENR Secretary for the violation of any rule, regulation, or
14 
provision of any agreement reached with the PAMB: Provided, That if an
15 
area which has sustained damage from any activity conducted therein
16 
requires rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the court, the
17 
offender shall be required to restore or pay compensation for such damages,
18 
which payment shall accrue to the IPAF.
19 
On the basis of a court order, the DENR shall cause the eviction of an offender
20 
from the protected area: Provided, that, in cases of emergency, the DENR Secretary
21 
may order the immediate exit or departure of the offender from the protected area.
22 
The DENR Secretary may call on other enforcement agencies to assist in executing
23 
the order to vacate.
24 
An emergency occurs when there is a demonstrated impending threat to human
25 
life and biodiversity or to species found within the ecosystem of the protected area.
26 
All minerals, wildlife, or other resources, whether living or nonliving, illegally
27 
collected or removed from the protected area, including all equipment, devices,
28 
conveyances, and firearms used in connection therewith, shall be forfeited in favor of
29 
the government, and any construction or improvement made thereon by the offender
30 
shall be subject to confiscation by the PAMO, subject to the application of due process.
31 
The conveyances, vessels, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools,
32 
and similar devices used in the commission of the crime shall be dealt with in
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accordance with Part 4, Rule 12 (Custody and Disposition of Seized Items, Equipment,
2 
Paraphernalia, Conveyances and Instruments) of Administrative Matter No. 09-6-8-SC
3 
(Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases) issued by the Supreme Court. However,
4 
in no case shall any confiscated or rescued protected animal species be sold or in any
5 
manner disposed of but shall be immediately turned over to the PAMO for
6 
rehabilitation and release to its natural habitat, subject to existing regulations.
7 
Valuation of the damage shall consider biodiversity and conservation
8 
considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. The valuation and assessment by
9 
the DENR, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, shall be
10 
presumed regular, unless otherwise proven by preponderance of evidence.
11 
If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager, who is
12 
proven to have participated in or have actual knowledge of any violation against the
13 
provisions of this Act shall be directly liable for the act of the employees and laborers:
14 
Provided, finally. That the DENR may impose administrative fines and penalties
15 
consistent with this Act.
16 
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the acts
17 
prohibited in this Act or force their workers to commit any of the same, shall be liable
18 
as principal.
19 
The penalties specified in this section shall be in addition to the penalties
20 
provided in the ENIPAS Act, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,
21 
Republic Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, and other
22 
related 
laws.
23 
The conviction of a public officer or officer of the law whether from any LGU or any
24 
national government agency for any violation of the provisions of this Act shall carry
25 
the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.
26 
The penalties under this Act shall apply without prejudice to the imposition of
27 
additional or higher penalties under the ENIPAS Act, Wildlife Resources Conservation
28 
and Protection Act, RA 10654, or other environmental laws. In case of overlapping
29 
offenses, the penalty imposing the greater fine or longer imprisonment shall apply.
30 
Sec. 18. Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act
31 
of 2018, income generated from the operation and management of the VIPPS shall
32 
accrue to the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). The income shall be derived
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from fees and charges from the use of resources and facilities of the VIPPS;
2 
contributions from industries and facilities directly benefitting from the protected area;
3 
and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the VIPPS. The PAMB
4 
shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised through the above
5 
means, which shall be deposited in the Protected Area-Retained Income Account (PA-
6 
RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within the locality: Provided, that
7 
disbursements out of such deposits shall be used solely for the protection,
8 
maintenance, administration, and management of the protected area and
9 
implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB.
10 
Grants, donations and endowments from various sources, domestic or foreign,
11 
shall be deposited in full in a special account in the National Treasury to be used for
12 
the purpose specified in the deeds and instruments covering them. Voluntary or
13 
legislated payments for ecosystem goods and services, including fines, penalties, and
14 
compensation for damages from protected area offenses shall accrue fully to the PA-
15 
RIA and shall be managed by the PAMB.
16 
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a
17 
special account in the General Fund in the National Treasury for purposes of financing
18 
the projects of the System.
19 
The use of the IPAF shall be in accordance with existing accounting, budgeting,
20 
and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further. That the IPAF shall not be used
21 
to cover personal services expenditures.
22 
The DENR shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
23 
and the Department of Finance (DOF) quarterly reports on the financial and physical
24 
accomplishments on the utilization of the IPAF and other documents as may be
25 
required by the DBM, and shall furnish a copy of the same to the House Committee
26 
on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
27 
Notwithstanding the prohibition on personal services, the IPAF may be used for
28 
hiring contractual personnel or technical consultants to support project
29 
implementation, monitoring, and enforcement activities, in accordance with DBM and
30 
COA rules.
31 
Sec. 19. Tax Exemption. - All grants, bequests and endowments, donations and
32 
contributions made to the protected area fund to be used actually, directly, and
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exclusively by the protected area, shall be exempted from donor's tax and shall be
2 
considered an allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor for the purpose
3 
of computing the taxabie income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the
4 
National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
5 
Sec. 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) months
6 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR shall prepare the IRR of this Act.
7 
Sec. 21. Transitory Provision. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, in order
8 
to enhance biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for
9 
tenured migrants, the DENR shali henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses,
10 
permits, clearances, compliance documents or other instruments that allow utilization
11 
of resources within the protected area until the management plan shall have been put
12 
into effect. All existing resource use permits issued for purposes which are authorized
13 
within the protected area shall be reviewed and shall not be renewed upon their
14 
expiration unless consistent with the management plan and approved by the PAMB.
15 
Sec. 22. Appropriations. - The Congress of the Philippines shall provide for the
16 
appropriations for the concerned government agencies implementing provisions of this
17 
Act for the succeeding years to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act
18 
(GAA).
19 
Sec. 23. Construction and Suppietory Application of Existing Laws. - The
20 
provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving biodiversity
21 
conservation, protection and sustainable development. Provisions of the ENIPAS Act
22 
of 2018, Republic Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the
23 
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and existing environmental laws
24 
and their corresponding rules and regulations not inconsistent hereto shall have
25 
suppietory effect in the implementation of this Act.
26 
Sec. 24. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
27 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shali
28 
continue to be in full force and effect.
29 
Sec. 25. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
30 
regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are
31 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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1 
Sec. 26. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
3 
circulation.
Approved,
20