THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
s. No. 
72'7 
. .  
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The absence of a law to regulate the collection and possession of our wildlife resources 
and its derivatives has done a great damage to one of our critical resources. With much leeway 
and discretion granted to various local officials and agencies, poachers and their ilk have slowly 
depleted our national wildlife resource. 
This bill seeks to stanch that withering away of our wildlife resources by a proposing 
comprehensive statute that can regulate the exploitation of ow resources. 
Immediate passage of this bill is recommended. 
n 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
727 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANUEL B. VILLAR JR. 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF 
WILDLIFE RESOURCES AND THEIR HABITATS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assem bled: 
SECTION 1. 
Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation 
and Protection Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to conserve the 
country’s wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainability. In the pursuit of this policy, this 
Act shall have the following objectives: 
(a) 
to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and 
enhance biological diversity; 
(b) to regulate the collection and trade of wildlife; 
(c) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to 
international conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats; and 
(d) to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity. 
SEC. 3. Scope of Application. - The provisions of this Act shall be enforceable for all 
wildlife species found in all areas of the country, including protected areas under Republic Act 
No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (”AS) 
Act, and 
critical habitats. This Act shall also apply to exotic species which are subject to trade, are 
cultured, maintained andor bred in captivity or propagated in the country. 
SEC. 4. Jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the 
Department of Agriculture. - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
shall have jurisdiction over all terrestrial plant and animal species, all turtles and tortoises and 
wetland species, including but not limited to crocodiles, /waterbirds and all amphibians and 
dugong. The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall have jurisdiction over all declared aquatic 


critical habitats, all aquatic resources, including but not limited to all fishes, aquatic plants, 
invertebrates and all marine mammals, except dugong. The secretaries of the DENR and the DA 
shall review, and, by joint administrative order, revise and regularly update the list of species 
under their respective jurisdiction. In the Province of Palawan, jurisdiction herein conferred is 
vested to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development pursuant to Republic Act No. 761 1. 
CHAPTER II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SEC. 5. DeJinition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the term: 
(4 
“Bioprospecting” means the research, collection and utilization of 
biological and genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived 
therefrom solely for commercial purposes; 
(b) 
“By-product or derivatives” means any part taken or substance 
extracted from wildlife, in raw or in processed form. This includes stuffed animals 
and herbarium specimens; 
(4 
“Captive-breedinghlture or propagation” means the process of 
producing individuals under controlled conditions or with human interventions; 
(d) 
“Collection or collecting” means the act of gathering or harvesting 
wildlife, its by-products or derivatives; 
(4 
“Conservation” means preservation and sustainable utilization of 
wildlife, and/or maintenance, restoration and enhancement of the habitat; 
(0 
“Critically endangered species” refer to a species or subspecies that 
is facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future; 
(g) 
“Economically important species” mean species which have actual 
or potential value in trade or utilization for commercial purpose; 
(h) 
“Endangered species” refer to species or subspecies that is not 
critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal 
factors continue operating; 
0) 
“Endemic species” mean species or subspecies which is naturally 
occurring and found only within specific areas in the country; 
(3 
“Exotic species” mean species or subspecies which do not 
naturally occur in the country; 
(k) 
“Export permit” refers to a permit authorizing an individual to 
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bring out wildlife fkom the Philippines to any other country; 
(1) 
“Gratuitous permit” means permit issued to any individual or entity 
engaged in noncommercial scientific or educational undertaking to collect 
wildlife; 


