NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2203
-I(©ffif? of 11)? jln-a’it.'h'p
‘uate
23
MCB v . O Q1
16 P4 *-46
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING MT. SAWTOOTH, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
MAYANTOC AND SAN JOSE, PROVINCE OF TARLAC AS A PROTECTED AREA 
UNDER THE CATEGORY OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE PURSUANT TO 
REPUBLIC ACT 7586 AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 11038, OTHERWISE 
KNOW AS THE EXPANDED NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS 
SYSTEM ACT OF 2018, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, FUNDS AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, It is a declared policy 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/'1 In line with safeguarding a 
healthful ecology, the Constitution likewise provides that Congress shall determine the 
national parks, which shall be conserved and may not be increased nor diminished, 
except by law.2
Pursuant to the said constitutional provisions, the National Integrated Protected 
Areas System (NIPAS) was established by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 7586, as 
amended by RA No. 11038, otherwise known as the "Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018". 
Cognizant of the exacting impact of diverse human activities on all components of the 
natural environment, the NIPAS Act declared it the policy of the State "to secure for
1 Article II, Section 16, 1987 Philippine Constitution
2 Article XII, Sec. 3, 1987 Philippine Constitution


the Filipino people of present and future generations the perpetual existence of all 
native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of 
Integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in 
the Constitution." The system shall encompass ecologically rich, unique and 
biologically important areas that are habitats of threatened species of plants and 
animals, biogeographIc zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or 
marine, all of which shall be designated as 'protected areas'.3
To date, as of May 2023, there are already 114 protected areas in the 
Philippines that have been so declared through legislation. And yet, based on the 
records and various suitability assessments by the Biodiversity Management Bureau 
(BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there are 
still numerous sites in the country that have to be given 'protected area' status, by 
legislative action. In order to ensure its conservation.
Among these sites is the Tarlac portion of Mt. Tapulao, also known as Mt. 
Sawtooth. The current bill proposes its declaration as a protected area, to be renamed 
as the Mt. Sawtooth Protected Landscape. It has a contiguous area of Ten Thousand 
Nine Hundred Sixty-Seven and 96/100 (10,967.96) hectares, covering the 
Municipalities of Mayantoc and San Jose, all within the province of Tarlac.
A Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA), along with a biological 
assessment conducted in 2019 by the Institute of Biology at the University of the 
Philippines Diliman, confirmed the presence of the Mottled-winged flying fox, Orange­
fingered myotis, and Rhyncomys tapulao. These species are all endemic to Mt. 
Tapulao. Additionally, globally threatened species such as the Golden-capped fruit bat. 
Northern Rufous Hornbill, Philippine Deer, Luzon Bleeding-heart, Luzon Ranged Frog, 
and Warty pig are also found in this area.
The declaration of Mt. Sawtooth as a protected area serves multiple purposes. 
It not only aids biodiversity conservation but also supports irrigation and power
Section 2, RA No. 7586, as amended by RA 11038


generation, acting as the headwater for the Balog-balog Multi-purpose Project. Mt. 
Sawtooth is also revered as the last biodiversity frontier of Tarlac.
To alleviate any potential adverse impacts on the area, it is crucial for the 
government to intervene, particularly in allocating funds for programs and projects 
aimed at the protection, management, maintenance, and preservation of the proposed 
site.
House Bill No. 2922, filed by Representatives Jaime Eduardo Marc D. Cojuangco 
(1st District, Tarlac), Christian Tell A. Yap (2nd District, Tarlac), and Noel "Bong" N. 
Rivera (3rd District, Tarlac), proposes to declare Mt. Sawtooth as a protected 
landscape. Recognizing the wisdom behind this bill, I am inspired to file a counterpart 
in the Senate and advocate for its passage.
In view of the foregoing, I recommend the approval of this bill.
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2203
mime
23 HAY 16 P4 '46
IRHCEtVc
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING MT. SAWTOOTH, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
MAYANTOC AND SAN JOSE, PROVINCE OF TARLAC AS A PROTECTED AREA 
UNDER THE CATEGORY OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE PURSUANT TO 
REPUBLIC ACT 7586 AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 11038, OTHERWISE 
KNOW AS THE EXPANDED NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS 
SYSTEM ACT OF 2018, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, FUNDS AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mt. Sawtooth Protected
2 
Landscape (MSPL) Act of 2023."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The importance of the Mt. Sawtooth as the host
4 
of diverse plant and animal species with all their educational, aesthetic, cultural and
5 
religious significance, behooves the State to undertake steps to ensure the protection
6 
and conservation of this mountain and its associated forest, its biodiversity, and the
7 
integrity of its ecosystems and associated cultural and religious practices.
8 
Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. - The Mt. Sawtooth Protected Landscape,
9 
including its buffer zones, as well as its technical description shall be subject to actual
10 
ground survey and demarcation, as fully determined by the Department of
11 
Environment and Natural Resources (DE.NR) Region III.


1 
Beginning at a point marked "1" on the map being S 78°51,05" Wf 13,763.24
2 
meters from PRS Control Monument TRC-82 (15035,22.59763,, Latitude and
3 
120o20,22.53348,, Longitude) located in Barangay Maniniog, Municipality of Mayantoc,
4 
Province of Tarlac,
thence
S 56°50’16" E
967.16
meters to corner
2
thence
S 32013'45,, E
315.13
meters to corner
3
thence
S 07°16,50" E
313.65
meters to corner
4
thence
S 56o09'05" E
468.39
meters to corner
5
thence
S 13°18,50" E
170.35
meters to corner
6
thence
N 84053'31,, E
307.97
meters to corner
7
thence
S 81055'59" E
323.68
meters to corner
8
thence
S 27°49,57" W
582.01
meters to corner
9
thence
S 45047'41" W
252.52
meters to corner
10
thence
S 540ll'56,' W
155.19
meters to corner
11
thence
S 12029'11" E
178.73
meters to corner
12
thence
S 17023,31" W
198.88
meters to corner
13
thence
S 50o14'24,, E
284.01
meters to corner
14
thence
S 61o44'20" W
255.87
meters to corner
15
thence
S 23°08,14" W
279.28
meters to corner
16
thence
S 35055,16,, E
376.55
meters to corner
17
thence
S 81o45'40" E
276.75
meters to corner
18
thence
S 41°46,38" E
477.66
meters to corner
19
thence
S 11°24'46" E
189.7
meters to corner
20
thence
S 27048,ll,, W
532.92
meters to corner
21
thence
S 68°20,42H W
165.7
meters to corner
22


