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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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7 
*JUL -4 
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Introduced by SENATOR COMPAnERA PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare certain lakes near the area of Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur as 
a protected area. 
The Sinarapan Sanctuary, which covers a total aggregate area of 16,805 hectares, is 
home to the smallest fish in the world, the “Sinarapan”. Notably, the Sinarapan is declared by 
the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) as Protected Species. 
This bill, therefore, seeks to declare the Sinarapan Sanctuary as a protected area in 
order to protect it from indiscriminate exploitation and to be able to maintain its ecological 
balance. 
Given the importance of biodiversity, it is deemed crucial that we act on this now to 
ensure that our children and the succeeding generations will inherit a living earth with all of its 
bountiful natural resources and vibrant wildlife. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly urged. 
SENAT fa/ 
R OMP y 
ERA PIA S. CAYETANO 


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Introduced by SENATOR COMPAfiERA PIA S. CAYETANO 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING LAKES MANAPAO, KATUGDAY, DANA0 AND MAKUAO LOCATED 
WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUHI, CAMARINES SUR AND THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
POLANGUI AND MALINAO, ALBAY AS A PROTECTED AREA TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
SJNARAPAN SANCTUARY, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. -This Act shall be known as "The Sinarapan Sanctuary (SS) Act of 
SEC. 2. Establishment of the Sinarapan Sanctuav. - There is hereby declared as part 
of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), pursuant to Republic Act No. 
7586, certain lakes near the area of Lake Buhi, located in the Municipality of Buhi, Province 
of Camarines Sur, under the category of wildlife sanctuary, to be known as the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary. 
SEC. 3. Land Classification. - All lands and bodies of water of the public domain 
comprising the Sinarapan Sanctuary shall fall under the classification of National Park as 
provided for in the Philippine Constitution. 
SEC. 4. Scope and Coverage. - The Sinarapan Sanctuary covers the area of Lake 
Manapao and Lake Makuao, both located in Barangay San Ramon; Lake Katugday, located 
between Barangay San Ramon and Barangay De Lafe in the Municipality of Buhi, Camarines 
Sur; and Lake Danao, located in the boundary of Barangay Danao, Municipality of Polangui, 
Albay and the Municipality of Buhi, near Barangay Makaangay. The areas covered by the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary are more particularly described as follows: 
A. 
LAKE MANAPAO 
2007". 
Beginning at corner "2", a point located S 75" 05' E, which is 712.296 meters from GPS 
Control Point BUHI No. 2, to corner 1 with longitude 123" 28' 41.3" and latitude 13" 24' 
53.55"; 


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B. 
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thence 
N 76" 5 5  W 28.315 meters to point 2 
thence 
N 08" 10' W 61.333 meters to point 3 
thence 
N 47" 51' E 
58.465 meters to point 4 
thence 
N 63" 18' E 
49.059 meters to point 5 
thence 
N 35" 30' E 
44.953 meters to point 6 
thence 
S 74" 48 E 
55.048 meters to point 7 
thence 
S 60" 47' E 
46.434 meters to point 8 
thence 
S 49" 38' E 
75.553 meters to point 9 
thence 
S I O "  19' E 
23.012 meters to point 10 
thence 
S 34" 15' W 
51.043 meters to point 11 
thence 
S 86" 02' W 204.060 meters to point 1 
LAKE MAKUAO 
Beginning at corner " 3 ,  a point located N 75" 08' W, about 138.333 meters from GPS 
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Control Point BUHl No. 3, to corner 1 and with longitude 123" 28' 49.23" and latitude 13" 25' 
21.55"; 
thence 
N 83" 51' W 35.727 meters to point 2 
thence 
N 70" 28' W 59.038 meters to point 3 
thence 
N 05" 03' E 
63.316 meters to point 4 
thence 
N 54" 31' E 
61.480 meters to point 5 
thence 
S 66" 34' E 
46.288 meters to point 6 
thence 
S 18" 27' E 
56.832 meters to point 7 
thence 
S 26" 32' W 55.808 meters to point 1 
C. 
LAKE KATUGDAY 
Beginning at corner " 5 ,  a point located S 16" 15' W, which is about 533.870 meters 
from GPS Control Point BUHl No. 5, to corner 1 and with longitude 123" 29 19.76" and 
latitude 13" 25' 19.47"; 
thence 
S 45" 52' E 
49.234 meters to point 2 
thence 
S 20" 11' E 
49.104 meters to point 3 
thence 
S 26" 28' W 83.419 meters to point 4 
thence 
S 26" 5 8  W 42.951 meters to point 5 
thence 
S 28" 44' W 157.389 meters to point 6 
thence 
S 27" I O '  W 
50.100 meters to point 7 
thence 
N 66" 11' W 
19.709 meters to point 8 
thence 
N 02" 04' E 105.608 meters to point 9 
thence 
N 24" 03' E 287.369 meters to point 1 


