NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 519
. 
of lljjS (g;.
’22 JUL 13 P2 54
Rl;CEIV!:D BV.
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLaR
AN ACT
DECLARING A PORTION OF THE PHILIPPINE RISE SITUATED WITHIN THE 
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA AS A PROTECTED 
AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE UNDER THE 
NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE 
REFERRED TO AS THE PHILIPPINE RISE MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This proposed measure seeks to declare a portion of the Philippine Rise as a 
protected area under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS), and at 
the same time establish a mechanism that would ensure that measures towards this 
objective are enforced and implemented.
The Philippine Rise is a vast seamount found in the Eastern Seaboard of the 
Philippines. While it is, on average, 3,000-3,500 meters beneath the ocean's 
surface, it rises a good 2,000 meters above the rest of the ocean floor. On the 
Philippine Rise, there exists a number of other seamounts that further "rise up" to 
1,000-2,000 meters. The tallest or shallowest seamount is the Benham Bank that 
lies just 48-70 meters beneath sea surface. In 2014, an all-Filipino Scientists 
Research Expedition discovered pristine coral reefs and associated habitats at depths 
up to 55 meters in several of their survey stations at the summit of the Benham 
Bank Seamount. Alongside the discovery of these habitats are the discovery of 
diverse fish communities and apex predators, schools of sharks - indicative of a


healthy ecosystem in the Benham Bank.1
The majority of the Philippine Rise, including the Benham Bank Seamount, 
has always been within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). However, 
the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UN CLCS) 
adopted the recommendation of the Philippines on the limits of our Continental 
Shelf, granting us an additional of 13.5M Hectares- Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) 
in the Philippine Rise extending beyond the EEZ.
Following the discoveries in the Benham Bank, four (4) more research 
expeditions were conducted in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022 to further assess the 
biodiversity and extent of habitats therein. The data and information obtained from 
past expeditions supported the recognition of the Philippine Rise as an Ecologically 
and Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA) under the United Nations Convention 
on Biological Diversity (UN-CBD) and the subsequent declaration of a portion of the 
Philippine Rise, namely the Benham Bank and its surrounding waters, as a Marine 
Resource Reserve under the National Integrated Protected Area System in 2018 by 
virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 489.
The proclamation of the portion of the Philippine Rise as a marine protected 
area in 2018 was just an initial step towards fulfilling the requirements for a full- 
fledged protected area to be finally declared as part of the ENIPAS of 2018. Its 
protection regime must be fully sealed by an act of Congress.
As the PRMRR is the first MPA in the Philippine EEZ, wherein fisheries 
operations are regular, the state of the habitats and biodiversity^ in the Benham 
Bank must be closely monitored to ensure the sustainability of the resources therein. 
Ecosystem degradation is a precursor of reduced ecosystem services. Regular 
expeditions to the area must be conducted in order to establish long-term trends in 
ecological integrity and biodiversity of the Benham Bank, vis-a-vis fisheries 
productivity data, courtesy of the DA BEAR, in order for us to appropriately craft, 
revise and implement sustainable utilization guidelines.
Nacorda, H.M., Dizon, R.M., Menez, LA., Nanola, CL, Jr., Roa-Chio, P.B.L, De Jesus, D.O. ... & Villanoy, C.L. (2017). Beneath 
50 m of NW Pacific Water: Coral Reefs on the Benham Bank Seamount off the Philippine Sea. Journal of Environmental Science 
and Management. 20. 110-121.


Monitoring and maintaining the high biodiversity and near pristine habitats in 
the PRMRR will contribute to sustainable fisheries productivity and ecosystem 
services for present and future generations. The law enforcement agencies (BFAR, 
Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and PNP Maritime Group) 
are involved in maritime patrolling, maritime safety for Filipino fishers, and 
enforcement of fisheries and conservation laws.
