Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No________________ 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and 
 EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA  
Explanatory Note 
  Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to protect and advance 
the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature.  This Constitutional provision carries with it a correlative duty of each 
generation to safeguard the environment for the benefit of the succeeding generations. 
  It is unfortunate that the Philippines, one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, 
has been considered as a biodiversity hotspot. It has been so studied as !many of our country"s 
resources are already at risk of extinction because of man-made destruction which resulted to 
habitat degradation and biodiversity loss”. 1 Philippine wildlife is also threatened by illegal 
activities warranting stiffer penalties to deter persons in pursuing unlawful activities as 
defined in existing environmental laws. 
  Notably, Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the !Wildlife Resources 
Conservation and Protection Act, was enacted way back in 2001. It aimed to conserve, protect 
biodiversity by regulating human activities involving wildlife; its collection and trade. There 
is an urgent need to revisit and update the 21 year-old law law as the present environmental 
problems have terribly outpaced its regulatory framework.  
  To uphold the concept of intergenerational responsibility, this legislation mandates the 
State to conserve and protect the country"s wildlife resources to promote ecological balance. 
It also proposes the imposition of stiffer penalties against individuals committing acts in 
violations of the provisions of this Act. 
   This measure was approved by the House of Representatives during the 18th Congress 
and was duly transmitted to the Senate. This is refiled in the 19th Congress under the same 
considerations that it was so passed in the previous Congress.   
1 https://biodiversityphilippines.org/philippines-as-a-biodiversity-hotspot/ 
June 30, 2022
1:46 pm
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   Given the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
 
              ALFEL M. BASCUG 
EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
 1ST District, Agusan del Sur 
2nd District, Agusan del Sur 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No________________ 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and 
 EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA  
 AN ACT PROVIDING STRONGER MEASURES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND 
PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES AND THEIR HABITATS, REPEALING 
FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9147, OR THE !WILDLIFE 
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION ACT", AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the !Revised Wildlife Resources 
Conservation and Protection Act". 
SECTION 2.  Declaration of Policy. – It shall be the policy of the State to conserve and protect 
the country"s wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainability and to promote ecological 
balance, enhance the provision of ecosystem services. In the pursuit of this policy, this Act shall 
have the following objectives: 
a.
To regulate the collection, possession, use and trade of wildlife, wildlife by-products
and derivatives;
b. To pursue, with due regard to the national interest, Philippine commitments to
international conventions, treaties, and agreements on the protection of wildlife and
their habitats, and on the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the lawful
utilization of wildlife genetic resources;
c.
To initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity and
sustainable utilization of wildlife resources;
d. To promote full awareness and widest dissemination of policies on wildlife
conservation and protection; and
e.
To strengthen the global effort to eradicate the transnational organized crime of wildlife
trade and trafficking.
SECTION 3. Scope of Application. – This Act applies to all wildlife species found in all areas 
of the country, including exotic species which are subject to trade, are bred or cultured, in 
154