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D. 
LAKEDANAO 
Beginning at corner "20, a point located S 32" 12' E, about 906.042 meters from MBM 
No. 20, Cad - 249 Malinao, Albay, to corner 1 and with longitude 123" 50' 0.68" and latitude 
13" 25' 59.70; 
thence 
S 72" 42' E 
95.790 meters to point 2 
thence 
S 72" 17' E 
49.700 meters to point 3 
thence 
S 49" 04' E 
73.090 meters to point 4 
thence 
S 15" 26' E 
72.930 meters to point 5 
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S 04" 19' W 
58.235 meters to point 6 
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S 15" 21' W 140.892 meters to point 7 
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S 57" 05' W 
36.858 meters to point 8 
thence 
N 85" 27' W 33.806 meters to point 9 
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N 54" 18' W 27.816 meters to point 10 
thence 
N 23" 22' W 89.264 meters to point 11 
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N 62" 02'W 29.337 meters to point 12 
thence 
S 48" 19' W 
30.556 meters to point 13 
thence 
N 88" 25'W 134.701 meters to point 14 
thence 
N 69" 39' W 22.540 meters to point 15 
thence 
N 20" 34' W 67.440 meters to point 16 
thence 
N 01" 17'W 121.160 meters to point 17 
thence 
N 45" 16' E 
75.590 meters to point 18 
thence 
N 70" 43' E 
59.760 meters to point 19 
thence 
N 82" 56' E 
39.210 meters to point 20 
thence 
N 76" 28' E 
67.440 meters to point 1 
Within six months following the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources (DENR) shall mark the boundaries of the Sinarapan Sanctuary with 
visible and permanent markers and shall thereafter see to it that the same are maintained. 
The technical descriptions provided in this Act will be subject to ground survey and 
Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as changing ecological 
situations, new scientific or archeological findings, or discovery of traditional boundaries not 
previously taken into account shall be made through an act of Congress, after consultation 
with the affected public and concerned government agencies. 
SEC. 5. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are defined 
as follows: 
(a) "Ancestral domain" refers to all areas generally belonging to Indigenous Cultural 
Communities or Indigenous People (ICCs/lPs) comprising lands, inland waters, coastal 
areas, and natural resources therein, held under a claim of ownership, occupied or 
verification to be conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 