Legislation of the PRMRR will not only institutionalize and provide funds for its 
management across the various agencies involved, from the DENR, to the DA BFAR, 
to security and enforcement agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard, the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, among 
others, but will also be in keeping with our exercise of Philippine sovereignty over 
our waters and the resources therein, for the benefit of present and future 
generations of Filipinos.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 519
a S?cu<V'
of Ihe ('{•■rw
*22 JUL 13 P2 54
Rl'CElVGD
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DECLARING A PORTION OF THE PHILIPPINE RISE SITUATED WITHIN THE 
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA AS A PROTECTED 
AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE UNDER THE 
NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS System (NIPAS), TO BE 
REFERRED TO AS THE PHILIPPINE RISE MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Rise Marine
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Resource Reserve (PRMRR) Act".
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to ensure the
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protection and conservation of the globally significant economic, biological,
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sociocultural, educational, and scientific values of the Philippine Rise and the
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Benham Bank into perpetuity for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
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In the pursuit of this policy, it shall protect portions of the Philippine Rise region,
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namely the Benham Bank and its surrounding waters, through sustainable and
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participatory management, taking into consideration all applicable laws and 
10 international conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory.
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It shall likewise be the policy of the State to promote the Philippine Rise
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region, with the end in view of fostering widespread awareness and concern for the
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marine environment, and engaging Filipinos in conservation for the same. Towards


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this end, the State shall undertake comprehensive and holistic capacity building, and
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communication, education, and public awareness campaigns for the benefit of the
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general public, pursuant of the duty of the State to protect, conserve, and promote
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the biodiversity, ecosystems, and resources therein. The State shall encourage the
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participation of the fisheries sector in the protection, conservation, and promotion of
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the PRMRR.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms
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shall be defined as follow:
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a) 
Bioprospecting refers to research, collection and utilization of biological
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and genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived
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therefrom solely for commercial purposes.
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b) 
Buffer zone refers to the identified area outside the boundaries of and
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immediately adjacent to the PRMRR that needs special development
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control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area.
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c) 
By-products or derivatives refer to parts taken or substances extracted
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from wildlife, in raw or in processed form.
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d) 
Coiiecting refers to the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife and its
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by-products or derivatives.
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e) 
Conveyance refers to every kind of vessel, including motorized or non-
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motorized vehicles, non-displacement crafts and seaplanes that are
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used or may be used as a means of transportation on land or water. It
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shall include everything found therein, except personal effects.
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f) 
Commerciai fishers refer to persons who catch fish and other fisheries
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products using fishing vessels of more than three (3) gross tons.
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g) 
Corairefers to either of the following:
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(i) the sessile marine invertebrates under Class Anthozoa of Phylum
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Cnidaria, whose individual units are called polyps. This includes
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stony or hard corals, and soft corals; or
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(ii) the hard calcareous substance made up of the skeleton of 
marine anthozoan polyps which compose reefs, shelves and 
atolls, or any of the other stony masses formed by the skeletons 
of colonies of polyps. This includes: (a) skeletons of anthozoans 
characterized as having a rigid axis of compact calcareous or 
horny spicules, belonging to the genus Corallium as represented 
by the red, pink and white corals which are considered precious 
corals; (b) skeletons of anthozoans characterized by thorny, 
horny axis such as the antipatharians represented by the black 
corals which are considered semi-precious corals; and (c) 
ordinary corals which are any kind of corals that are not 
precious nor semi-precious.
h) 
Coral reef refers fo a natural aggregation of coral skeleton, with or 
without living coral polyps, occurring in intertidal, subtidal marine 
waters, or mesophotic zones.
i) 
Delineation refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of the 
protected area, its 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;
j) 
Demarcation refers to the establishment of the boundaries of protected 
areas and their buffer zones using visible markers, monuments, buoys, 
or GPS markers, as a result of actual ground delineation;
k) 
Ecosystems goods and services refer 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;


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l) 
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.
m) 
Exploration refers to the act of searching or prospecting for mineral or 
energy 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.
n) 
Fishery or Fisheries management area refers to a bay, gulf, lake or any 
other fishery area which may be delineated for fishery resource 
management purposes, as defined in Republic Act No. 10654, 
amending Republic Act No. 8550 Otherwise known as the Philippine 
Fisheries Code of 1998.
o) 
Gear 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.
p) 
Genetically modified organism (GMO) refers to any living organism that 
possesses a novel combination of genetic material through the use of 
modern biotechnology.
q) 
Flunting 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.
r) 
Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) refers to the special account 
established for the purpose of financing projects of the NIPAS and 
individual protected areas.