captivity or propagated in the country. 
SECTION 4. Jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Palawan Council for Sustainable 
Development (PCSD). – The DENR shall have jurisdiction over all terrestrial plant and animal 
species including turtles and tortoises, wetland species, including crocodiles, waterbirds and 
all amphibians and the Dugong Dugon or Dugong. The DA shall have jurisdiction over all 
declared aquatic critical habitats, all aquatic resources including 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 jurisdictions and make the list readily available to all concerned 
government agencies and local government units. In the Province of Palawan, jurisdiction 
herein conferred is vested on the PCSD pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611, otherwise known 
as the” Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act”. 
SECTION 5. Definition of Terms. – As used in the Act; 
a.
Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms
from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the
ecological complexes of which they are part, and the diversity within species, between
species, and of ecosystems;
b. Biological resources refer to genetic resources, organisms or parts thereof, populations
or any biotic component ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for humanity,
including all biological specimen such as plants, seeds, tissues and other propagation
materials, animals, live or preserved, whether whole or in part;
c.
Bioprospecting refers to the research, collection and utilization of biological and
genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived from research solely
for commercial purposes;
d. Biosafety refers to the need to protect human, plant, and animal health or life and the
environment from the adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology;
e.
Botanical garden refers to a controlled and staffed institution where a collection of wild
flora is maintained for recreational, educational, research, conservation and scientific
purposes;
f.
By-product and derivative refers to any part taken or substance extracted from wildlife,
in raw, or in processed form. This includes stuffed animals and herbarium specimens;
g. Captive-breeding, culture or propagation refers to the process of producing individual
plants or animals under controlled conditions or with human intervention;
h. Certificate of Wildlife Registration refers to a document authorizing a person to possess
a wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives;
i.
Certificate of Introduction from the Sea refers to a document issued by the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for the introduction from the sea of wildlife species
taken from marine environments outside jurisdiction of any State;
j.
Collection or collecting refers to the act of taking, gathering, or harvesting wildlife,
wildlife by-products or derivatives;
k. Conservation refers to the preservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife or
maintenance, restoration and enhancement of the habitat;
l.
Critical habitat refers to an area outside protected areas under Republic Act (RA) No. 7586
or the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act, as amended by Republic
Act 11038or the ENIPAS, that are known habitats of threatened species and designated
based on scientific data taking into consideration species endemicity and richness, and the


 
 
presence of manmade pressures and threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, 
among others; 
m. Critically endangered species refers to a species or subspecies that is facing extremely high 
risk of extinction in the wild; 
n. Domesticated refers to any plant or animal listed by the relevant authorities easily 
propagated and altered or selected for desirable characteristics and preferences for domestic 
use; 
o. Genetic material refers to any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing 
functional units of heredity; 
p. Genetic resources refer to genetic material of actual or potential value; 
q. Gratuitous permit refers to the permit issued to any person to collect wildlife for non-
commercial scientific or educational undertaking; 
r. Habitat refers to the place or environment where species or subspecies naturally occur or 
have naturally established its population; 
s. Import permits refers to a permit authorizing a person to bring in wildlife, wildlife by-
products and derivatives from another country; 
t. Indigenous wildlife refers to species or subspecies of wildlife naturally occurring r have a 
naturally established population in the country; 
u. Introduction refers to the bringing of species into the wild or outside its natural habitat; 
v. Introduction from the sea refers to the transportation into the country of specimen of any 
species which were taken from the marine environment which is not under the jurisdiction 
of any State; 
w. Invasive alien species or IAS refer to species whose introduction or proliferation outside 
their natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity; 
x. Local Transport permit refers to a permit authorizing a person to bring wildlife from one 
place to another within territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines; 
y. Maltreatment refers to the commission of torture or any form of cruelty to any wildlife or 
omission or neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter to wildlife; 
z. Near threatened species refers to a species or subspecies that is neither critically endangered 
nor vulnerable but is under threat from adverse factors, such as over collection, throughout 
their ranger and is likely to move to the vulnerable category in the near future; 
aa. Other wildlife species refer to all other wildlife species not classified as threatened or near-
threatened; 
bb. Person refers to a natural or juridical person; 
cc. Possession refers to both actual possession or immediate physical control over wildlife, or 
wildlife by-products and derivatives, and to constructive possession or ownership or control 
over the place or conveyance where the wildlife, or wildlife by-products and derivatives 
are found; 
dd. Re-export permit refers to a permit authorizing a person to bring out of the country 
previously imported wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives thereof; 
ee. Shipper refers to a person that sends or transport goods by sea, land, or air; 
ff. Special Local Transport Permit refers to a permit conferred to holders of a Wildlife Special 
Use Permit (WSUP) authorizing the conveyance of wildlife, by-products and derivatives 
from the facility of origin to one or more places within the Philippines, and back to the 
facility of origin; 
gg. Threatened species refers to species or subspecies considered as critically endangered, 
endangered, vulnerable, or other accepted categories of wildlife which is at risk of 
extinction; 
hh. Trade refers to the act of engaging in the exchange, exportation or importation, purchase 
or sale of wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives, locally or internationally; 