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possessed by the ICCs/lPs, by themselves or thru their ancestors, communally or individually 
since time immemorial, continuously to the present except if interrupted by war, force 
majeure or displacement by force, deceit, stealth or as a consequence of government 
projects or any other voluntary dealings entered into by government or public 
individuals/corporations, and which are necessary to ensure their economic, social and 
cultural welfare. It shall include ancestral lands, forests, pasture, residential, agricultural, and 
other lands individually owned whether alienable and disposable or otherwise, hunting 
grounds, burial grounds, worship areas, bodies of water, mineral and other natural resources, 
and lands which may no longer be exclusively occupied by ICCsllPs but from which they 
traditionally had access to for their subsistence and traditional activities, particularly the home 
ranges of ICCs/lPs who are still nomadic and/or shifting cultivators. 
(b) “Biodiversity” refers to variety and variability among living organisms and the 
ecological complexes in which said organisms occur. 
(c) “Bioprospecting” means the research, collection and utilization of biological and 
genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for 
commercial purposes. 
(d) “Buffer Zone” is the identified area outside the boundaries of and immediately 
adjacent to designated Sinarapan Sanctuary that need special development control in order 
to avoid or minimize harm to the Sinarapan Sanctuary. 
(e) “By-product or derivatives” means any part taken or substance extracted from 
(e) “Collection or collecting” is the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife, its by-products 
(f) “Conservation” means sustainable utilization of wildlife, and/or maintenance, 
(9) “Endangered species” means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which is not 
critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors continue 
operating. 
(h) “Endemic Species” means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which is 
naturally occurring and found only within specific areas in the country. 
naturally occur within the protected area at present or in historical time. 
naturally occurs or has naturally established its population. 
the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spear and the like. 
(I) “Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous People (ICC/ IPS)” refers to a group 
of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by others, who 
wildlife, inraw or in processed form. This includes stuffed animals and herbarium specimens. 
or derivatives. 
restoration and enhancement of the habitat. 
(i) “Exotic Species” means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which do not 
(j) “Habitat” means a place or type of environment where a species or subspecies 
(k) “Hunting” refers to collection of wild fauna for food and/or recreational purposes with 


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have continuously lived as organized community on communally bounded and defined 
territory, and who have, under claims of ownership since time immemorial, occupied, 
possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, customs, 
traditions and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through resistance to political, 
social and cultural inroads of colonization, non-indigenous religions and cultures, became 
historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. IPS shall likewise include peoples who 
are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited 
the Country, at the time of conquest or colonization, or at the time of inroads of non- 
indigenous religions and cultures, or the establishment of present state boundaries, who 
retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural and political institutions, but who may 
have been displaced from their traditional domains or who may have resettled outside their 
ancestral domains. 
(m) “Management plan” refers to the fundamental plan, strategy andlor scheme which 
shall guide all activities relating to the Sinarapan Sanctuary in order to attain the objectives of 
this Act. 
(n) “Mineral” refers to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, gas, liquid, or 
any intermediate state including energy materials such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, 
radioactive materials, and geothermal energy. 
(0) 
“Multiple-use zones” refers to areas where settlement, traditional and/or sustainable 
land use, including agriculture, agro-forestry, extraction activities, and other income- 
generating or livelihood activities may be allowed to the extent prescribed in the management 
plan. 
(p) “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)” is 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. 
1992 or Republic Act No. 7586, and its implementing rules and regulations. 
(9) “NIPAS Act” refers to the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (NIPAS) of 
(r) “National Park” refers to the land of the public domain classified as such in the 1987 
Constitution which include all areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System 
(NIPAS) pursuant to R.A. 7586 primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and 
animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity. 
(s) “Non-governmental organization (NGO)” refers to an agency, institution, foundation 
or a group of persons whose purpose is to assist peoples organizationslassociations in 
various ways including, but not limited to, organizing, education, training, research and/or 
resource accessing. 