(m) 
“Habitat” means a place or environment where a species or 
subspecies naturally occur or has naturally established its population; 
(n) 
“Import permit” refers to a permit authorizing an individual to 
bring in wildlife from another country; 
(0) 
“Indigenous wildlife” means species or subspecies of wildlife 
naturally occurring or has naturally established population in the country; 
(PI 
“Introduction” means bringing species into the wild that is outside 
its natural habitat; 
(9) 
“Reexport permit” refers to a permit authorizing an individual to 
bring out of the country a previously imported wildlife; 
(r) 
“Secretary” means either or both the Secretary of the Department 
of Environment and Natural Resources and the Secretary of the Department of 
Agri CUI ture; 
(SI 
“Threatened species” a general term to denote species or 
subspecies considered as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other 
accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction; 
(0 
“Trade” means the act of engaging in the exchange, exportation or 
importation, purchase or sale of wildlife, their derivatives or by-products, locally 
or internationally; 
(4 
“Traditional use” means utilization of wildlife by indigenous 
people in accordance with written or unwritten rules, usage, customs and practices 
traditionally observed, accepted and recognized by them; 
(v) 
“Transport permit” means a permit issued authorizing an 
individual to bring wildlife fiom one place to another within the territorial 
jurisdiction of the Philippines; 
(w> 
“Vulnerable species” refer to species or subspecies that is not 
critically endangered nor endangered but is under threat from adverse factors 
throughout their range and is likely to move to the endangered category in the near 
future; 
(XI 
“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; 
(Y) 
“Wildlife collector’s permit” means a permit to take or collect 
from the wild certain species and quantities of wildlife for commercial purpose; 
(z) 
“Wildlife fadculture permit” means a permit to develop, operate 
and maintain a wildlife breeding farm for conservation, trade and/or scientific 
purposes. 


CHAPTER Ill 
CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES 
Article One. - General Provision 
SEC. 6. Wildlife Information. - AI1 activities, as subsequently manifested under this 
chapter, shall be authorized by the Secretary upon proper evaluation of best available information 
or scientific data showing that the activity is, or for a purpose, not detrimental to the survival of 
the species or subspecies involved and/or their habitat. For this purpose, the Secretary shall 
regularly update wildlife information through research. 
SEC. 7. Collection of Wildlife. - Collection of wildlife may be allowed in accordance with 
Section 6 of this Act: Provided, That in the collection of wildlife, appropriate and acceptable 
wildlife collection techniques with least or no detrimental effects to the existing wildlife 
populations and their habitats shall, likewise, be required: Provided further, That collection of 
wildlife by indigenous people may be allowed for traditional use and not primarily for trade: 
Provided, furthermore, That collection and utilization for said purpose shall not cover threatened 
species: Provided, finally, That Section 23 of this Act shall govern the collection of threatened 
species. 
SEC. 8. Possession of Wildlife. - No person or entity shall be allowed possession of 
wildlife unless such person or entity can prove financial and technical capability and facility to 
maintain said wildlife: Provided, That the source was not obtained in violation of this Act. 
SEC. 9. Collection and/or Possession of By-products and Derivatives. - By-products and 
derivatives may be collected and/or possessed: Provided, That the source was not obtained in 
violation of this Act. 
SEC. 10, Local Transport of WiZdZife, By-products and Derivatives. - Local transport of 
wildlife, by-products and derivatives collected or possessed through any other means shall be 
authorized unless the same is prejudicial to the wildlife and public health. 
SEC. 1 1. Exportation and/or Importation of Wildlife. - Wildlife species may be exported to 
or imported from another country as may be authorized by the Secretary or the designated 
representative, subject to strict compliance with the provisions of this Act and rules and 
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto: Provided, That the recipient of the wildlife is 
technically and financially capable to maintain it. 
SEC. 12. Introduction, Reintroduction or Restocking of Endemic or Indigenous Wildlife. - 
The introduction, reintroduction or restocking of endemic and indigenous wildlife shall be 
allowed only for population enhancement or recovery purposes subject to prior clearance from 
the Secretary or the authorized representative pursuant to Section 6 of this Act. 
Any proposed introduction shall be subject to a scientific study which shall focus on the 
bioecology. The proponent shall also conduct public consultations with concerned individuals or 
entities. 