 
 
ii. Traditional use refers to the utilization of wildlife by indigenous people in accordance 
with written or unwritten rules, usage, customs and practices traditionally observed, 
accepted and recognized by them; 
jj. Vulnerable species refers to species or subspecies that are endangered but are under 
threat from adverse factors throughout their range and is likely to move to the 
endangered category in the near future; 
kk. Wildlife refers to wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all development stages, 
including those which are captivity or are being bred or propagated. It excludes 
domesticated species; 
ll. Wildlife collector’s permit refers to a permit to take, gather, or harvest from the wild 
certain species and quantities of wildlife as parental stocks for commercial breeding 
purposes; 
mm.  Wildlife farm culture permit refers to permit to develop, operate, and maintain a 
wildlife breeding farm for conservation, trade, or scientific purposes; 
nn. Wildlife local trade permit refers to a permit authorizing a person to sell or offer for 
sale wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives; 
oo. Wildlife laundering refers to the process by which wildlife traders disguise the origin 
and ownership illegally acquired wildlife by making such appear to have been derived 
from a legitimate source to circumvent wildlife laws and regulations; 
pp.   Wildlife rescue center refers to a government established or designated repository of 
confiscated, donated, retrieved, or turned-over wildlife or an establishment where sick, 
injured, confiscated wildlife is temporarily kept or rehabilitated prior to the release to 
their natural habitat or implementation of other modes of disposition as may be 
authorized by the DENR, DA or the PCSD; 
qq. Wildlife registration refers to the act of entering in the official records wildlife, wildlife 
by-products and derivatives and granting authority to any person to maintain said 
wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives; 
rr. Wildlife Special Use Permit refers to a permit authorizing the holder thereof to utilize 
legally possessed or acquired wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives for local 
shows, exhibitions or educational purposes or to collect economically important species 
for direct trade purposes; 
ss. Zoological Park or Zoo refers to an establishment where a collection of wild fauna is 
maintained for recreational, educational research, conservation or scientific purposes. 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER II 
CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES 
 
ARTICLE 1 
General Provisions  
 
SECTION 6. Wildlife Information.  – All activities described in this Chapter, shall be 
authorized by the DENR, DA or PCSD upon proper evaluation of best available information 
or scientific data showing that the activity or its intended purpose is not detrimental to the 
survival of the species or subspecies involved and their habitat. For this purpose, the DENR, 
DA or PCSD shall regularly update wildlife information through research. 
 


 
 
   The DENR, DA, and PCSD shall established their respective National Wildlife 
Management Committee (NWMC) to provide technical and scientific advice on wildlife 
conservation and protection. Each NWMC shall be composed of representatives from the 
DENR, DA, or PCSD, other concerned government agencies, and scientist with expertise on 
various fields of discipline on wildlife. The NWMC shall invite other stakeholders as resource 
persons and other experts, when necessary. The DENR, DA or PCSD shall act as Chairperson 
of their respective NWMC. 
 
   The DENR and DA shall establish a Regional Wildlife Management Committee (RWMC) 
in every administrative region to provide technical and scientific advice on wildlife 
conservation and protection to DENR and DA field offices. 
 
SECTION 7. Biosafety. – All activities dealing with genetic engineering and pathogenic 
organism in the Philippines, as well activities requiring the importation, introduction, field 
release and breeding of organism shall be reviewed by the DENR, DA-BFAR or PCSD in 
accordance with biosafety guidelines designed to ensure public welfare and the protection and 
conservation of wildlife and their habitats.   
 
SECTION 8. Economically Important Species. – The DENR, DA and PCSD shall establish 
a list of economically-important species. Where appropriate, a population assessment of such 
species shall be conducted within a reasonable period and shall be regularly reviewed and 
updated. 
 
   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 DENR, DA, and PCSD 
shall establish a schedule and volume of allowable harvests. 
 
