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Republic of the Philippines fl
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 5597

Introduced by Representative Gil “Kabarangay” P.
Acosta

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Third District of Palawan as a mining-free zone.

The Third District of Palawan vaunts of a mantel of rainforests, magnificent
mountains, prehistoric caves, pristine dive sites and beaches.

Among many others, its virgin forests are rich in minerals such as mercury,
copper and nickel, all of which are sought after by miners.

Section 16, Article Il of the 1987 Constitution explicitly provides that “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.” As citizens
of the Philippines, we have the intergenerational responsibility to preserve and
protect the environment that is capable of sust ing life. The said right carries
with it the correlative duty to refrain from impairing the environment.

Mining in the Third District of Palawan is said to have destroyed forests and
caused siltation of water sources. While mining provides job opportunities for


some, the degree of damage to the earth, on the livelihood of farmers and
Palawefios’ general well-being has become exceptionally alarming.

Thus, in order to protect and preserve the natural environment of the Third
District of Palawan, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Cus,

Gil 4kabarangay” P. Acosta
Represéntative, 3 District of Palawan



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5597

Introduced by Representative Gil “Kabarangay” P.
Acosta

AN ACT DECLARING THE THIRD DISTRICT OF PALAWAN AS A MINING FREE ZONE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Statement of Policy. - It is the policy of 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. Towards this end, the State shall protect the
people and the environment of the Third District of Palawan composed of the
City of Puerto Princesa and the Municipality of Aborlan against the adverse
effects of mining.

SECTION 2. Declaration of the Third District of Palawan asa Mining Free
Zone. — The Third District of Palawan City composed of the City of Puerto
Princesa and the Municipality of Aborlan is hereby declared as a mining free
zone; thereby all forms of mining activity within its territorial jurisdiction is
prohibited.

For the purpose of this Act, mining shall refer to the extraction of valuable
minerals or other geological materials, excluding gravel and sand marble,”


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inclusive of mining activities as exploration, feasibility, development, utilization
and processing.

SECTION 3. Penal Provisions. - Any person who violates any of the
provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not
less than six (6) years and one (1) day but not more than twelve (12) years or a
fine of not less than one hundred thousand (P100,000.00) pesos but not more
than five hundred thousand (P500,000.00) pesos, or both, at the discretion of the
court.

If the offense is committed by a corporation, Partnership, association or
any other juridical entity, the penalty shall be imposed on the president,
managing director, partner or chief operating officer. The license to operate of
the erring corporation, partnership, association or any other juridical entity shall
be cancelled and revoked permanently. The operator or owner thereof shall not
be allowed to operate similar establishments in a different name or in a different
location.

If the offender is a foreigner, he shall after service of sentence or
Payment of fine, be subject to deportation and permanently barred from entering
the country.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall formulate
the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this
Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.


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SECTION 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,