SEC. 13.Introduction of Exotic Wildlije. - No exotic species shall be introduced into the 
country, unless a clearance from the Secretary or the authorized representative is first obtaiaed. In 
no case shall exotic species be introduced into protected areas covered by Republic Act No. 7586 
and to critical habitats under Section 25 hereof. 
In cases where introduction is allowed, it shall be subject to environmental impact study 
which shall focus on the bioecology, socioeconomic and related aspects of the area where the 
species will be introduced. The proponent shall also be required to secure the prior informed 
consent from the local stakeholders. 
SEC. 14. Bioprospecting. - Bioprospecting shall be allowed upon execution of an 
undertaking by any proponent, stipulating therein its compliance with and commitment(s) to 
reasonable terms and conditions that may be imposed by the Secretary which are necessary to 
protect biological diversity. 
The Secretary or the authorized representative, in consultation with the concerned agencies, 
before granting the necessary permit, shall require that prior informed consent be obtained by the 
applicant from the Concerned indigenous cultural communities, local communities, management 
board under Republic Act No. 7586 or private individual or entity. The applicant shall disclose 
fully the intent and scope of the bioprospecting activity in a language and process understandable 
to the community. The prior informed consent from the indigenous peoples shall be obtained in 
accordance with existing laws. The action on the bioprospecting proposal by concerned bodies 
shall be made within a reasonable period. 
Upon submission of the complete requirements, the Secretary shall act on the research 
proposal within a reasonable period. 
If the applicant is a foreign entity or individual, a local institution should be actively 
involved in the research, collection and, whenever applicable and appropriate, in the 
technological development of the products derived from the biological and genetic resources. 
SEC. 15. ScientiJc Researches on Wildlife. - Collection and utilization of biological 
resources for scientific research and not for commercial purposes shall be allowed upon 
execution of an undertakindagreement with and issuance of a gratuitous permit by the Secretary 
or the authorized representative: Provided, That prior clearance from concerned bodies shall be 
secured before the issuance of the gratuitous permit: Provided, further, That the last paragraph 
of Section 14 shall likewise apply. 
SEC. 16. Biosafety. - All activities dealing on genetic engineering and pathogenic 
organisms in the Philippines, as well as activities requiring the importation, introduction, field 
release and breeding of organisms that are potentially harmful to man and the environment shall 
be reviewed in accordance with the biosafety guidelines ensuring public welfare and the 
protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitats. 


SEC. 17. Commercial Breeding or Propagation of Wildlife Resources. - Breeding or 
propagation of wildlife for commercial purposes shall be allowed by the Secretary or the 
authorized representative pursuant to Section 6 through the issuance of wildlife farm/culture 
permit: Provided, That only progeni.es of wildlife raised, as well as unproductive parent stock 
shall be utilized for trade: Provided, further, That commercial breeding operations for wildlife, 
whenever appropriate, shall be subject to an environmental impact study. 
SEC. 18.Economically Important Species. - The Secretary, within one (1) year after the 
effectivity of this Act, shall establish a list of economically-important species. A population 
assessment of such species shall be conducted within a reasonable period and shall be regularly 
reviewed and updated by the Secretary. 
The collection of certain species shall only be allowed when the results of the assessment 
show that, despite certain extent of collection, the population of such species can still remain 
viable and capable of recovering its numbers. For this purpose, the Secretary shall establish a 
schedule and volume of allowable harvests. 
Whenever an economically important species become threatened, any form of collection 
shall be prohibited except for scientific, educational or breeding/propagation purposes, pursuant 
to the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 19. Designation of Management and Scientlpc Authorities for International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. - For the implementation of international 
agreement on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, the management 
authorities for terrestrial and aquatic resources shall be the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau 
(PAWB) of the DENR and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the DA, 
respectively and that in the Province of Palawan the implementation hereof is vested to the 
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development pursuant to Republic Act No. 761 1, 
To provide advice to the management authorities, there shall be designated scientific 
authorities for terrestrial and aquatic/marine species. For the terrestrial species, the scientific 
authorities shall be the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the DENR, 
the U.P. Institute of Biological Sciences and the National Museum and other agencies as may be 
designated by the Secretary. For the .marine and aquatic species, the scientific authorities shall be 
the BFAR, the U.P. Marine Science Institute, U.P. Visayas, Silliman University and the National 
Museum and other agencies as may be designated by the Secretary: Provided, That, in the case 
of terrestrial species, the ERDB shall chair the scientific authorities, and in the case of marine 
and aquatic species, the U.P. Marine Science Institute shall chair the scientific authorities. 
SEC. 20. Authority of the Secretary to Issue Permits. - The Secretary or the duly authorized 
representative, 
in 
order 
to 
effectively 
implement 
this 
Act, 
shall 
issue 
permits/certifications/clearances with corresponding period of validity, whenever appropriate, 
which shall include but not limited to the following: 