s) 
Invasive alien species refers to species introduced deliberately or 
unintentionally outside their natural habitats where they have the
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ability to establish themselves, invade, out-compete native species, 
and take over the new environment.
t) 
Littering refers to the disposal of small amounts of non-biodegradable 
solid waste materials such as, but not limited to, cigarette butts, candy 
wrappers, plastic materials, bottles and glasses.
u) 
Muitipie-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.
v) 
Municipal fishers or fisherfoik refer to persons who catch fish and other 
fisheries products using fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less, 
or whose fishing does not require the use of fishing vessels.
w) 
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, 
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources 
found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest 
extent possible.
x) 
Non-government organization (NGO) refers to any civic, 
developmental, environmental or philanthropic non-stock, non-profit 
organization, duly registered, having by-laws, democratically-elected 
representatives, with qualifications, expertise and objectivity in 
activities concerning community organizing and development, or 
resource and environmental conservation, management and protection 
related to the protected area.
y) 
Non-renewabie resources refer to those resources that cannot be 
remade, regrown or regenerated on a scale comparative to its 
consumption.


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z) Noxious or poisonous substances refer to any substance, plant extracts 
or juice thereof, sodium cyanide and/or cyanide compounds or, other 
chemicals either in raw or processed form, harmful or harmless to 
human beings, which will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious 
any marine organism and capable of damaging or altering the natural 
habitat.
aa) 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 than twenty-four (24) hours.
bb) Peopie's organization (PO) refers to a group of people which may be 
an association, cooperative, federation, aggrupation of individuals or 
groups with an identifiable structure of decision-making and 
accountability, established to undertake collective action to address 
community concerns and needs in relation to the protected area.
cc) 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 
protected areas, operating any foreign fishing vessels by any person, 
corporation, or entity without a permit.
dd) Protected area refers to identified portions of land and/or water set 
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, 
managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against 
destructive human exploitation.
ee) Protected Area Retained Income Account (PA-RIA) 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.


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ff) 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 (lUCN), or any plant or animal which the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PAMB or 
any government agency may deem necessary for conservation and 
preservation in the protected area;
gg) 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.
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hh) 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 resource utilization goals which are 
based upon appropriate information and planning.
ii) Speciai Account in the Generai Fund (SAGF) refers to the trust fund 
deposited in the national treasury representing the twenty-five percent 
(25%) of the revenues generated from the operation of individual 
protected area and earmarked to support the NIPAS.
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jj) Speciai Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) refers to any 
Fishery/Fisheries Management Area, as defined in RA No. 10654 
amending RA No. 8550, designated through a Presidential 
Proclamation or any other form policy issuance.


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kk) Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (5APA) refers to a binding 
instrument between the DENR, as the first party, and the project 
proponent as the second party, relating to the use and/or development 
of land, resources or facilities within protected areas, pursuant to the 
ENIPAS Act;
II) Strict Protection Zone (SPZ) refers to portions within protected areas 
that are closed to human activities by virtue of their significant 
biodiversity value, high susceptibility to geo-hazard, and identification 
as permanently dangerous. These areas may also include habitats of 
threatened species, or degraded areas that are designated for 
restoration and subsequent protection, regardless of their stages of 
regeneration;
mm) Wildlife refers to the wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in ail 
developmental stages, including those which are in captivity or are 
being bred, fed, or propagated.
Sec. 4. Scope of Application. - The Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve 
(PRMRR) shall cover the Benham Bank and its surrounding waters, more specifically 
described in Map No. PP-MPA-PR-01 within the following geographic coordinates:
Boundary Corner 
01 
02 
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04
Latitude 
15° 32' 12" N 
15° 32' 12" N 
16° 02' 47" N 
16° 02' 47" N
Longitude 
123° 58' 56" E 
124° 33' 03" E 
124° 33' 03" E 
123° 58' 56" E
under the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84), containing an area of 
three hundred forty-three thousand five hundred seventeen (343,517) hectares, 
more or less.
Sec. 5. Management Zoning. - When necessary, the DENR Secretary, upon 
the recommendation of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve Protected Area 
Management Board (PRMRR PAMB), may designate a Strict Protection Zone within


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the PRMRR in consideration of significant biodiversity value or habitats of threatened
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species, among other reasons as may be identified.