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(t) “People’s Organization (PO)” refers to a group of organized migrant communities and 
or interested indigenous peoples which may be an association, cooperative, federation, or 
other legal entity, established to undertake collective action to address community concerns 
and needs, and mutually share the benefits of the endeavor. 
(u) “Protected Area (PA)” refers to the 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. 
(v) “Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)” refers to a multi-sectoral policy-making 
body for Sinarapan Sanctuary created in accordance with RA 7586 or the NlPAS Act of 1992. 
(w) “Protected Landscapelseascape” refers to an area of national significance which 
are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing 
opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle 
and economic activity of these areas. 
resources found on or underneath the surface of private or public land. 
(y) “Strict protection zone” is a natural area with high biodiversity value which shall be 
closed to all human activity except for scientific studies and/or ceremonial or religious use by 
the indigenous cultural communitieslindigenous peoples; may include habitats of threatened 
species, or degraded areas that have been designated for restoration and subsequent 
protection, even if these areas are still in various stages of regeneration. 
(z) “Sustainable use” means the use of components of biological diversity in a way and 
rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its 
potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations. 
(aa) “Tenured Migrants” refers to occupants who have actually and continuously 
occupied a portion of the protected area and is solely dependent therein for subsistence. A 
protected area occupant is understood to be “solely dependent for subsistence” when 
everything indispensable for survival for the household, including food, clothing, shelter and 
health, comes only from the utilization of resources from the protected area. 
(bb) “Wildlife” means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all developmental 
stages, including those which are in captivity or are being bred or propagated. 
(cc) “Wildlife sanctuary” refers to an area which assures the natural conditions 
necessary to protect nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or 
physical features of the environment where these may require specific human manipulation 
for the perpetuation of such species or groups of species. 
SEC. 6. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for Sinarapan Sanctuary. - 
There is hereby created a Protected Area Management Board for the Sinarapan Sanctuary 
(PAMB-SS) which shall have the sole jurisdiction, power and authority over the Sinarapan 
(x) “Quarrying” means the process of extracting, removing and disposing quarry 


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Sanctuary for all matters that may affect biodiversity conservation, protection and sustainable 
development. 
In addition to the duties and functions enumerated in the implementing rules and 
regulations of Act No. 7586, the NIPAS ACT, the PAMB-SS, 
which shall decide by 
consensus or majority vote, shall have the following powers and functions: 
(a) Issue rules and regulations to prohibit acts that may be prejudicial to the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary and to the declaration of policy set forth under the NIPAS; 
(b) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through appropriate and 
(c) Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, including the creation of 
(d)Approve the management plan and oversee the office of the Protected Area 
effective means; 
committees to which its powers may be delegated; 
Superintendent (PASu); 
(e) Establish criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits for activities regulated by 
this Act or the management plan; 
(f) Recommend the deputization of appropriate individuals, including local community 
leaders, for the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the conduct or 
management of the Sinarapan Sanctuary; 
(9) Approve fees and charges in accordance with DAO 51, Series of 2000 and raise 
funds for the Sinarapan Sanctuary; 
(h) Manage the allocation of the Sinarapan Sanctuary Protected Landscape Fund, and 
other funds for the Sinarapan Sanctuary, ensure their proper administration and render 
accounting; and 
(i) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other government 
The DENR, through the Regional Executive Director (RED), shall ensure that the 
PAMB-SS shall act within the scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between 
administrative orders issued by the DENR pursuant to Republic Act NO. 7586 and the 
resolutions issued by the PAMB-SS, the Secretary shall decide whether to apply the rule or 
withdraw its application in the Sinarapan Sanctuary. 
authorities. 
SEC. 7. Composition of the PAMB-SS. - The PAMB-SS shall be composed of the 
following: 
(a) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of the DENR-Region V, as chairperson; 
(b) The Provincial Planning and Development Officers of the Provinces of Camarines 
(c) The Municipal Mayors of Buhi, Camarines Sur and the Municipal Mayors of Polangui 
Sur and Albay; 
and Malinao, Province of Albay or their authorized representatives; 
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(d) One representative from each barangay covering the Sinarapan Sanctuary; 