(1) Wildlife farm or culture permit 
(2) Wildlife collector's permit 
(3) Gratuitous permit 
1 year 
(4) Local Transport permit 
(5) ExporthpportReexport permit 
1 to 6 months 
These permits may be renewed subject to the guidelines issued by the appropriate agency 
3 to 5 years 
1 to 3 years 
I 
1 to 3 months 
I 
~ 
and upon consultation with concerned groups. 
SEC. 21. Fees and Charges. - 'Reasonable fees and charges as may be determined upon 
consultation withi the concerned groups, and in the amount fixed by the Secretary shall be 
imposed for the issuance of permits enumerated in the preceding section. 
For the exp4rt of wildlife species, an export permit fee of not greater than three percenturn 
(3%) of the expod value, excluding transport costs, shall be charged: Provided, however, That in 
the determinatiod of aforesaid fee, the production costs shall be given due consideration. 
Cutflowers, leaves and the like, produced from f m s  shall be exempted from the said export fee: 
Provided, further,, That fees and charges shall be reviewed by the Secretary every two (2) years or 
as the need arises and revise the same accordingly, subject to consultation with concerned 
sectors. 
I 
I 
Article Two - Protection of Threatened Species 
SEC. 22. Determination of Threatened Species. - The Secretary shall determine whether 
any wildlife species or subspecies is threatened, and classify the same as critically endangered, 
endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories based on the best scientific data and with 
due regard to internationally accepted criteria, including but not limited to the following: 
(a) 
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or 
range; 
(b) over-utilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes; 
(c) inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and 
(d) other natural or man-made factors affecting the existence of wildlife. 
The Secretary shall review, revise and publish the list of categorized threatened wildlife 
within one (1) year after effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, the list shall be updated regularly or 
as the need arises: Provided, That a species listed as threatened shall not be removed therefrom 
within three (3) years following its initial listing. 
Upon filing of a petition based on substantial scientific information of any person seeking 
for the addition or deletion of a species from the list, the Secretary shall evaluate in accordance 
with the relevant factors stated in the first paragraph of this section, the status of the species 
concerned and act on said petition within a reasonable period. 