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The areas outside of the strict protection zone but within the PRMRR shall
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automatically be designated as the Multiple-Use Zone and the Special Fisheries
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Management Area, pursuant to Republic Act No. 11038, or the "ENIPAS Act of
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2018", amending Republic Act No. 7586, and Republic Act No. 10654 amending
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Republic Act No. 8550, or the "Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998."
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The DENR Secretary, upon recommendation of the PAMB, may designate
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areas surrounding the PRMRR as buffer zones for the purpose of providing extra
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layer of protection where restrictions may be applied.
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Pursuant to the "ENIPAS Act of 2018", the DENR, with the assistance of other
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government agencies, shall delineate and demarcate the PRMRR and its
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management zones.
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Sec. 6. Management Plan. - The management plan shall, at the minimum,
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promote the adoption and implementation of innovative management techniques
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including, when necessary, zoning, buffer zone management, habitat conservation
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and rehabilitation, diversity management, community organizing and development,
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socioeconomic and scientific researches, site-specific policy development, climate
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change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and
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gender and development, among others.
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The Management Plan shall be updated pursuant to the ENIPAS Act.
I
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CHAPTER II
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THE PHILIPPINE RISE MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE PROTECTED AREA
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MANAGEMENT BOARD (PRMRR PAMB)
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Sec. 7. Creation and Composition of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource
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Reserve Management Board. - There shall be a Philippine Rise Marine Resource
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Reserve Protected Area Management Board (PRMRR PAMB), which shall be the sole
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policy-making body of the PRMRR. The management and administration of the


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PRMRR shall be vested with the PRMRR PAMB, as herein provided, and shall be 
consultative and participatory. It shall be composed of:
a) 
Secretary of the DENR, as Chairperson;
b) 
Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Natural 
Resources Chairperson;
c) 
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural 
Resources and Climate Change Chairperson;
d) 
Designated representatives of the Department of Agriculture Bureau of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA BFAR), National Economic 
Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST), Department of National Defense Office of Civil 
Defense (DND OCD), Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, the 
National Security Council (NSC), National Coast Watch Council 
Secretariat (NCWCS), Department of Foreign Affairs Maritime and 
Ocean Affairs Office (DFA MOAO), Armed Forces of the Philippines 
(AFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
e) 
Four (4) representatives from NGOs or POs duly accredited by the 
DENR. The NGOs or POs represented should have been in existence for 
at least five (5) years and must have a record of accomplishments in 
the field of protected area management;
f) 
Up to four (4) representatives from academic institutions, preferably 
from universities or colleges with proven track records in protected 
area management and research; and
g) 
One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably from the 
commercial fishing sector and a member of the National Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Management Council.
Ex-officio members or members of the PAMB by virtue of their elective or 
appointive government positions as specified in the immediately preceding sub-
10


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paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) shall serve for the duration of their respective terms
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of office in their respective elective or appointive government positions.
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On the other hand, the members of the PAMB specified under sub-paragraphs
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(e), (f), and (g) of this section shali be appointed by the DENR Secretary after the
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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.
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The members of the PAMB shall serve without compensation, except for the
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actual and necessary travel and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of
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their duties, either in their attendance in PAMB meetings or in connection with other
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official business authorized through a resolution by the PAMB, subject to existing
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ruies and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and accountability
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for decisions binding to the member's sector.
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The Interim PAMB members duly appointed prior to the effectivity of this Act
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shall continue to exercise their function until such time that a new set of PAMB
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members shall have been constituted.
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Thereafter, the members of the management board shall be appointed in
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accordance with the provisions of this Act: Provided, That at least forty percent
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(40%) of the PAMB members shall be women pursuant to Republic Act No. 9710 or
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'The Magna Carta of Women'.
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A member of the PAMB may be removed for any of the following grounds:
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More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular
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meetings of the management board;
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2) 
Commission of acts prejudicial to the management of protected areas
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as embodied in Section 18 hereof and other existing rules and
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regulations governing protected areas;
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3) 
Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;
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Termination of relationship with the office or organization being
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represented; or
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Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
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The processes for facilitating applications, appointments, and creation of
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committees of the PRMRR PAMB and its members, as well as the resolution of
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issues, shall be pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018.