   Whenever an economically important species becomes threatened, any form of collection 
thereof shall be prohibited except for scientific, educational or breeding or propagation 
purposes, pursuant to the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 9. Invasive Alien Species. – The DENR, DA and PCSD shall manage invasive alien 
species (IAS) and formulate a National Invasive Alien Species Strategy Plan and Action Plan 
(NISSAP) on the prevention, detection, eradication, control of and rehabilitation from invasive 
alien species, particularly those having the greatest impact on the environment, biodiversity, 
human health and livelihood. Within one (1) year after the effectivity of this Act, the DENR, 
DA and PCSD, shall jointly establish the list of invasive and potentially invasive alien species. 
 
  The list of IAS and the NISSAP shall be periodically reviewed, updated and copies of the 
same shall be made readily available to concerned government agencies and local government 
units. All national government agencies and local government units shall coordinate with the 
DENR, DA, and PSC in the implementation and localization of the strategy and action plan. 
 
SECTION 10. Design of Management and Scientific Authorities for International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. – The Biodiversity Management Bureau 
(BMB) of the DENR shall be the management authority in the implementation of international 
agreements on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora and terrestrial 
resources, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the DA shall be the 
authority with respect to aquatic resources. Finally, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611, 


 
 
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, shall manage the implementation of 
international agreements on international trade endangered species of wild fauna and flora, 
terrestrial resources and aquatic resources in the province of Palawan. 
 
   Scientific authorities shall provide to these management authorities. The scientific 
authorities for the terrestrial species are the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau 
(ERDB) of the DENR, the University of the Philippines (U.P) Institute of Biological Sciences, 
U.P Institute of Biological and the National Museum and other agencies as may be designated 
by the DENR or DA Secretary. The scientific authorities for the marine and aquatic resources 
are the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), U.P Marine Science 
Institute, U.P Visayas, Silliman University, the National Museum and other agencies as may 
be designated by the DENR or DA Secretary. The ERDB shall be the lead convenor of the 
scientific authorities for terrestrial species while the NFRDI shall be the lead convenor of the 
scientific authorities for marine and aquatic species. 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE II 
Permissible Activities 
 
SECTION 11. Collection of Wildlife. – Collection of wildlife may be allowed in accordance 
with Section 6 of this Act subject to the following conditions: 
 
a. 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 be required; 
b. collection of wildlife by indigenous peoples (Ips) in their ancestral land or domain may 
be allowed for traditional use and not primarily for profit; 
c. the collection of wildlife resources by Ips must be undertaken in accordance with the 
guidelines established by the Secretary of Agriculture: Provided, That the collection of 
threatened wildlife shall be governed by Section 21 of this Act. 
 
SECTION 12. Possession of Wildlife. – No person or entity shall be allowed possession of 
wildlife, unless such person or entity can prove financial and technical capability, including 
scientific knowledge, and possess the appropriate facility to maintain said wildlife: Provided, 
That the wildlife was not obtained in violation of this Act or other laws. 
 
SECTION 13. Collection or Possession of By-Products and Derivatives. – The collection or 
possession of wildlife by-products and derivatives may be allowed: Provided, That the same 
was not obtained in violation of this Act or other laws. 
 
SECTION 14. Local Transport of Wildlife, By-Products and Derivatives. – Local transport 
of wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives legally collected or possessed shall be 
authorized by the concerned agency unless the same is prejudicial to the wildlife and public 
health. 
 
SECTION 15. Exportation or Importation of Wildlife, By-Products and Derivatives. – 
Wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives may be exported to or imported from another 
country as may be authorized by the Secretaries of the DENR and DA and PCSD chairperson, 


 
 
or their designated representatives, subject to strict compliance with the provisions of this Act 
and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto: Provided, That the recipient of live 
wildlife has the technical and financial capacity to maintain it. The importation of invasive 
alien species shall not be allowed.  
 
SECTION 16. 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 DENR or DA Secretary of 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 bio-
ecology and natural history as well as the conduct of public consultations with concerned 
individuals or entities. 
 
SECTION 17. Introduction of Exotic Wildlife. – No exotic species shall be introduced into 
the country without clearance from the DENR, DA or PCSD of their authorized representatives. 
In no case shall exotic species be introduced into protected areas covered by R.A No. 7586 and 
R. A No. 11038 and to critical habitats under Section 27 hereof: Provided, That the introduction 
of such exotic species shall not pose any adverse impacts on local ecology and that further 
environmental impact study shall be undertaken which shall focus on their bio-ecology, natural 
history, socioeconomic and related aspects of the area where the species will be introduced. 
The proponent shall also be required to secure the free and prior informed consent from 
concerned indigenous people (IP) communities as well as to conduct public consultations with 
local stakeholders. 
 