thence
S 28°41,32H W
182
meters to corner
23
thence
N 83051,21" W
506.96
meters to corner
24
thence
S 84052,11" W
201.24
meters to corner
25
thence
S 18°40'05" W
120.82
meters to corner
26
thence
S 47°15'24" E
393.34
meters to corner
27
thence
S 35°52,49" E
136.47
meters to corner
28
thence
S 17046,15" E
311.65
meters to corner
29
thence
S 26°06,22" W
139.18
meters to corner
30
thence
S 56°59'36" w
388.55
meters to corner
31
thence
N 83°24'24" w
137.3
meters to corner
32
thence
N 24°03,54" w
350.52
meters to corner
33
thence
S 58°09,07" w
329.34
meters to corner
34
thence
S 32°11,06" E
363.07
meters to corner
35
thence
S 64°11,43" E
285.92
meters to corner
36
thence
N 75°15,07" E
245.01
meters to corner
37
thence
S 30o32,27,, E
51.51
meters to corner
38
thence
S 49o09'46" W
309.74
meters to corner
39
thence
S 70°46'21" W
481.39
meters to corner
40
thence
S 20o22'45,, E
220.08
meters to corner
41
thence
N 73047,24,, E
513.41
meters to corner
42
thence
N 84° 11'05" E
232.6
meters to corner
43
thence
S 02o17'10" W
864.92
meters to corner
44
thence
S 45°52'25" W
1336.43
meters to corner
45
thence
S 10°38'47" E
570.81
meters to corner
46


thence S 53o02,33,, W
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
S 21o07'06,, E 
S ll045,13,, W 
S S7°^S'2r E 
S 53o46'50" E 
S 07°26,5r' W 
S 23°00,53" E 
S 32018,38'T W 
S 29°13'39" E 
S 24°45,37" W 
S 00o12'42,, W 
S 18°4073" E 
S 02°26'57" W
thence 
S 73o34,05,, E
thence 
S 26°43,04" E
thence 
S 30o52,24" W
thence 
S 58058,55,, E
thence 
N 44o09’04u E
thence 
N 65o08,39,, E
thence 
S 84o43,04,, E
thence 
S 16°53,03M E
thence 
S 09o31,54', E
thence 
S 87°12,07M W
thence 
N 15o35,40,, W
514.8 
meters to corner 
47 ;
862.91 
meters to corner 
48 ;
533.54 
meters to corner 
49 ;
420.2 
meters to corner 
50 ;
512.34 
meters to corner 
51 ;
303.73 
meters to corner 
52 ;
498.67 
meters to corner 
53 ;
808.94 
meters to corner 
54 ;
531.27 
meters to corner 
55 ;
546.66 
meters to corner 
56 ;
729.42 
meters to corner 
57 ;
692.5 
meters to corner 
58 ;
545.07 
meters to corner 
59 ;
874.55 
meters to corner 
60 ;
859.02 
meters to corner 
61 ;
947.68 
meters to corner 
62 ;
388.16 
meters to corner 
63 ;
442.45 
meters to corner 
64 ;
310.77 
meters to corner 
65 ;
1674.16 
meters to corner 
66 ;
3323.64 
meters to corner 
67 ;
1404.72 
meters to corner 
68 ;
5478.82 
meters to corner 
69 ;
70 ;
689.11
meters to corner


12
13
14
15
16
thence
N 14023,56,, E
838.19
meters to corner
71
thence
N 07°27,23" W
381.92
meters to corner
72
thence
N 15o36'08" E
563.83
meters to corner
73
thence
S 53°42'34" W
1650.05
meters to corner
74
thence
N 71047,43" W
5651.53
meters to corner
75
thence
N 01o35'44" W
3759.5
meters to corner
76
thence
N 07°48,33" E
2540.5
meters to corner
77
thence
N 29°08'44" E
4579.25
meters to corner
78
thence
N 27o30'23" E
4865.06
meters to corner
79
thence
N 24°08,04" E
4398.23
meters to corner
1
1 
the point of beginning, containing an area of TWELVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED
2 
SEVENTY-SIX (12,676) hectares, more or less. Bearings and Distances of lines were
3 
derived using the PRS 1992 Philippines Zone III coordinate system, subject to the
4 
actual ground demarcation.
5 
The DENR shali iikewise appropriately mark on the ground the technical
6 
description of Mt. Sawtooth with cieariy visible markers and shall prepare appropriate
7 
maps therefore.
8 
All lands comprising the MSPL shall fall under the classification of National Park
9 
as provided for in the Philippine Constitution, subject to prior right.
10 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following terms
11 
shall be defined as follows:
a) "Biological diversity" or "biodiversity" refers to the variability among the 
living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine 
and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which 
they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and 
of ecosystems;
5