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Sec. 8. Powers and Functions of the PRMRR PAMB. - The PRMRR PAMB shall
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have the following powers and functions:
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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 w'th and integration into national and other 
development plans, such as the FMA 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 the 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 existing guidelines;
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h) 
Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through
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appropriate and effective means;
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i) 
Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other
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government authorities;
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j) 
Monitor and assess the performance of the Protected Area
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Superintendent (PASU) and other protected area personnel and
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compliance of partners with the terms and conditions of any
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undertaking, contract or agreement;
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k) 
Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the
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designation or appointment of the PASU; and
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Assess the effectiveness of the management of the protected area:
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Provided, That the members of the management board representing national
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agencies shall inform their respective constituents, offices or sectors, of PAMB-
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approved or other relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects and
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shall ensure that the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and
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regulations are complied with, and used as reference and framework in their
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respective plans, policies, programs, and projects. Failure to comply with the
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foregoing shall be the basis for disciplinary action against such member according to
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administrative rules and regulations and such penalties as the PAMB may provide:
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Provided, further. That the DENR, shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope
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of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between the resolutions issued by the
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PAMB and the existing administrative orders of national application, the latter shall
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prevail.
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Sec. 9. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - Pursuant to the
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ENIPAS Act of 2018, there is hereby established a PRMRR Protected Area
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Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a Protected Area Superintendent
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(PASU) with a permanent plantilla position who shall supervise the day-to-day
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management, protection, and administration of the PRMRR. A sufficient number of
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support staff with permanent plantilla position shall be appointed by the DENR to
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assist the PASU in the management of the PRMRR.
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The PASU shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the
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management and operations of the protected area. Pursuant thereto, the PASU shall
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have the following duties and responsibilities:
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a) 
Prepare the management plan, in consultation with the stakeholders, 
including the annual work and financial plans and ensure its 
implementation;
b) 
Ensure the integration of the protected area management plans, 
programs, projects, and policies with relevant national 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
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activities of the protected area;
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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
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j)
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necessary for the effective management, protection and administration 
of the protected area;
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 issued by relevant authorities, 
subject to prior clearance from the PAMB, through the PASU, in 
accordance with the specific acts to be covered;
Collect and receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other 
income for the protected area: Provided, That such fees, charges, 
donations, and other income collected/received shall be reported 
regularly to the PAMB and the DENR in accordance with existing 
guidelines;
Prepare and recommend to the PAMB approval of the annual work and 
financial plans of the protected area based on the management plan;
Directly report to the DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations 
through the Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau; and
m) Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.
Sec. 10. Role of the DENR. - The DENR shall perform all the functions as 
stipulated in the ENIPAS Act of 2018, as well as coordinate closely with other 
government agencies concerned to ensure the sound management and conservation 
of the PRMRR. It shall also provide technical and financial assistance to the PRMRR 
as may be needed.
Sec. 11. Reporting Responsibility. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the 
PASU, through the PAMB, shall submit an annual accomplishment report of the 
protected area to the Secretary of the DENR through the Biodiversity Management 
Bureau (BMB). A report on the conditions and benefits of the biological resources
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and ecosystem services of the protected area shall also be submitted by the PASU,
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through channels, to the Secretary of the DENR every five (5) years. Further, the
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PASU shall coordinate with and provide the necessary documents needed by the
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BMB for the preparation of the National State of Protected Areas (NSPAs) report
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every five (5) years, to be submitted to the President, the Senate and the House of
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Representatives.