SECTION 18. Bioprospecting. – Bioprospecting shall be allowed upon execution of an 
undertaking by any proponent, which shall stipulate, among others that the proponent shall 
comply with reasonable terms and conditions that may be imposed by the DENR and DA 
Secretaries, and the PCSD chairperson to protect biological diversity and ensure fair and 
equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of Philippine genetic resources. 
 
  Before any permit shall be granted by the DENR and DA Secretaries, and the PCSD 
chairperson or their authorized representatives, the proponent shall secure the free, prior and 
informed consent of the concerned indigenous cultural communities, local communities, 
pursuant to RA 8731or the !Indigenous Peoples#"Rights Act of 1997, and of the Protected Area 
Management Board under Ras 7586 and 11038, or from any affected person. The applicant 
shall full disclose the intent and scope of the bioprospecting activity in a language and process 
understandable to the community. 
 
  Whenever applicable and appropriate, a local institution shall be tapped to be involved in the 
research, collection, and technological development of the product or products derived from 
the wildlife biological and genetic resources. Upon submission of the complete requirements, 
the DENR and DA Secretaries, and PCSD chairperson shall act on the research proposal within 
a reasonable period of time. 
 
SECTION 19. Scientific Researches on Wildlife.  – Collection and utilization of biological 
resources for scientific research, not for commercial purposes, shall be allowed upon execution 
of an undertaking or agreement or the issuance of a gratuitous permit by the DENR and DA 
Secretaries, or their authorized representative: Provided, That clearance from concerned bodies 


 
 
shall be secured before the issuance of the gratuitous permit: Provided, Further, That special 
conditions to facilitate the conduct of scientific research by Filipino students may be provided 
by either of the DENR or DA Secretary, or the Chairperson of the PCSD. 
 
  Whenever applicable and appropriate, a local institution shall be tapped to be involved in the 
research, collection and technological development of the product or products derived from the 
biological and genetic resources. 
 
SECTION 20. Commercial Breeding or Propagation of Wildlife Resources. – Breeding or 
propagation of wildlife for commercial purposes shall be allowed by the DENR Secretary, DA 
Secretary, PCSD chairperson, or their authorized representatives pursuant to Section 6 of this 
Act through the issuance of wildlife farm or culture permit: Provided, That only propagated 
flora, progenies of wild fauna raised, or specimen therefrom, as well as unproductive parent 
stock shall be utilized for trade: Provided, further, That commercial propagation and breeding 
operations for wildlife, whenever appropriate, shall be subject to an environmental impact 
study. 
 
SECTION 21. 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. Only persons accredited by the DENR 
Secretary, DA Secretary, or the PCSD Chairperson shall be allowed to collect for conservation 
breeding or propagation purposes. 
 
SECTION 22. Conservation Breeding or Propagation of Threatened Species. – 
Conservation breeding or propagation of threatened species shall be encouraged in their natural 
habitats. It shall be done simultaneously with the rehabilitation and protection of the habitat 
where the captive-bred or propagated species shall be released, reintroduced or restocked.  
 
SECTION 23. Commercial Breeding or Propagation of Threatened Species. – Commercial 
breeding or propagation of threatened species may be allowed provided that the following 
minimum requirements are met by the applicant: 
 
a. Proven effective breeding and captive management techniques for the species; and 
b. Commitment to simultaneously undertake conservation breeding and commercial 
breeding in accordance with Section 20 of this Act. 
 
The DENR Secretary, DA Secretary or PCSD Chairperson shall prepare a list of threatened 
species for commercial breeding and shall regularly revise or update such list or as the need 
arises. 
 
