FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
438 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our coral reefs is considered one of the most productive and fertile 
ecosystems in the world. About 18,471 kilometers of the entire Philippines 
coastline are occupied by coral reefs. They are recognized as prized natural 
resources not only for being the home of several species but also for being a 
source of jewelry, as well. 
Reef-related fishing accounted for more than twenty percent (20%) of the 
total fisheries production. Because of fishing techniques like muro-ami, kayakas, 
dynamite cyanide fishing and other destructive means of fishing, our coral reefs 
are gradually being destroyed. Considering that the estimated recovery of coral 
reefs is fifty (50) years, there is an urgent need to put a stop to these destructive 
techniques. 
By proposing the creation of reservation areas where coral reefs will be 
nurtured and protected, this bill seeks to achieve a laudable objective -- 
preserving our coral reefs. It will also create an administrative agency, with the 
participation of the local government concerned, which shall have authority to 
manage these areas. 
In view of the abovementioned considerations, early passage of this bill is 
earnestly requested. 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S. B. No. 
38 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF RESERVATION AREAS FOR THE 
PRESERVATION AND 
PROTECTION OF 
THE 
CORAL 
REEFS, 
PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECJlON 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Coral Reefs 
Protection and Preservation Act of 2007." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The illegal activities of man have led to 
the unabated destruction of the coral reefs in the Philippines. Despite the 
continuous damage done to the coral reefs, man has failed to make measures to 
recover and reclaim the losses caused thereby. Cognizant, therefore, of such 
problem the State hereby acknowledges the importance of coral reefs in national 
development. For this purpose, there shall be established reservation areas 
exclusively for the protection and preservation of the coral reefs. 
A National Council for the Preservation of the Coral Reefs is, therefore, 
created which shall be the leading agency to undertake the management of the 
reservation areas. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following 
terms shall be defined as follows: 
(a) Coral Reefs - is a coelenterate of class anthazoa and occur as polyps 
(b) Reservation Areas - refers to coastal areas which have been set 
(c) Coastal Areas - as defined in this Act means portion of land which 
SEC. 4. Municipal Coastline Reservafion Areas. - There shall be 
established and set aside portion of coastal areas in each municipality within 
Philippines solely for the preservation, protection and management of coral reefs. 
SEC. 5. National Council for the Preservation of Coral Reefs - There 
shall be created a National Council for the Preservation of Coral Reefs which 
which is usually found in shallow ocean water. 
aside exclusively for the conservation and preservation of coral reefs. 
border the sea. 


shall be an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR). The council shall be headed by the Secretary of the DENR 
who shall be the Chairman of the Council. The other members of the Council 
shall be 1) the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government 
(DILG); 2) the Director-general of the National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA); 3) the Director of the Forest Management Bureau; 4) a ranking 
official from an accredited non-governmental organization. 
The National Council shall have the following powers and functions: 
1) 
Prepare a comprehensive program for the preservation of the coral 
reefs by conducting the necessary studies on the system and the 
mode of preservation of the coral reefs; 
Identify the coastal areas which shall form part of the reservation 
areas; 
Have general control and supervision over all the regional councils; 
Promulgate the necessary rules and regulations necessary to carry 
out this Act. 
2) 
3) 
4) 
SEC. 6. Regional Council for the Preservation of Coral reefs. - There 
shall be created a Regional Council for the Preservation of Coral Reefs in each 
region. The Co unci1 shall be headed by a Regional Executive Director duly 
appointed by the Chairman of the National Council. Other members of the 
Regional Council shall be composed of representatives from a province or 
municipality concerned. The Regional Council shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
1) 
2) 
3) 
Implement and enforce all the programs and policies laid down by 
the National Council; 
Carry out the general administration and day-to-day planning of the 
program; and 
Secure the reservation area from illegal cutter, fishermen, and from 
illegal 
activities 
which 
would 
endanger 
the 
successful 
implementation and viability of the program. 
In the exercise of this function, the Regional Council and the Local 
Government under whose jurisdiction the reservation area is located shall 
employ the services of forest guards who shall be tasked with the responsibility 
to guard and police the reservation areas. They shall have the authority to arrest 
those who violate the provisions of this Act and rules and regulations pursuant 
thereto. 
In the event that any member or officer of the National and Regional 
Council or any of the forest guards are found to be involved in illegal activities or 
found to be guilty of malfeasance, the concerned individuals shall be held liable 
for such violations and shall be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of 
Section 8 of this Act without prejudice to any criminal liability which he or she 
may be found guilty of. 
4) Perform other powers and functions as may be designated by the 
SEC. 7. Prohibited Act - The following Acts are prohibited: 
1) 
2) 
3) 
National Council. 
Destruction of the coral reefs within the reservation areas; 
Harvesting of coral reefs within the reservation areas; 
Illegal fishing activities prejudicial to the preservation of the coral 
reefs: 


4) 
5) 
Dumping of mine tailing and other industrial wastes within the 
reservation areas 
Other acts or activities which will result in the destruction of the 
reservation areas. 
SEC. 8. Penalties. - Those who are found guilty of violating this Act or any 
rules and regulations issued by the National Council shall, after notice and 
hearing by the regular courts of record, be fined in the amount of not less than 
five hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO) but not more than six (6) years, or 
both, in the discretion of the court. 
If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager 
shall be directly responsible for the act of his employees and laborers. 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act, be 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, no other provisions hereof shall be affected 
thereby. 
SEC. IO. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, order, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
SEC. ff. fffecfivify Clause. - This Act shall effect upon its approval. 
Approved,