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CHAPTER III
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DEVELOPMENT, FISHING, EXPLORATION, AND RESEARCH
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ACTIVITIES AT THE PRMRR
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Sec. 12. Management of the Special Fisheries Management Area of the
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PRMRR. - There shall be a Special Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) within the
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PRMRR under the jurisdiction of the DA BFAR, that covers the Multiple-Use Zone of
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the PRMRR. The DA BFAR shall monitor all the fishing activities within the SFMA,
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advise the PASU on fisheries management, ensure coordination and harmonization
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of the PRMRR Management Plan with the FMA framework, and provide other
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technical and financial assistance as may be necessary
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Sec. 13. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). - Considering that
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protected areas are environmentally critical areas, the proponent of development
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projects and activities with potentially significant adverse impacts as determined by
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the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), whether or not these projects or
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activities are included in the management plan, shall secure an Environmental
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Compliance Certificate (ECC) in accordance with the Philippine Environment Impact
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Statement (EIS) System: Provided, That for development projects and activities that
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are not environmentally critical, an initial environmental examination (lEE) shall be
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undertaken insteaa of a full-blown EIA. No project or activity may be undertaken by
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any project proponent without prior clearance from the PAMB. The DENR shall
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require the submission of the PAMB clearance, among others, before issuing an ECC
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to a project proponent.
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No actual implementation of such activities shall be allowed without the
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required ECC under the Philippine EIA System. Violations of environmental laws.
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rules and regulations, including those under the EIA System, shall be penalized
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Sec 14. Energy Resource Projects. - Consistent with Section 14 of the ENIPAS 
Act of 2018, the exploration for energy resources may be allowed in protected areas 
only for the purpose of gathering data and information and only if such activity is 
carried out with the least damage to surrounding areas.
Surveys for non-renewable energy projects shall be conducted only in 
accordance with a program approved by the DENR, and the result of such surveys 
shall be made available to the public and submitted to the President who shall make 
the appropriate recommendations to Congress.
Renewable energy projects may be allowed within the protected area by the 
PAMB with the concurrence of the DENR Secretary: Provided, That renewable energy 
projects, which shall be located outside the strict protection zones, shall undergo the 
EIA as provided by law, and shall adopt reduced impact technologies so as not to be 
detrimental to ecosystem functions, biodiversity, cultural practices and traditions: 
Provided, further. That sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the 
DENR, the amount of which will be based on damage estimation upon 
decommissioning and projected cost of rehabilitation. It shall be released to the 
depositor upon the satisfactory decommissioning of all equipment, structures and 
improvements and the rehabilitation of the site according to the zones and 
objectives of the management plan as attested to by the PAMB.
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Sec. 15. Special Uses Within Protected Areas. - Consistent with Section 25 of
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the ENIPAS Act of 2018, special uses may be allowed within the PRMRR except in
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the strict protection zone.
A sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR to be 
released to the depository bank in the event of damage by or closure of the 
establishment after satisfactory rehabilitation according to the zones and objectives 
of the management plan as attested to by the PAMB.
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CHAPTER IV
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ENFORCEMENT, PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES
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Sec. 16. Persons and Deputies Authorized to Enforce this Act and Other
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Environmentai Rules and Regulations. - The law enforcement officers of the
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as the
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Department of Agriculture (DA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine
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Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP MG) are hereby
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authorized to enforce this Act and other marine environmental laws, rules and
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regulations. Further, the PAMO may also be augmented by the deputized
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environment and natural resources, law enforcement officers upon the
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recommendation of the PAMB and approval of the DENR.
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Nothing herein mentioned shall be construed as preventing regular enforcers
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and police officers from arresting any person in the act of violating said laws and
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regulations.
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Sec. 17. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are prohibited within the
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PRMRR:
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a) 
Poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife within the 
protected area;
b) 
Flunting, 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", or harvests of non-protected species in multiple-use 
zones by fishers who are traditionally operating in the area as may be 
determined by BEAR;
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c) 
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;
d) 
Using any fishing or harvesting gear or employing any practices, or any 
of their variations, that is unsustainable, 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 ""he protected area shall be prima facie evidence of 
their use;
e) 
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 PRMRR;
f) 
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 199" detrimental to the 
protected area, or to the plants, animals, inhabitants or habitats 
therein;
g) 
Operating any motorized conveyance within the protected area without 
permit from the PAMB;
h) 
Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks, buoys, or 
signs;
i) 
Mutilating, defacing, destroying, excavating, vandalizing or, in any 
manner, damaging any natural formation, religious, spiritual, historical
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sites, artifacts and other objects of natural beauty, scenic value or 
objects of interest;
j) 
Littering or depositing refuse or debris within the protected area;
k) 
Possessing or using blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the 
protected area;
l) 
Occupying or dwelling within the protected area without clearance 
from the PAMB;
m) 
Entering, enjoying or utilizing any portion of the PRMRR and the 
resources therein, for whatever purpose without the prior permission 
from the PRMRR-PAMB; and
n) 
Obstructing, evading, or hindering Law Enforcement Officers from 
performing their duties within the Protected Area.