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(e) One representative from each tribal community residing within the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary; 
(f) At least two (2) representatives from local POs with stakes in the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary, chosen from among themselves; 
(9) At least three (3) representatives from the local NGOs with stakes in the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary, chosen from among themselves; and 
(h) One representative from government agencies involved in the Sinarapan Sanctuary 
management. 
Each member of the PAMB-SS shall serve for a term of five (5) years and shall be 
considered to represent his or her sector and deemed to carry the vote of such sector in all 
matters: In case of members who are government officials, the term of office shall be 
attached to the office held. 
The members of the PAMB-SS shall be appointed by the Secretary of the DENR in 
conformity with the provisions of the NlPAS Act. As a transitory provision, the initial members 
of the PAMB-SS shall be nominated from the current members of the interim PAMBs of the 
five (5) component areas of the Sinarapan Sanctuary. Their nominations shall be conducted 
in a joint meeting of the current members of the interim PAMBs duly called for the purpose: 
Provided, further, that at least one- third (113) of the members shall be women. 
In the selection of the representatives of POs and NGOs, preference shall be accorded 
to those organizations that are involved in the conservation, protection and development of 
the Sinarapan Sanctuary. Representation shall be by institution and shall aim to achieve 
balance in representation by geographic location or areas. 
The representatives from the local government units (LGUs) and national agencies in 
the PAMB-SS shall include among their duties the appraisal of their respective constituents, 
office or sector of PAMB-SS approved or other relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs 
and projects and ensuring that the provisions of this Act are observed, complied with, and 
used as reference and framework in their respective plans, policies, programs and projects. 
Failure to comply with the foregoing shall subject such representative to disciplinary action as 
the PAMB-SS may provide. 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance in 
meeting of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by a resolution 
of the Board, subject to existing rules and regulations. 
The Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Office is hereby created within the DENR 
regional office to be headed by the PASu who shall serve as the chief operating DENR 
officer of the entire Sinarapan Sanctuary. The PASu shall report directly to the RED of the 
DENR-Region V and shall be accountable to the PAMB-SS. The PASu and the PASu staff 


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shall reside within the Sinarapan Sanctuary and establish an office and sub-offices within the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary in order to implement this Act. 
The PASu shall have full responsibility for the protection of land, water, wildlife and 
other natural physical and biological resrouces with the Sinarapan Sanctuary. As such, the 
PASu shall have the following duties and responsibilities, in addition to those provided under 
RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992 and its implementing rules and regulations: 
(a) Establish, operate and maintain a database management system as decision 
(b) Prepare the management plans as herein defined; 
(c) Provide a secretariat for the PAMB-SS and supply the PAMB-SS with all the 
information necessary to make appropriate decisions for the effective implementation of this 
Act; 
(d) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the Sinarapan Sanctuary, institute 
and file legal action independently or in collaboration with other government agencies or 
organizations and assist in the prosecution of offenses committed in violation of this Act; 
management plan; 
established by the PAMB-SS 
support tool; 
(e) Monitor all activities within the Sinarapan Sanctuary in conformity with the 
(f) Recommend the issuance of permits based on terms, conditions and criteria 
(9) Ensure the integration of the Sinarapan Sanctuary management policies, regulations, 
(h) Perform such other functions as the PAMB-SS may delegate. 
The PASU shall be supported by sufficient number of personnel who shall be 
performing day to day management, protection and administration of the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary. Upon the recommendation of the PAMB-SS, the DENR Regional Director shall 
deputize local community leaders and environment and natural resource officers. 
programs and projects at all the concerned national and Local Government Unit levels; and 
SEC. 9. Tenured Migrants and Other Sinarapan Sanctuary Occupants. - Tenured 
migrants shall be eligible to become stewards of portions of lands within allowable zones. 
The PAMB-SS shall identify, verify and review all tenurial instruments, land claims, and 
issuances of permits for resource use within the Sinarapan Sanctuary and recommend the 
issuance of the appropriate tenure instrument consistent with the zoning provided in the 
management plan and its successor plans. 
Should areas occupied by tenured migrants be designated as zones in which no 
occupation or other activities are allowed pursuant to the attainment of sustainable 
development, provision for the transfer of said tenured migrants to multiple use zones or 
buffer zones shall be accomplished through just and humane means. 
In the event of termination of a tenurial instrument for cause or by voluntary surrender of 
rights, the PASu shall take immediate steps to rehabilitate the area in order to return it to its 