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b) 
"Bioprospecting" refers to the research, collection, and utilization of 
biological and genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge 
derived therefrom solely for commercial purposes;
c) 
"Buffer zones" refers to identified areas outside the boundaries of and 
immediately adjacent to designated protected areas that need special 
development control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected 
area;
d) 
"By-products" or "Derivatives" refers to parts taken or substances 
extracted from wildlife, in raw or in processed form;
e) 
"Coiiecting" refers to the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife and its 
by-products or derivatives;
f) 
"Conveyance"refers to every kind of vessel, including motorized or non- 
motorized vehicles, mm-displacement crafts and seaplanes that are used 
or may be used as a means of transportation on land or water. It shall 
Include everything found therein except personal effects;
g) 
"Delineation" refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of 
protected areas and their buffer zones and management zones using the 
global positioning system (GPS) or other applicable survey Instruments 
and technologies, with the intention of producing a map of the area;
h) 
"Demarcation"refers to the establishment of the boundaries of protected 
areas and their buffer zones using visible markers, monuments, buoys 
in case of marine areas, and known natural features and landmarks, 
among others, as a result of the actual ground delineation;
i) 
"Ecosystem goods and services" refers to the multitude of material and 
nonmaterial provisions and benefits from healthy ecosystems necessary 
for human sustenance, well- being, and survival, including support 
processes, provisioning and environment regulating services, and
cultural resource preservation services.
6


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j) 
"Endemic species"refers to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna 
which are naturally occurring and found within specific areas in the 
country;
k) 
"Exotic species" refers to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna 
which do not naturally occur within the protected area at present or in 
historical time;
l) 
"Exploration" refers to the act of searching or prospecting for mineral 
resources, as defined by law, by geological, geochemical or geophysical 
surveys, remote sensing, test pitting, trenching, drilling, shaft sinking, 
tunneling, or any other means, for the purpose of determining the 
existence, extent, quantity, and quality of resources in an area, and the 
feasibility of utilizing these resources for profit;
m) 
"(Sie<^/','refers to any instrument or device and its accessories utilized in 
taking, catching gathering, killing, hunting, destroying, disturbing, 
removing, or possessing resources within the protected area;
n) 
"Genetically modified organism (GMO)" refers to any living organism that 
possesses a novel combination of genetic material through the use of 
modern biotechnology;
o) 
"Hunting" refers to the killing or catching of wild fauna for food and 
recreational purposes, with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and 
arrow, spears, traps and snares, and the like;
p) 
"Indigenous Cultural Community (ICCyindigenous People (IP) " refers to 
a group of people sharing common bonds of language, customs, 
traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, since time 
immemorial occupied, possessed and utilized a territory;
q) 
"Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF)" refers to the special account 
established for the purpose of financing projects of the NIPAS and 
individual protected areas;
7


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r) 
"Invasive alien species" refers to species introduced deliberately or 
unintentionally outside their natural habitats where they have the ability 
to establish themselves, invade, outcompete native species, and take 
over the new environment;
s) 
"Kaingin" refers to the slash-and-burn cultivation of vegetated land in a 
protected area, whether occupied or not, shifting and permanent with 
little or no provision to prevent soil erosion;
t) 
"Multiple-use zone"refers to the area where settlement, traditional and 
sustainable land use including agriculture, agroforestry, extraction 
activities, and income generating or livelihood activities, may be allowed 
to the extent prescribed in the protected area management plan;
u) 
"National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)" refers to the 
classification and administration of all designated protected areas to 
maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to 
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found 
therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent 
possible;
v) 
"NationalPark"refers to the lands of the public domain classified as such 
in the Constitution which include all areas under the NIPAS pursuant to 
this Act, primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and 
animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity;
w) 
"Occupying"refers to a continuous stay of individuals or groups within a 
protected area, whether residing or engaging in the cultivation of land 
or fishing for more that twenty-four (24) hours;
x) 
"Poaching" refers to gathering, collecting, or possessing products or 
natural resources from the protected area by any Individual person, 
corporation or entity whether local or foreign; In the case of marine
8


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protected areas, operating any foreign fishing vessels by any person, 
corporation, or entity without a permit;
y) 
"Protected area" refers to identified portions of land and/or water set 
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological diversity and 
protected against destructive human exploitation:
z) 
"Protectedarea occupants"refers to persons who are residing, utilizing, 
and cultivating areas within the protected area. These include private 
owners, IPs, tenured migrants and informal settlers;
aa) "Protected area retained income account" refers to the trust fund 
maintained by any protected area and administered by the respective 
Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB) created pursuant to this Act 
representing the seventy-five percent (75%) of revenues generated from 
the protected area to support its operation and management;
bb) "Protectedlandscapes"refers to areas of national significance which are 
characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while 
providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, 
tourism, and other economic activities;
cc) "Protected species" refers to plants or animals declared protected 
under Philippine laws, rules, and regulations. These shall Include all 
species listed under the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and all its Annexes, the 
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), those 
specified under the red-list categories of the International Union for 
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the DENR, PAMB or any 
government agency that may deem it necessary for conservation and 
preservation in the protected area;


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dd) 
"Quarrying"refers to the process of extracting, removing, and disposing
sand gravel, guano, limestone, and all other resources used as building 
and construction materials that are found within the protected area;
ee) "Resource reserve" refers to an extensive, relatively isolated, and 
uninhabited area which is difficult to access and is designated to protect 
the natural resources of the area for future use and prevent or contain 
development activities that could affect the resources, pending the 
establishment of sustainable resources utilization goals which are based 
upon appropriate information and planning;
ff) "Special Account in the General Fund (SAGO)" refers to the trust fund 
deposited in the national treasury representing the twenty-five percent 
(25%) of revenues generated from the operation of individual protected 
area and earmarked to support the NIPAS;
gg) "Tenured migrants" refers to protected area occupants who have been 
actually, continuously and presently occupying a portion of the protected 
area for five (5) years before the proclamation or law establishing the 
same as a protected area, and are solely dependent therein for 
subsistence;
hh) "Threatened species" refers to species or subspecies considered 
critically endangered, vulnerable, or other accepted categories of wildlife 
whose population is at risk of extinction;
ii) "Wildlife"refers to the wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all 
developmental stages, including those who which are in capacity or are 
being bred, fed, or propagated; and
jj) "Wildlife sanctuary" refers to an area which assures the natural 
conditions necessary to protect nationally significant species, group of 
species, biotic communities or physical features of the environment 
which may require specific human manipulations for their perpetuation.
10