o) 
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;
p) 
Undertaking mineral exploration or extraction within the protected 
area, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942, or the "Philippine Mining Act 
of 1995";
q) 
Engaging in commercial or large-scale quarrying within the protected 
area;
r) 
Establishing or introducing exotic species, including GMOs or invasive 
alien species within the protected area;
s) 
Conducting bioprospecting activities within the protected area without 
prior PAMB clearance in accordance with existing guidelines: Provided,
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t)
That in addition to the penalty provided herein, any commercial use of 
any substance derived from non-permitted bioprospecting activities 
shall not be allowed and all revenue earned from illegal 
commercialization thereof shall be forfeited and deposited as part of 
the IPAF;
Prospecting, hunting or otherwise locating hidden treasures within the 
protected area;
Sec. 18. Penalties. - Violations under this Act shall be subject to the following 
penalties:
a) 
A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but 
not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000) 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 17 herein;
b) 
A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but 
not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000) or imprisonment from 
one (1) year but not more than six (6) yeai s, or both, shall be imposed 
upon any person who violates paragraphs (f) to (n) of Section 17 
herein;
c) 
A fine of not less than One million pesos (PI,000,000) but not more 
than Five million pesos (P5,000,000) or imprisonment from six (6) 
years but not more than twelve (12) years, or both, shall be imposed 
upon any person who violates paragraphs (o) to (t) of Section 17 
herein;
d) 
Administrative fines of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000), 
but not exceeding Five million pesos (P5,000,000), shall be imposed by 
the DENR Secretary for the violation of any rule, regulation, or 
provision of any agreement reached with the PAMB: Provided, That if 
an area which has sustained damage from any activity conducted
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therein requires rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the 
court, the offende; shall be required to restore or pay compensation 
for such damages, which payment shall accrue to the IPAF.
On the basis of a court order, the DENR shall cause the eviction of an 
offender from the protected area: Provided, that in cases of emergency, the DENR 
Secretary may order the immediate exit or departure of the offender from the 
protected area. The DENR Secretary may call on other enforcement agencies to 
assist in executing the order to vacate.
An emergency occurs when there is a demonstrated impending threat to 
human life and biodiversity or to species found within the ecosystem of the 
protected area.
All minerals, wildlife, or other resources, whether living or nonliving, illegally 
collected or removed from the protected area, including all equipment, devices, 
conveyances, and firearms used in connection therewith, shall be forfeited in favor 
of the government, and any construction or improvement made thereon by the 
offender shall be subject to confiscation by the PAMO, subject to the application of 
due process.
The conveyances, vessels, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, gears, 
tools, and similar devices used in the commission of the crime shall be dealt with in 
accordance with Part 4, Rule 12 (Custody and Disposition of Seized Items, 
Equipment, Paraphernalia, Conveyances and Instruments) of Administrative Matter 
No. 09-6-8-SC (Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases) issued by the Supreme 
Court. However, in no case shall any confiscated or rescued protected animal species 
be sold or in any manner disposed of but shall be immediately turned over to the 
PAMO for rehabilitation and release to its natural habitat, subject to existing 
regulations.
Valuation of the damage shall take into account biodiversity and conservation 
considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. The valuation and assessment 
by the DENR, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, shall be 
presumed regular, unless otherwise proven by preponderance of evidence.
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If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager, 
who is proven to have participated in or have actual knowledge of any violation 
against the provisions of this Act shall be directly liable for the act of the employees 
and laborers: Provided, finally, That the DENR may impose administrative fines and 
penalties consistent with this Act.
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the acts 
prohibited in this Act, or force their workers to commit any of the same, shall be 
liable as principal.
The penalties specified in this section shall be in addition to the penalties 
provided in the ENIPAS Act, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, 
Republic Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, and other 
related laws.