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natural state prior to the cultivation or other act by the tenured migrant. 
Other Sinarapan Sanctuary occupants who do not qualify as tenured migrants shall be 
resettled outside the Sinarapan Sanctuary as determined by the PAMB-SS. The PAMB-SS 
shall determine, plan and implement a definite schedule for resettling them outside of the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary following the procedures set forth by existing law. 
SEC. IO. Indigenous People’s Rights. - Ancestral domain and other customary rights 
and interests of indigenous communities within the Sinarapan Sanctuary shall be accorded 
due recognition. The preservation of ancestral domain and customary rights shall be 
considered as one of the management objectives. The maintenance, management and 
development of ancestral domains which are found to be necessary for Sinarapan Sanctuary 
will be pursuant to Section 58 of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the “The 
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA)”. 
The identification, delineation and recognition of ancestral domain claims within the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary shall be conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 
(NCIP) pursuant to the provisions the IPRA, and its implementing rules and regulations, in 
coordination with the PAMB-SS. 
SEC 11. Utilization of Resources. - Any exploitation of or utilization of nonrenewable 
resources within the Sinarapan Sanctuary shall not be allowed. Energy projects within the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary shall be allowed only through an act of Congress except energy from 
wind, sun and water sources of not more than one (1) megawatt capacity for mini-hydro 
power: Provided, That these renewable energy projects are established outside the strict 
protection zone, adopt reduced impact technologies and undergo the Environmental Impact 
Assessment (EIA) system as provided by law and: Provided, Further, that the PAMB-SS 
endorsement has been obtained. 
SEC. 12. Existing Facilities Within the Sinarapan Sanctuary. - Within sixty (60) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, major existing facilities such as roads, buildings, water 
systems, transmission lines, communication facilities, heavy equipment, and irrigation 
facilities existing within the boundaries of the Sinarapan Sanctuary shall submit project 
description to the PAMB-SS through the PASu. 
The PAMB-SS, with the assistance of the DENR, shall determine whether the existence 
of such facility and its future plan and operations will be detrimental to the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary or whether conditions for its operation shall be imposed. If any such conditions are 
violated, the owner of the facility shall be liable to pay a fine of Five thousand pesos 
(P5,OOO.OO) for every violation. Upon reaching a total fine of Five hundred thousand pesos 
(P500,000.00), the PAMB-SS through the PASu and deputizing other government entities, 
shall cause the cessation and demolition of the facility at the cost of its owner. 
Existing facilities allowed to remain within the Sinarapan Sanctuary may be charged a 
reasonable royalty by the DENR. All income from such royalty shall accrue to the Sinarapan 