1 
Sec. 5. Management Plan. - Within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act,
2 
a management plan shall have been formulated to serve as the basic long-term
3 
framework plan for the management of the MSPL and guide in the preparation of
4 
its annual operations plan and budget.
5 
The management plan shall, at the minimum, promote the adoption and
6 
implementation of innovative management techniques including, when necessary,
7 
zoning, buffer zone management habitat conservation and rehabilitation, diversity
8 
management, community organizing and development, socioeconomic and scientific
9 
research, site-specific policy development, climate change adaptation and
10 
mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, waste sewerage and septic
11 
management, and gender and development, among others.
12 
The plan shall be harmonized with the Ancestral Domain Sustainable
13 
Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) required under Republic Act No. 8371, or
14 
the "Indigenous People’s Right Act of 1997", the respective Comprehensive Land Use
15 
Plans (CL UPs) of local governments required under Republic Act No. 7160 or the
16 
"Local Government Code of 1991," and other local plans.
17 
Sec. 6. Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). - Within three (3) months
18 
after the effectivity of this Act, a PAMB shall be created for MSPL. The PAMB shall be
19 
composed of the following:
20
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a) 
DENR Regional Executive Director of DENR Region III, as Chairperson;
b) 
Governor of Tarlac Province or a duly designated representative;
c) 
A Senator of the Republic of the Philippines who is a duly registered 
resident of Region III or a duly authorized representative, unless the 
Senator declines membership in the PAMB;
d) 
The District Representative of Tarlac Province or a duly designated 
representative, unless the District Representative declines membership 
in the PAMB;
11


1 
e) 
Mayors of Mayantoc, Tarlac and San Jose, Tarlac or their duly designated
2 
representative/s;
3 
f) 
Chairperson/s of the barangay/s covering the area of MSPL,
4 
g) 
Regional Directors of the following government agencies, namely: the
5 
Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Economic and
6 
Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Science and
7 
Technology (D051), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department
8 
of National Defense (DND), the National Commission on Indigenous
9 
Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT);
10 
h) 
Three (3) representatives from relevant non-government organizations
11 
(NGOs) or peoples' organizations (POs), duly accredited by both the
12 
DENR and the provincial government. The NGO or PO represented
13 
should have been in existence for at least five (5) years and with track
14 
record in or related to protected area management:
15 
i) 
At least one (1), but not more than three (3), representatives from ail
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the IPs/ICCs present in the area and recognized by the National
17 
Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);
18 
j) 
One (1) representative from an academic institution, preferably from a
19 
university or college in Tarlac, with proven track record In or related to
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the protected area management; and
21 
k) 
One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of
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Tarlac, who is distinguished in a profession or field of Interest relevant
23 
to the protected area management.
24 
Ex officio members or members of the PAMB by virtue of their elective or
25 
appKDintive government positions as specified in the immediately preceding
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subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) shall serve for the duration of
27 
their respective terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government
28 
positions.
12


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On the other hand, the members of the PAMB specified under subparagraphs
2 
(0/ 0)/ (k) and (I) of this section shall be appointed by the DENR Secretary after the
3 
conduct of a transparent and fair selection process. They shall each serve a term of
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three (3) years and may be reappointed for another term.
5 
The members of the PAMB shall serve without compensation, except for the
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actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance
7 
of their duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the PAMI3 or in connection
8 
with other official business authorized through a resolution of the PAMB, subject to
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existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and
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accountability for decisions binding to the member’s sector.
11 
Members of the management board shall be appointed in accordance with the
12 
provisions of this Act: Provided, that the Regional Executive Director of the DENR
13 
Region III shall ensure that the relevant members of the PAMB are duly appointed by
14 
the DENR Secretary: Provided, Further, that at least forty percent (40%) of the PAMB
15 
members shall be women, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9710 or "The Magna Carta of
16 
Women." A member of the PAMB may be removed for any of the following grounds:
17 
a) 
More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular
18 
meetings of the management board;
19 
b) 
Commission of acts prejudicial to the management of protected areas as
20 
embodied In Section 20 hereof and/or other existing rules and regulations
21 
governing protected areas;
22 
c) 
Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;
23 
d) 
Termination of relationship with the office or organization being
24 
represented; or
25 
e) 
Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
26 
Sec. 7. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall have the following
27 
powers and functions:
13


a) Oversee the management of the protected area;
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b) 
Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other 
related documents for the management of the protected areas;
c) 
Approve the management plan of the protected area and ensure its 
harmonization and integration with the ADSDPP, land use plan and other 
development plan public or private, and its implementation;
d) 
Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedures In the 
conduct of business, and the creation of committees and their respective 
terms of reference;
e) 
Recommend the deputation of appropriate agencies and individuals for 
the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the 
management of protected area;
f) 
Allocate financial resources for the implementation of the management 
plan and manage the Protected Area Retention Income Account and 
other funds in accordance with the accounting and budgeting rules and 
regulations;
g) 
Set fees and charges in accordance with the existing guidelines;
h) 
Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through 
appropriate and effective means;
i) 
Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other 
governing authorities;
j) 
Monitor and assess the performance of the protected area personnel and 
compliance of partners with the terms and conditions of any undertaking, 
contract or agreement;
k) 
Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the 
designation or appointment of the PASu; and
14