The Secretary shall also prepare and publish a list of wildlife which resembles so closely in 
appearance with listed threatened wildlife, which species shall likewise be categorized as 
threatened. 
SEC. 23. Collection of Threatened Wildlife, By-products and Derivatives. - The collection 
of threatened wildlife, as determined and listed pursuant to this Act, including its by-products 
and derivatives, shall be allowed only for scientific, or breeding or propagation purposes in 
accordance with Section 6 of this Act: Provided, That only the accredited individuals, business, 
research, educational or scientific entities shall be allowed to collect for conservation breeding or 
propagation purposes. 
SEC. 24. Conservation Breeding or Propagation of Threatened Species. - Conservation 
breeding or propagation of threatened species shall be encouraged in order to enhance its 
population in its natural habitat. It shall be done simultaneously with the rehabilitation and/or 
protection of the habitat where the captive-bred or propagated species shall be released, 
reintroduced or restocked. 
Commercial breeding or propagation of threatened species may be allowed provided that 
the following minimum requirements are met by the applicant, to wit: 
(a) 
Proven effective breeding and captive management techniques of the species; and, 
(b) Commitment to undertake commercial breeding in accordance with Section 17 of this 
Act, simultaneous with conservation breeding. 
The Secretary shall prepare a list of threatened species for commercial breeding and shall 
regularly revise or update such list or as the need arises. 
SEC. 25. Establishment of Critical Habitats. - Within two (2) years following the 
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall designate critical habitats outside protected areas under 
Republic Act No. 7586, where threatened species are found. Such designation shall be made on 
the basis of the best scientific data taking into consideration species endemicity and/or richness, 
presence of man-made pressures/threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, among 
o thers . 
All designated critical habitats shall be protected, in coordination with the local government 
units and other concerned groups, fiom any form of exploitation or destruction which may be 
detrimental to the survival of the threatened species dependent therein. For such purpose, the 
Secretary may acquire, by purchase, donation or expropriation, lands, or interests therein, 
including the acquisition of usuhct, establishment of easements or other undertakings 
appropriate in protecting the critical habitat. 
Article Three - Registration of Threatened and Exotic Species 
SEC. 26. Registration of Threatened and Ejcotic Wildlfe in the Possession of Private 
Persons. - No person or entity shall be allowed possession of wildlife unless such person or 
entity can prove financial and technical capability and facility to maintain said wildlife. Twelve 


(12) months after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall set a period, within which 
persondentities shall register all threatened species collected and exotic species imported prior to 
the effectivity of this Act. 
However, when the threatened species is needed for 
breeding/propagation or research purposes, the State may acquire the wildlife through a mutually 
acceptable arrangement. 
After the period set has elapsed, threatened wildlife possessed without certificate of 
registration shall be confiscated in favor of the government, subject to the penalties herein 
provided. 
All Philippine wildlife which are not listed as threatened prior to the effectivity of this Act 
but which may later become so, shall likewise be registered during the period set after the 
publication of the updated list of threatened species. 
CHAPTER IV 
ILLEGAL ACTS 
SEC. 27.Illegul Acts.- Unless otherwise allowed in accordance with this Act, it shall be 
unlawful for any person to willfully and knowingly exploit wildlife resources and their habitats, 
or undertake the following acts: 
(a) 
killing and destroying wildlife species, except in the following instances: 
(i) 
when it is done as part of the religious rituals of established tribal groups or 
indigenous cultural communities; 
(ii) when the wildlife is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease; 
(iii) 
when it is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the wildlife; 
(iv)when it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being; and, 
(v) when the wildlife is killed or destroyed after it has been used in authorized research or 
experiments. 
(b) 
inflicting injury which cripples and/or impairs the reproductive system of wildlife 
species; 
(c) 
effecting any of the following acts in critical habitat(s): 
(i) dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife; 
(ii) squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat; 
(iii) mineral exploration and/or extraction; 
I 
(iv) burning; 
(v) logging; and 
(vi)quarrying. 
(d) introduction, reintroduction or restocking of wildlife resources; 
(e) trading of wildlife; 
I 


(0 
collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives; 
(g) gathering or destroying of active nests, nest trees, host plants and the like; 
(h) 
maltreating and/or inflicting other injuries not covered by the preceding paragraph; 
and 
(i) transporting of wildlife. 
CHAPTER V 
FINES AND PENALTIES 
SEC. 28. Penalties for Violations of this Act. - For any person who undertakes illegal acts 
under paragraph (a) of the immediately preceding section to any species as may be categorized 
pursuant to this Act, the following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of a minimum of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years 
and/or a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (P100,OOO.OO) to One million pesos 
(P1 ,OOO,OOO.OO), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical; 
(b) imprisonment of four (4) years and one (1) day to six (6) years and/or a fine of Fifty 
thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against endangered species; 
(c) imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and/or a fine of Thirty 
thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years and/or a fine of Twenty 
thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against other threatened species; and 
(e) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and/or a fine of Ten 
thousand pesos (P10,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (P 1 OO,OOO.OO), if inflicted or 
undertaken against other wildlife species. 
For illegal acts under paragraph (b) of the immediately preceding section, the following 
penalties andor fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of a minimum of four (4) years and one (1) day to six (6) years 
and/or a fine of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to Five hundred thousand pesos 
(P500,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical; 
(b) imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and/or a fine of Thirty 
thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against endangered species; 