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Sanctuary Fund. 
SEC. 13. Special Prosecutor and Retained Counsel. - Within thirty (30) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint a special prosecutor to 
whom all cases of violation of laws, rules and regulations in the Sinarapan Sanctuary shall be 
assigned. Such Special Prosecutor shall coordinate with the PAMB-SS and the PASu in the 
performance of hislher duties and assist in the training of wardens and rangers in arrest and 
criminal procedures. The PAMB-SS may retain the services of a counsel to prosecute and/or 
assist in the prosecution of cases under the direct control and supervision of the regular or 
special prosecutor and to defend the members of the PAMB-SS, the PASu and the staff, or 
any person assisting in the protection, conservation and sustainable development of the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary, against any legal action related to their powers, functions and 
responsibilities as provided in this Act or as delegated or tasked by the PAMB-SS. 
SEC. 14. Sinarapan sanctuary Fund. -There is hereby established a trust fund to be 
known as the Sinarapan Santuary Fund for purposes of financing projects of the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the income generated from the operation of the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary or management of wild flora and fauna in the Sinarapan Sanctuary 
shall accrue to the fund. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) shall go to the Integrated 
Protected Areas Fund (IPAF) as established in the NIPAS Act of 1992. 
Income shall be derived from visitorsltourists fee, fees from permitted sale and export 
of flora and fauna and other resources from the Sinarapan Sanctuary, proceeds from the 
registration and lease of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, 
proceeds, and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary. 
The PAMB- SS may impose and charge reasonable fees, such as but not limited to 
water users fee for water extracted by commercial water extractorsldistributors sourced and 
generated from the protected area. Such fee structure may change as the PAMB- SS may 
see fit. 
The Sinarapan Sanctuary fund may be augmented by grants, donations, endowment 
from various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes related to their functions: 
Provided, That disbursements therefrom shall be made solely for the protection, 
maintenance, administration and management of the system, and duly approved projects 
endorsed by the PAMB-SS in accordance with existing accounting and budgeting rules 
and regulations: Provided, further, That the fund shall not be used to cover personal 
services expenditures. 
The LGUs shall continue to impose and collect all other fees not enumerated herein 
which they have traditionally collected, such as business permits, and rentals of LGUs’ 
facilities: Provided, That the LGUs shall not impose property tax and issue tax declaration 


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for areas or properties located in timberland areas or areas previously classified as 
national parks. Furthermore, LGUs may charge add-ons to fees imposed by the PAMB-SS: 
Provided, That such add-ons shall be determined based on the contribution of the LGUs in 
the maintenance and protection of the Sinarapan Sanctuary. 
SEC.15. Prohibited Acts arid Penalties . - The following are the prohibitions and 
penalties applicable to the Sinarapan Sanctuary, in addition to the prohibited acts as 
provided in the NlPAS Act and its pertinent rules and regulations: 
(A) The penalties in Articles 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code, depending on the 
value of the resources involved in connection with the prohibited act, shall be imposed upon 
any person who: 
Takes, destroys, collects, disturbs or possesses any wild terrestrial or aquatic plants 
or animals, flora or fauna, sand, rocks or by-products derived therefrom, within particularly 
identified regulated or prohibited areas zones in the Sinarapan Sanctuary including private 
lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption: Provided, That hunting of 
animals shall be absolutely prohibited except for scientific research and for traditional hunting 
by the IPsllCCs; 
12) Cuts, gathers, removes or collects timber or any forest products, within particularly 
identified regulated or prohibited areas or zones in the Sinarapan Sanctuary including private 
lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption; 
(3) Possesses or transports, within or outside the Sinarapan Sanctuary any timber, 
forest products, wild terrestrial or aquatic plants, animals, flora or fauna, or by-product 
derived therefrom which is ascertained to have been taken from the Sinarapan Sanctuary; 
(4) Undertakes mineral exploration or extraction within the Sinarapan Sanctuary; 
(5) Engages in quarrying of sand, gravel, guano, limestone or any material within the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary; 
(6) Hunts, collects, removes or destroys any endangered or protected species, except 
when collection or removal is for scientific research and exempted from the prohibition by the 
PAMB-SS; 
(7) Conducts bioprospecting within the Sinarapan Sanctuary without prior PAMB-SS 
approval in accordance with existing guidelines; or 
(8) Establishes or introduces exotic species within the Sinarapan Sanctuary which are 
detrimental to endemic species or without prior PAMB-SS approval. 
(6) A fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) nor more than Five hundred 
thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO) andlor imprisonment from one (1) year but not more than six 
(6) years shall be imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Violates any rules and regulations in the management plan or by the PAMB-SS or 
agreements reached before the PAMB-SS in the exercise of adjudicative functions; 