1 
I) 
Assess the effectiveness of the management of the protected area:
2 
Provided, that the members of the management board representing the
3 
LGUs and national agencies in the PAMB shall inform their respective
4 
constituents, offices or sectors, of PAMB-approved or other relevant
5 
policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects and shall ensure that
6 
the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations are
7 
complied with and used as reference and framework in their respective
8 
plans, policies, programs, and projects. Failure to comply with the
9 
foregoing shall be the basis for disciplinary action against such member
10 
according to administrative rules and regulations and such penalties as
11 
the PAMB may provide: Provided, further, that the DENR. through the
12 
Regional Executive Director, shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the
13 
scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between the
14 
resolutions issued by the PAMB and the existing administrative orders of
15 
national application, the latter shall prevail.
16 
Sec. 8. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - There is hereby
17 
established Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a Protected
18 
Area Superintendent (PASU) with a permanent plantilla position who shall supervise
19 
the management, protection, and administration of the protected area. A sufficient
20 
number of support staff with permanent plantilla position shall be appointed by the
21 
DENR to assist the PASu in the management of the protected area.
22 
The PASu shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the
23 
management and operations of the MSPL. Pursuant thereto, the PASu shall have the
24 
following duties and responsibilities:
25 
a) 
Lead the preparation of the management plan, in consultation with the
26 
stakeholders, including the annual work and financial plans and ensure
27 
its implementation;
15


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b) 
Ensure the integration of the protected area management plans, 
programs, projects, and policies with relevant national and LGUs' plans 
and programs;
c) 
Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees and ensure 
the availability of relevant and timely information for decision-making;
d) 
Formulate and recommend to the PAMB proposed policies, rules, 
regulations, and programs;
e) 
Establish, operate, and maintain a database management system which 
shall be an important basis for decision-making;
f) 
Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the protected area, 
commence and institute administrative and legal actions in collaboration 
with other government agencies or organizations, and assist in the 
prosecution of offenses committed In violation of this Act;
g) 
Monitor, evaluate, and report the implementation of management 
activities of MSPL;
h) 
Request for and receive any technical assistance support or advice from 
any agency or instrumentality of the government as well as academic 
institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, as may be necessary for the 
effective management, protection and administration of MSPL;
i) 
Issue permits and clearances for activities that implement the 
management plan and other permitted activities in accordance with 
terms, conditions, and criteria established by the PAMB: Provided, that 
all permits for extraction activities, including collection for research 
purposes, shall also continue to be relevant authorities, subject to prior 
clearance from the PAMB, through the PASu, in accordance with the 
specific acts to be covered;
16


1 
j) 
Collect and/or receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other
2 
income for the protected area: 
Provided, that such fees, charges,
3 
donations, and other income collected/received shall be reported
4 
regularly to the PAMB and the DENR In accordance with existing
5 
guidelines;
6 
k) 
Prepare and recommend to the management plan: and
7 
I) 
Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.
8 
The PAMO may be augmented by the deputized local environment and natural
9 
resources officers upon the recommendation of the PAMB and approval of the DENR.
10 
Sec. 9. Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). - There Is hereby established a
11 
trust fund to be known as Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) for the purpose of
12 
financing the projects and sustaining the operations of MSPL. Income generated from
13 
the operation and management of MSPL Shall accrue to the MSPL-IPAF. The income
14 
shall be derived from fees and charges from the use of resources and facilities of
15 
MSPL; contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the MSPL;
16 
and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the MSPL.
17 
The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised
18 
through the above means, which shall be deposited in the Protected Area-Retained
19 
Income Account (PA-RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within the
20 
locality: Provided, that disbursement out of such deposits shall be used solely for the
21 
protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the MSPL and
22 
implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB.
23 
Grants, donations, and endowments from various sources, domestic or foreign,
24 
shall be deposited in full in a special account in the National Treasury to be used for
25 
the purpose specified in the deeds and instruments covering them.
26 
Voluntary or legislated payments for ecosystem goods and services, including
27 
fines, penalties, and compensation for damages from MSPL offenses shall accrue fully
28 
to the PA-RIA and shall be managed by the PAMB.
17


1 
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a
2 
special account In the General Fund In the National Treasury for purposes of financing
3 
the projects of the System.
4 
The use of the IPAF shall be in accordance with existing accounting, budgeting,
5 
and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further, that the IPAF shall not be used
6 
to cover personal services expenditures.
7 
The DENR shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
8 
and the Department of Finance (DOF), quarterly reports on the financial and physical
9 
accomplishments on the utilization of the IPAF and other documents as may be
10 
required by the DBM, and shall furnish a copy of the same to the House Committee
11 
on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
12 
Sec. 10. Tax Exemptions. - All grants, bequests and endowments, donations
13 
and contributions made to the protected area fund to be used actually, directly, and
14 
the MSPL, shall be exempted from donor's tax and shall be considered as allowable
15 
deduction from the gross income of the donor for the purpose of computing the
16 
taxable income of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal
17 
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
18 
Sec. 11. Special Prosecutors and Retained Counsel. - Within thirty (30) days
19 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOJ shall appoint special prosecutors to prosecute
20 
violations of laws, rules and regulations in MSPL The special prosecutors shall
21 
coordinate with the PAMB and the PASu in the performance of duties and assist in the
22 
training of wardens and rangers in arrest and criminal procedures. The PAMB may
23 
retain the services of counsel to prosecute and assist in the prosecution of cases under
24 
the direct control and supervision of the regular of Special prosecutor. Said counsel
25 
shall also represent and defend the members of the PAMB, PASu and the staff, or any
26 
DENR-deputized individual and volunteer, against any legal action arising from the
27 
performance of their powers, functions and responsibilities as provided in this Act.
18