ARTICLE III 
Permits, Fees and Charges 
 
SECTION 24. Issuance and Validity of Permits. – The DENR Secretary, DA Secretary and 
the PCSD Chairperson, or their duly representative, shall issue permits, certifications, or 
clearances with corresponding periods of validity according to the following: 
 
1. Wildlife farm or culture permit 
Three (3) to five (5) years; 


 
 
2. Wildlife collector’s permit 
One (1) to three (3) years; 
3. Gratuitous permit 
One (1) to three (3) years; 
4. Local transport permit 
Not more than three (3) months; 
5. Special local transport permit 
Not more than three (3) months; 
6. Wildlife local trade permit 
One (1) year; 
7. Wildlife special use permit 
One (1) year to three (3) years; 
8. Export/Import/ Re-export Permit 
One (1) to six (6) months; 
9. Certificate of Introduction from the 
Sea 
One (1) to six (6) months 
 
 
The permits may be renewed subject to the guidelines to be issued by the appropriate 
agency and upon consultation with concerned groups. 
 
SECTION 25. Authority to Collect Fees and Charges. – The Secretaries of the DENR, DA, 
and the PCSD Chairperson are hereby authorized to impose and collect reasonable fees and 
charges for the issuances of permits enumerated in the preceding section, as may be 
determined upon consultation with the concerned groups, and in the amount fixed by the 
DENR DA, or PCSD. 
 
  For the export of wildlife species, an export permit fee of not more than five percent (5%) 
of the export value, excluding transport costs, shall be charged: Provided, That in the 
determination of aforesaid fee, the production costs shall be given due consideration. Cut 
flowers, leaves and the like, produced from farms shall be exempted from the said export fee. 
These fees and charges shall be reviewed by the DENR and DA Secretaries every two (2) years 
or as the need arises and revisions shall be made accordingly, subject to consultation with 
concerned sectors. 
 
  The DENR, DA Secretaries or the PCSD Chairperson may impose an import fee based on 
import value and valuation of potential risks to biodiversity and human health. Fees and charges 
under international agreements shall be borne by the applicant. 
 
 
ARTICLE IV 
Protection of Threatened Species 
 
SECTION 26. Determination of Threatened Species. – The DENR and DA Secretaries, or 
the PCSD Chairperson shall accordingly 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 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; and 


 
 
c. other natural or man-made factors affecting the existence of wildlife. 
 
The DENR and DA Secretaries, and the PCSD Chairperson shall accordingly 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 of its initial 
inclusion in the list. 
 
The DENR Secretary, DA Secretary or the PCSD shall accordingly evaluate the status of 
the species that are the subject of a petition filed by any person seeking for the addition or 
deletion of such species from the list and act on said petition based on the criteria stated herein 
within a reasonable period of time. 
 
SECTION 27. Registration of Threatened and Exotic Wildlife in the Possession of Private 
Persons. – Threatened and exotic life possessed without a Certificate of Wildlife Registration 
shall be confiscated in favor of the government and the person in possession shall be subject to 
the penalties provided in this Act. Certificates of Wildlife Registration shall be issued only for 
the following: 
 
a. Wildlife stock acquired under a prior valid wildlife permit issued to the same applicant, 
including wildlife import permits or certifications, wildlife collector’s permit subject to 
the submission of proof of legal acquisition; 
b. Wildlife stock purchased or otherwise acquired from legal sources subject to 
submission of proof of legal acquisition: Provided, That the sale or disposition of the 
stock to the applicant was duly reported to the DENR, DA or PCSD by the source; 
Provided, further, That the wildlife sold or disposed are limited to those allowable 
under Section 20 and 23 of this Act; and 
c. Progenies or offspring of duly registered parental wildlife stocks. 
 
Possession of registered wildlife species shall be subject to the conditions under Section 12 
of this Act. When a registered threatened species is needed for breeding, propagation or 
research purposes, the State may acquire the registered wildlife from any person through a 
mutually acceptable agreement. 
 
 
ARTICLE V 
Critical Habitats 
 
SECTION 28. Establishment of Critical Habitats. – The DENR, and DA Secretaries and the 
PCSD Chairperson shall designate critical habitats where threatened species are found outside 
protected areas designated as such under RA Nos. 7586 and 11038 and other existing. Such 
designation shall be made on the basis of the best scientific data taking into consideration 
species endemicity or richness, presence of man-made pressures/threats to the survival of 
wildlife living in the area, among others. 
 