The conviction of a public officer or officer of the law whether from any LGU 
or any national government agency for any violation of the provisions of this Act 
shall carry the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.
Sec. 19. Enforcement of laws within PRMRR Areas in the Exclusive Economic 
Zone. - The penalties under this Act shall be enforced according to the following 
norms:
a) 
Foreign nationals who are arrested and prosecuted for violations of this 
Act committed in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines shall 
be subject to imprisonment or other form of corporal punishment 
pursuant to an agreement betweeii the Philippines and the relevant 
foreign states allowing the imposition of these penalties;
b) 
Foreign vessels and their crew arrested or detained for violation of this 
Act committed in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines shall 
be promptly released upon the posting of reasonable bond or other 
financial security set by the competent Philippine court. In case a 
dispute settlement proceeding has been initiated by the flag state of a 
detained foreign vessel before the relevant international court or 
tribunal under Article 292 of the 1932 Law of the Sea Convention, the
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competent Philippine court shall promptly order the release of the 
detained foreign vessel and its crew upon payment of the bond or 
other financial security set by the said relevant international court or 
tribunal;
c) In case a foreign vessel is arrested or detained for violation of this Act 
committed in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines, the 
competent Philippine court shall promptly direct the Department of 
Foreign Affairs to notify the flag State of that vessel of the action taken 
and of any penalties subsequently imposed.
CHAPTER IV
ENFORCEMENT, PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES
Sec. 20. The Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). - Pursuant to the 
ENIPAS Act of 2018, income generated from the operation and management of the 
PRMRR shall accrue to the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). The income shall 
be derived from fees and charges from the use of resources and facilities of the 
PRMRR; contributions from industries and facilities directly benefitting from the 
protected area; and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the 
PRMRR.
The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised 
through the above means, which shall be deposited in the Protected Area-Retained 
Income Account (PA-RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within the 
locality: Provided, That disbursements out of such deposits shall be used solely for 
the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the protected area 
and implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB.
Grants, donations and endowments from various sources, domestic or 
foreign, shall be deposited in ful1 in a special account in the National Treasury to be 
used for the purpose specified in the deeds and instruments covering them.
Voluntary or legislated payments for ecosystem goods and services, including 
fines, penalties, and compensation for damages from protected area offenses shall 
accrue fully to the PA-RIA and shall be managed by the PAMB.
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The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a 
special account in the General Fund in the National Treasury for purposes of 
financing the projects of the Syscem.
The use of the IPAF shall be in accordance with existing accounting, 
budgeting, and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further. That the IPAF shall 
not be used to cover personal services expenditures.
The DENR shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 
and the Department of Finance (DOF) quarterly reports on the financial and physical 
accomplishments on the utilization of the IPAF and other documents as may be 
required by the DBM, and shall furnish a copy of the same to the House Committee 
on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
Sec. 21. Tax Exemption. - All grants, bequests, endowments, donations and 
contributions made to the protected area fund to be used actually, directly, and 
exclusively by the protected area, shall be exempted from donor's tax and shall be 
considered as allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor for the 
purpose of computing the taxable income of the donor in accordance with the 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
Sec. 22. Impiementing Rules and Reguiations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DENR shall, in consultation with 
the concerned agencies and stakeholders most especially the fisheries sector, issue 
the corresponding rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Sec. 23. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of the DENR and DA shall 
immediately include in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 24. Transitory Provision. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, in order 
to enhance biologicai diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for 
tenured migrants, the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses, 
permits, clearances, compliance documents or other instruments that allow 
utilization of resources within the protected area until the management plan shall
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have been put into effect. All existing resource use permits issued for purposes 
which are authorized within the protected area shall be reviewed and shall not be 
renewed upon their expiration unless consistent with the management plan and 
approved by the PAMB. v
Sec. 25. Construction-and Suppletory Application of Existing Laws. - The 
provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving biodiversity 
conservation, protection and sustainable development. Provisions of the ENIPAS Act 
of 2018, Republic Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the 
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and existing environmental laws 
and their corresponding rules, and regulations not inconsistent hereto shall have 
suppletory effect in the implerpentation of this Act.
Sec. 26. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected shall 
continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations 
and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modifiec} accordingly.
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Sec. 28. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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