1 
Sec. 12. Prohibited Acts. - Except as may be allowed by the nature of their
2 
categories and pursuant to rules and regulations governing the same, the following
3 
acts are prohibited within MSPL:
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28
a) 
Poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife including in 
private lands within the MSPL;
b) 
Hunting, taking, collecting, or possessing of any wildlife, or by-products 
derived therefrom, including in private lands within MSPL 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 (Wildlife Resources, 
Conservation and Protection Act) or harvests of non-protected species in 
multiple-use zones by tenured migrants and IPs;
c) 
Cutting, gathering, removing or collecting timber within MSPL Including 
private lands therein, without the necessary permit, authorization, 
certification of planted trees or exemption such as for culling exotic 
species; except, however, when such acts are done In accordance with 
the duly recognized practices of the IPs/ICCs for subsistence purposes;
d) 
Possessing or transporting outside MSPL any timber, forest products, 
wildlife, or by-products derived therefrom which are ascertained to have 
been taken from MSPL other than exotic species, the culling of which has 
been authorized under an appropriate permit;
e) 
Using any harvesting tool or any variations that destroys terrestrial 
habitat as may be determined by the DA or the DENR; Provided, that 
mere possession of such tools within MSPL, shall be prim facie evidence 
of their use;
0 Dumping, throwing, using, or causing to be dumped into or placed in 
MSPL of any toxic chemical, noxious or poisonous substance or non-
19


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25
26
biodegradable material, untreated sewage or animal waste 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 
Waste Control Act of 1990" detrimental to MSPL, or to the plants and 
animals or inhabitants therein;
g) 
Operating any motorized conveyance within MSPL without permit from 
the PAMB, except when the use of such motorized conveyance is the 
only practical means of transportation of IPs/ICCs in accessing their 
ancestral domain/land;
h) 
Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks or signs 
within MSPL;
i) 
Engaging in kaingin or in any manner, causing forest fires inside MSPL;
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 to IPs/ICCs;
k) 
Damaging and leaving roads and trails in damaged condition;
l) 
Littering or depositing refuse or debris on the ground or in bodies of
water/river system;
m) 
Possessing or using blasting caps or explosives anywhere within MSPL;
n) 
Occupying or dwelling in any public land within MSPL without clearance 
from the PAMB;
o) 
Constructing, erecting, or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or 
enclosure, conducting any business enterprise within MSPL without prior 
clearance from the PAMB and permit from the DENR, or conducting these
20


5
6
7
8 
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11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
activities in a manner that is inconsistent with the management plan duly 
approved by the PAMB;
p) 
Undertaking mineral exploration or extraction within MSPL
q) 
Engaging in commercial or large-scale quarrying within MSPL;
r) 
Establishing or introducing exotic species, including CMOs or Invasive 
alien species within MSPL;
s) 
Conducting bioprospecting within MSPL without prior PAMB clearance in 
accordance with existing guidelines: Provided, that in addition to the 
penalty provided herein, any commercial use of any substance derived 
from non-permitted bioprospecting within a protected area will not be 
allowed and all revenue earned from illegal commercialization thereof 
shall be forfeited and deposited as part of the IPAI';
t) 
Prospecting, hunting or otherwise locating hidden treasure within MSPL;
u) 
Purchasing or selling, mortgaging or leasing lands or other portions of 
MSPL which are covered by any tenurial instrument; and
v) 
Constructing any permanent structure within the forty (40)-meter 
easement from any natural body of water (river) or Issuing a permit for 
such construction pursuant to Article 31 of Presidential Decree No. 1067.
19 
Sec. 13. Penalties. - Violation under this Act shall be subject to the following
20 
penalties:
21
22
23
24
25
26
a) A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php 200.000) but 
not more than one million pesos (Php 1,000,000) or imprisonment from 
one (1) year but not more than six (6) years, or both, plus damages of 
triple the value of the said resources, or both, shall be imposed upon any 
person who violates paragraphs (a) to (e) of Section 20 of the NIPAS Act 
as amended;
21


1 
b) A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php 200,000) but
2 
not more than One million pesos (Php 1,000,000) or imprisonment from
3 
one (1) year but not more than six (6) years, or both, shall be imposed
4 
upon any person who violates paragraphs (f) to (p) of Section 20 of the
5 
NIPAS Act as amended;
6 
c) A fine of Fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000) daily shall be imposed on the
7 
owner of existing facilities within a protected area under Section 24 of this
8 
Act, if the existence of the same and its future plans and operations will
9 
be detrimental to I4SPL. For every continuing violation, or if the violation
10 
continues to be committed for thirty (30) days and upon reaching a total
11 
tine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000), the PAMB through
12 
the PASu and other deputized government entities, shall cause the
13 
cessation of operation and either forfeit in favor of the PAMO or demolish
14 
the facility at the cost of its owner. If the facility is government-owned,
15 
the agency In change shall submit a plan for a substitute facility that
16 
complies with the protected area standards and, within one (1) year,
17 
execute the approved protected area management plan;
18 
d) Administrative fines of not less Fifty thousand pesos (Flip 50,000), but not
19 
exceeding Five million pesos (Php 5,000,000), shall be imposed by the
20 
DENR Secretary for the violation of any rule, regulation, or provision of
21 
any agreement reached with the PAMB: Provided, that if an area which
22 
has sustained damage from any activity conducted therein requires
23 
rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the court, the offender shall
24 
be required to restore or pay compensation for damage, which payment
25 
shall accrue to the IPAF.
26 
On the basis of a court order, the DENR shall cause the eviction of an offender
27 
from the MSPL: Provided, that in cases of emergency, the DENR Secretary may order
28 
the immediate exit or departure of the offender from MSPL. The DENR Secretary may
29 
call on other enforcement agencies to assist in executing the order to vacate.
22