(c) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years and/or a fine of Twenty 
thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and/or E+ fine of Ten 
thousand pesos (P10,OOO.OO) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken 
against other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of one (1) month to six (6) months and/or a fine of Five thousand pesos 
(P5,OOO.OO) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against other 
wildlife species; 
For illegal acts under paragraphs (c) and (d) of the immediately preceding section, an 
imprisonment of one (1) month to eight (8) years and/or a fine of Five thousand pesos 
(P5,OOO.OO) to Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) shall be imposed. 
For illegal acts under paragraph (e), the following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and/or a fine of 
Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical; 
(b) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years and/or a fine of Two 
thousand pesos (P2,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against endangered species; 
(c) imprisonment of six (6) months and (1) one day to one (1) year and/or a fine of One 
thousand pesos (P1,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (P1 OO,OOO.OO), if inflicted or 
undertaken against vulnerable species ; 
(d) imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months and/or a fine of Five 
hundred pesos (P500.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against 
species listed as other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of ten (10) days to one (1) month and/or a fine of Two hundred pesos 
(P200.00) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), if inflicted or undei-taken against other 
wildlife species; 
For illegal acts under paragraphs (f) and (g) of the immediately preceding section, the 
following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and a fine of 
Thirty thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical; 


(b) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years and a fine of Twenty 
thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against endangered species; 
(c) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and a fine of Ten 
thousand pesos (P10,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months and a fine of Five 
thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken 
against species listed as other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of ten (10) days to one (1) month and a fine of One thousand pesos 
(P1,OOO.OO) to Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against other wildlife 
species. 
Provided, That in case of paragraph (0, where the acts were perpetuated through the means of 
inappropriate techniques and devices, the maximum penalty herein provided shall be imposed. 
For illegal acts under paragraphs (h) and (i) of the immediately preceding section, the 
following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and a fine of Fifty 
thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (P 1 OO,OOO.OO), if inflicted 
or undertaken against species listed as critical species; 
(b) imprisonment of three (3) months and one (1) day to six (6) months and a fine of 
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if inflicted or 
I 
undertaken against endangered species; 
i 
I 
(c) imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to three (3) months and a fine of Five 
thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken 
against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of ten (10) days to one (1) inonth and a fine of One thousand pesos 
(P1,OOO.OO) to Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as 
other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of five (5) days to ten (10) days and a fine of Two hundred pesos 
(P200.00) to One thousand pesos (Pl,OOO.OO), if inflicted or undertaken against other wildlife 
species. 
All wildlife, its derivatives or by-products, and all paraphernalia, tools and conveyances 
used in connection with violations of this Act, shall be ipso facto forfeited in favor of the 
government: Provided, That where the ownership of the aforesaid conveyances belong to third 
persons who has no participation in or knowledge of the illegal acts, the same may be released to 
said owner. The apprehending agency shall immediately cause the transfer of all wildlife that 