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(2) Erects any structure on land or on water for any purposes outside the management 
plan: Provided, That large-scale private infrastructure and other projects such as medium to 
high density residential subdivisions, medium to large commercial and industrial 
establishments, golf-courses, heavily mechanized commercial and non-traditional farming, 
and other activities that cause increased in-migration, pollution and resource degradation are 
absolutely prohibited; 
(3) Possesses a chainsaw, hacksaw and other mechanized equipment within the 
Sinarapan Sanctuary without a permit; 
(4)Throws, dumps or causes to be dumped into the Sinarapan Sanctuary any non- 
biodegradable material or waste whether liquid, solid or gas; 
(5) Uses, dumps, places or causes to be placed into the Sinarapan Sanctuary toxic 
chemicals, including pesticides and other hazardous substances, unless the same is 
expressly allowed in the management plan; 
Sanctuary: 
clearance from the PAMB-SS; 
(6) Prospects, hunts or otherwise locates hidden treasures within the Sinarapan 
(7) Informally occupies or dwells in any land within the Sinarapan Sanctuary without 
(8) Posseses or uses blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary: 
(9) Destroys, excavates, vandalizes or, in any manner, damages any natural formation 
on land, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts and other objects of natural or scenic 
value: 
(IO) Alters, removes or destroys boundary marks or signs: 
(11) Engages in kaingin, or, in any manner, causing forest fires inside the Sinarapan 
(12) Purchases, or sells, mortgages or leases lands or other portions of the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary; or 
Sanctuary which are covered by any tenurial instrument. 
Valuation of the damage for this Act shall take into account biodiversity and 
conservation considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. Valuation assessed by the 
DENR or the concerned government agency shall be presumed correct unless otherwise 
proven by preponderant evidence. 
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the illegal acts 
prohibited in this Act or suffer their workers to commit any of the same shall be liable in the 
same manner as the one actually performing the act. 
All conveyances, vessels, equipments, paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools and 
similar devices shall be subject to immediate and administrative confiscation, independent of 
the judicial proceedings by the PASu Office upon apprehension, subject however to due 
process and substantial evidence requirements. When legal action is however filed in the 


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regular courts, the said conveyances, vessels, equipments, paraphernalia, implements, 
gears, tools and similar devices, independent of the administrative proceedings, shall not be 
released until after judgment has been rendered. Proceeds of the sale of all objects 
administratively or judicially confiscated pursuant hereto shall accrue to the Sinarapan 
Sanctuary Fund. Procedure for the sale thereof shall be promulgated by the PAMB-SS. 
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 PASu Office for release 
in its natural habitat, subject to existing regulations. 
The penalties specified in this Section will be in addition to the penalties contained in RA 
9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act), RA 9147 
(Wildlife Resources C onservation and Protection Act), and other related laws. 
Conviction for any offense under this Act, of a public officer or officer of the law shall 
carry the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office. 
SEC. 16. Reporting Responsibility. -The PASu, through the PAMB-SS, shall submit an 
annual accomplishment report to the Secretary of the DENR on the activities undertaken in 
the Sinarapan Sanctuary. 
SEC. 17. Appropriafions. - The Secretary of the DENR shall immediately include the 
Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included 
in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 18. 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 Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise 
known as the National integrated Protected Areas Management Act of 1992, and existing 
environmental and forestry laws not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall have 
suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 19. Transitory Provision. - In order to ensure the recovery and restoration of 
biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for tenured migrants, 
the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses, permits, clearances, 
compliance documents or any other instrument that allows exploitation and utilization of 
resources within the Sinarapan Sanctuary until the management plan shall have been put 
into effect. 
All existing land use and resource use permits within the Sinarapan Sanctuary shall be 
reviewed and shall not be renewed upon their expiration unless consistent with the 
management plan and approved by the PAMB-SS. 
SEC. 20. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, such other parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect. 


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SEC. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations, and rules and 
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regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified 
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accordingly. 
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SEC. 22. Effecfivify. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation available 
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in the Sinarapan Sanctuary. 
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Approved,