1 
An emergency occurs when there is a demonstrated impending threat to human
2 
life and biodiversity or to species found within the ecosystem of the MSPL.
3 
All minerals, timber or species collected or removed from the MSPL, including
4 
all equipment, devices, conveyances, and firearms used in connection therewith, shall
5 
be forfeited in favor of the government, and any construction or improvement made
6 
thereon by the offender shall be subject to confiscation by the PAMO, subject to the
7 
application of due process.
8 
The conveyance, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, tools, and similar
9 
devices used in the commission of the crime shall be dealt with in accordance with
10 
Part 4, Rule 12 (Custody and Disposition of Seized Items, Equipment, Paraphernalia,
11 
Conveyance and Instruments) of Administrative Matter No. 09-6-8-SC (Rules of
12 
Procedures for Environmental Cases) issued by the Supreme Court. However, in no
13 
case shall any confiscated or rescued protected animal species be sold or in any
14 
manner disposed of but shall be immediately turned over to the PAMO for
15 
rehabilitation and release to its natural habitat, subject to existing regulations.
16 
Valuation of the damages shall take into account biodiversity and conservation
17 
considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. The valuation and assessment by
18 
the DENR, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, shall be
19 
presumed regular, unless otherwise proven by the preponderance of evidence.
20 
If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager, who
21 
is proven to have participated in or have actual knowledge of any violations against
22 
the provisions of this Act shall be directly liable for the act of the employees and
23 
laborers: Provided, finally, that the DENR may impose administrative fines and
24 
penalties consistent with this Act.
25 
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the acts
26 
prohibited in this Act, or force their workers to commit any of the same, shall be liable
27 
as principal.
28 
The penalties specified in this section shall be In addition to the penalties
29 
provided in Republic Act No. 9072 or the "National Caves and Cave Resources
23


1 
Management and Protection Act", Republic Act No. 9147 or the "Wildlife Resources
2 
Conservation and Protection Act," Republic Act No. 8550 or the "Philippine Fisheries
3 
Code of 1998 and other related laws.
4 
The conviction of a public officer of the law, whether from the LGU or any
5 
national government agency, for any violation of the provisions of this Act shall carry
6 
the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.
7 
Sec. 1^. Existing Rights. - All property and private rights within the MSPL and
8 
its buffer zones already existing and/or vested upon the effectivity of this Act shall be
9 
protected and respected in accordance with existing laws: Provided, that the exercise
10 
of such property and private rights shall be harmonized, as far as practicable, with the
11 
provisions of this Act. Notwithstanding this Act, all existing rights, contracts, or
12 
agreements entered into by government for utilization of natural resources within
13 
MSPL shall continue to be recognized and governed by Philippine laws.
14 
The renewal of permits, contracts, and agreements shall be subject to the
15 
provisions of this Act. If the permits, contracts, agreements are not renewed, such
16 
areas shall be rehabilitated or restored by the permit holders within the period
17 
provided by the pertinent laws and shall revert to the national parks classification. As
18 
such, all holders of permits, contracts, and agreements are required to prepare and
19 
submit a rehabilitation plan to the PAMB: Provided, that upon renewal, a sufficient
20 
bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR to the released to the depository
21 
bank in the event of damage by a closure of the establishment after satisfactory
22 
rehabilitation according to the zones and objectives of the management plan as
23 
attested to by the PAMB.
24 
The occupation of the LGUs and communities within the MSPL shall be
25 
respected. Within ninety (90) days after the creation of the PAMB, the Board shall
26 
assess the physical occupation of said LGUs and communities within MSPL and
27 
recommend to authorities' measures to ensure the protection of their well-being.
28 
Municipalities with existing townships and town centers within the MSPL shall
29 
continue to occupy such townships and town centers: Provided, that In the
24


1 
development of their CLUPs and barangay development plans, due consideration shall
2 
be given to the intended use for conservation and biodiversity as well as the objectives
3 
for MSPL
4 
Sec. 15. Tenured Migrants and Other MSPL Occupants. - Tenured migrants shall
5 
be eligible to become stewards of portions of lands within multiple-use zones. The
6 
PAMB shall identify, verify and review all tenurial instruments, land claims, issuances
7 
of permits for resource use within the MSPL and recommend the issuance of the
8 
appropriate tenure instrument consistent with the zoning provided in the management
9 
plan and the provisions of this Act.
10 
Should areas occupied by tenured migrants be designated as zones in which
11 
no occupation or other activities are allowed pursuant to the attainment of sustainable
12 
development, the provision for the transfer of the tenured migrants to multiple-use
13 
zones or buffer zones shall be accomplished through just and humane means:
14 
Provided, that MSPL occupants who are not qualified as tenured migrants shall be
15 
resettled outside the MSPL.
16 
The rights of tenured migrants may be transferred only to the spouse or one
17 
of their direct descendants listed at the time of the survey. In the event of termination
18 
of a tenurial instrument for cause or by voluntary surrender of rights, the PASu shall
19 
take immediate steps to rehabilitate the area.
20 
Following the protected area occupants survey required under Section 5(C)(1)
21 
of NIPAS Act as amended, the DENR Regional Executive Director shall submit to the
22 
Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) within two (2) years from the passage of this
23 
Act, the final list of tenured migrants, which shall be the basis for tenured migrants'
24 
recognition and issuance of tenurial instruments. Within the two (2)-year period, the
25 
DENR Regional Executive Director shall submit accomplishment report every six (6)
26 
months.
27 
The DENR through the BMB shall issue guidelines for the determination of the
28 
reckoning period for the recognition of the tenured migrants.
25