have been seized or recovered to the nearest Wildlife Rescue Center of the Department in the 
area. 
If the offender is an alien, he shall be deported after service of sentence and payment of 
fines, without any hrther proceedings. 
The fines herein prescribed shall be increased by at least ten percent (10%) every three (3) 
years to compensate for inflation and to maintain the deterrent function of such fines. 
CHAPTER VI 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SEC. 29. Collections from Fines, Penalties and Other Fees. - Amounts collected from fines 
imposed, penalties, damages awarded and other fees by the Department shall be deposited with 
the National Treasury and shall accrue to the General Fund. 
The Department may be allowed to use donations, grants and contributions received from 
domestic and foreign sources for purposes specified by the donor in accordance with existing 
rules and regulations. 
SEC. 30. Deputation of WiZdZi$e Enforcement OfJi’cers. - The Secretary shall deputize 
wildlife enforcement officers from nongovernment organizations, citizens groups, community 
organizations and other volunteers who have undergone the necessary training for this purpose. 
The Philippine National Police (PNP), the Arm Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National 
Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 
and other law enforcement agencies shall designate wildlife 
enforcement officers. As such, the wildlife enforcement officers shall have the full authority to 
seize illegally traded wildlife and to arrest violators of this Act subject to existing laws, rules and 
regulations on arrest and detention. 
SEC. 3 1. Establishment of National Wildlife Research Centers. - The Secretary shall 
establish national wildlife research centers for terrestrial and aquatic species to lead in the 
conduct of scientific researches on the proper strategies for the conservation and protection of 
wildlife, including captive breeding or propagation. In this regard, the Secretary shall encourage 
the participation of experts from academichesearch institutions and wildlife industry. 
SEC. 32. WiZdZi$e Rescue Center. - The Secretary shall establish or designate wildlife 
rescue centers to take temporary custody and care of all confiscated, abandoned and/or donated 
wildlife to ensure their welfare and well-being. The Secretary shall formulate guidelines for the 
disposition of wildlife from the rescue centers. 
SEC. 33. Creation of WiZdZge Trafic Monitoring Units. - The Secretary shall create 
wildlife traffic monitoring units in strategic air and sea ports all over the country to ensure the 
strict compliance and effective implementation of all existing wildlife laws, rules and 
regulations, including pertinent international agreements. 
Customs officers andor other authorized government representatives assigned at air or 
seaports who may have intercepted wildlife commodities in the discharge of their official 


functions shall, prior to further disposition thereof, secure a clearance from the wildlife traffic 
monitoring unit assigned in the area. 
SEC. 34. Exemption from Taxes. - Any donation, contribution, bequest, subsidy or financial 
aid which may be made to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or to the 
Department of Agriculture and to NGOs engaged in wildlife conservation duly registered with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission as certified by the local government unit, the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources or the Department of Agriculture, for the 
conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats shall constitute as an 
allowable deduction from the taxable income of the donor and shall be exempt fiom donor’s tax. 
SEC. 35. Flagship Species. - Local government units shall initiate conservation measures 
for endemic species in their areas. For this purpose, they may adopt flagship species such as the 
Cebu black shama (copsychus cebuensis), tamaraw (bubalus mindorensis), Philippine tarsier 
(tarsius syrichta), Philippine teak (tectona philippinensis), which shall serve as emblems of 
conservation for the local government concerned. 
SEC. 36. Botanical Gardens, Zoological Parks and Other Similar Establishlizents. - The 
Secretary shall regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of botanical gardens, 
zoological parks and other similar establishments for recreation, education and conservation. 
SEC. 37. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within twelve (12) months following the 
effectivity of this Act, the secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
and the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Committees on Environment and 
Ecology of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, shall promulgate 
respective rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
Whenever 
appropriate, coordination in the preparation and implementation of rules and regulations on joint 
and inseparable issues shall be done by both Departments. The commitments of the State to 
international agreements and protocols shall likewise be a consideration in the implementation of 
this Act. 
SEC. 38. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to initially implement the provisions of 
this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources in the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
necessary to fully implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 39. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be subsequently declared 
as unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity or the legality of the other provisions. 
SEC. 40. Repealing Clause. - Act Nos. 2590 and 3983, Commonwealth Act No. 63, as 
amended, Presidential Decree No. 1219, as amended, Republic Act No. 6147, and other laws, 
orders and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 


SEC. 1. 
Effectivity. - This Act sha take effect fifleen 
the Oficial Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
15) days after publication in