1 
Sec. 16. Existing Faciiities Within the MSPL - Within sixty (60) days from the
2 
effectivity of this Act, an inventory of all existing facilities such as roads, buildings and
3 
structures, water systems, transmission lines, communication facilities, heavy
4 
equipment, and irrigation facilities, among others, within MSPL shall be conducted.
5 
The DENR Regional Executive Director shall submit the inventory of the facilities
6 
with corresponding descriptions and an assessment report containing the
7 
appropriate recommendations to the DENR Secretary through the BMB.
8 
The PAMB, with the assistance of the DENR, may impose conditions for the
9 
continuous operation of a facility found to be detrimental to the MSPL until its eventual
10 
relocation. If the conditions are violated, the owner of the facility shall be made liable
11 
pursuant to Section 21 (d) of the NIPAS Act, as amended.
12 
Existing facilities allowed to remain within the MSPL shall be charged a
13 
reasonable fee by the PAMB based on existing guidelines. Structures found within the
14 
forty (40)-meter easement shall be demolished unless proven necessary to protect the
15 
river and mitigate habitat destruction. The PAMB shall levy a reasonable fee for the
16 
use of such easement for their continued operations.
17 
Sec. 17. Speciai Uses Within Protected Area. - Consistent with Section 2 hereof,
18 
special uses may be allowed within MSPL except in strict protection zones. The PAMB
19 
may recommend the issuance of tenurial instrument subject to compliance to ECC and
20 
payment of corresponding user fee equivalent to five percent (5%) of the zonal value
21 
of commercial land within the nearest barangay or municipality where the project is
22 
located multiplied by the area of development plus one percent (1%) value of
23 
Improvement as premium: Provided, that the activity shall not be detrimental to
24 
ecosystem functions and biodiversity, and cultural practices and traditions.
25 
A sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR to be released
26 
to the depository bank in the event of damage by or closure of the establishment after
27 
the satisfactory rehabilitation according to the zones and objectives of the
28 
management plan as attested by the PAMB.
26


1 
Sec. 18. Local Government Units (LGUS). - The LCDs within MSPL shall
2 
participate in its management through representation in the PAMB as provided for In
3 
this law. Said LGUs may appropriate portions of their share from the annual internal
4 
revenue allotment and other income for use of the MSPL: Provided, that all funds
5 
directly coming from the LGUs shall be exempted from the twenty-five percent (25%)
6 
remittance requirement for the IPAF under Section 16 of the NIPAS Act, as amended.
7 
The LGUs shall continue to impose and collect other fees not enumerated under
8 
Section 16 of the NIPAS Act, as amended which they have traditionally collected, such
9 
as business permits and rentals of LGU facilities: Provided, that the LGUs shall not
10 
impose property tax on properties owned by the government nor issue any tax
11 
declarations for areas covered by the protected area. Furthermore, LGUs may charge
12 
add-ons to fees imposed by the PAMB: Provided, LGUs may charge add-ons to fees
13 
imposed by the PAMB. Provided that such add-ons shall be based on the contribution
14 
of the LGUs in the maintenance and protection of MSPL.
15 
LGUs with territory inside MSPL shall align their CLUPs, local development plans,
16 
disaster risk reduction management plans and other required plans according to the
17 
objectives specified herein and in the protected area management plans. Within six
18 
(6) months from the approval of the protected area management plan, the PAMB and
19 
the PASu shall collaborate with the LGU concerned in the formulation of the CLUP and
20 
other local plans and in the enforcement thereof. The concerned LGU official shall be
21 
held administratively and criminally liable for failure to enforce and/or Implement the
22 
provisions of this Act.
23 
Sec. 19. Reporting Responsibility. - The PASu, through the PAMB, shall submit
24 
an annual accomplishment report of MSPL to the. Secretary of DENR through the BMB.
25 
A report on the conditions and benefits of the biological resources and ecosystem
26 
services of MSPL shall also be submitted by the PASu, through channels, to the
27 
Secretary of the DENR every five (5) years.
27


1 
Consequently, the BMB shall include MSPL in its National State of Protected
2 
Areas (NSPAs) report every five (5) years and shall submit the same to the President,
3 
the Senate and the House of Representatives.
4 
Sec. 20. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DENR shall Immediately include
5 
in the DENR's program the implementation of Mt. Sawtooth Protected Landscape
6 
(MSPL) Act, the funding at which shall be included in the annual General
7 
Appropriations Act of the DENR.
8 
Sec. 21. Construction and Interpretation. - The provisions of this Act shall be
9 
construed liberally in favor of the protection and rehabilitation of MSPL and the
10 
conservation and restoration of biological diversity taking into account the needs and
11 
interests of qualified tenured migrants, vested rights, IPs and local communities, and
12 
the benefits from ecosystem services and functions of MSPL, for present and future
13 
generations: Provided, that nothing in this Act shall be construed as a diminution of
14 
local autonomy or In derogation of ancestral domain rights under the Indigenous
15 
Peoples' Rights Act of 1997.
16 
Sec. 22. Joint Congressionai Oversight Committee. - To monitor and oversee
17 
the implementation of this Act, a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee is hereby
18 
created. It shall be composed of the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on
19 
Environment and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources
20 
as Chairperson and Co-chairperson, respectively, and five (5) members each from the
21 
Senate and the House of Representatives as members: Provided, that two (2) of the
22 
five (5) members are nominated by the respective minority leaders of the Senate and
23 
the House of Representatives.
24 
Sec. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) months
25 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR shall prepare the IRR of this Act.
26 
Sec. 24. Transitory Provision. - in order to enhance biological diversity and to
27 
develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for tenure migrants, the DENR shall
28 
henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses, permits, clearances, compliance
28


1 
documents or other instruments that allow utilization of resources within the MSPL
2 
until the management plan have been put into effect.
3 
All existing land use and resource use permits issued for purposes which are
4 
authorized within the MSPL shall be reviewed and shall not be renewed upon their
5 
expiration unless consistent with the management plan and approved by the PAMB.
6 
Sec. 25. Separability Clause. - if any provision of this Act is declared
7 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall
8 
continue to be in full force and effect.
9 
Sec. 26. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
10 
regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are
11 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
12 
Sec. 27. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
13 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
29