  All designated critical habitats shall be protected, in coordination with the local government 
units, indigenous peoples, and other concerned groups, from any form of exploitation or 
destruction which may be detrimental survival of the threatened species dependent therein. 
For such purpose, the DENR or DA Secretary, and PCSD Chairperson may acquire, by 
purchase, donation or expropriation, lands, or interests therein, including the acquisition of 


 
 
usufruct, establishment of easements or other undertakings appropriate in protecting the 
critical habitat. 
 
  To complement these habitats, the DENR Secretary, DA Secretary or the PCSD Chairperson 
may also identify for protection a geographically defined area other than a protected area, 
which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term 
outcomes for the in-situ conversation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and 
services, and where, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and other locally relevant values can 
be applied or observed. 
 
CHAPTER III 
WILDLIFE CRIMES 
 
ARTICLE I 
Illegal Acts 
 
SECTION 29. Illegal Acts. – It is unlawful for any person to willfully and knowingly 
undertake, or to induce, solicit, or employ another person to undertake, the following acts: 
 
a. Killing or destroying wildlife species, including causing death or destruction as a result 
of any violation of this Act, 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 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; 
v. 
when the wildlife is killed or destroyed after it has been used in authorized research or 
experiments; and 
vi. when done for the purpose of wildlife population management or eradication of invasive 
alien species, as authorized by the DENR, DA or PCSD. 
 
b. Injuring, crippling or impairing the reproductive system of wildlife species; 
c. Effecting any of the following acts in critical habitats: 
i. 
Dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife and the critical habitat; 
ii. 
Squatting or otherwise illegally occupying any portion of the critical habitat; 
iii. 
Mineral exploration or extraction, treasure-hunting or prospecting; 
iv. 
Burning; 
v. 
Logging; 
vi. 
Quarrying; 
vii. 
Land reclamation; 
viii. 
Disturbing wildlife through activities that endanger flora, fauna, and their 
habitats; and 
ix. 
Introduction, whether intentional or not, of substance or any man-made or 
antropogenic material, agent or medium that endangers the habitat or renders 
habitat no longer viable for wildlife. 
 
d. Introduction, reintroduction or restocking of wildlife resources; 
e. Trading or attempting to trade wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives, including 
advertising, contracting or offering for the purpose of sale or procurement of wildlife, 


 
 
wildlife by-products and derivatives through online platform or any other means; 
f. Collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives; 
g. Gathering or destroying of active nests, nests trees, host plants and the like; 
h. Maltreating or inflicting other injuries not covered by the preceding paragraphs; 
i. Transporting of wildlife without the appropriate, valid permits, clearances, agreements 
or certificates; 
j. Wildlife laundering; and 
k. Destruction of wildlife habitat which consists of any of the acts in paragraph (c) 
including a combination thereof, resulting in the cessation or impairment of the 
ecological service of function associated with the habitat, the effects of which take a 
considerable amount of time and effort to reverse. 
 
SECTION 30. Wildlife Trafficking. – When any of the violations of paragraphs (a), (e), (f) 
and (j) in Sec. 29 are committed by a syndicate or in large scale, or the wildlife involved is to 
be exported or is actually exported to another country, or is imported from another country by 
the person in connivance with the persons from whom the wildlife was apprehended, the 
offense committed is wildlife trafficking and shall be penalized accordingly. 
 
      Wildlife trafficking is also committed under any of the following circumstances, whether 
domestic or transnational: (a) when one or more persons agree to commit any of the 
aforementioned illegal acts for a purpose relating directly or indirectly to obtaining of financial 
or other material benefit from any crime defined in this Act, including any act undertaken by 
one of the participants in furtherance of the agreement or involving an organized criminal 
group; (b) when a person who, with knowledge of either the aim and general criminal activity 
of an organized criminal group or its intention to commit the crimes in question, takes an active 
part in criminal activities of the organized criminal group or other activities of the organized 
criminal group in the knowledge that the participation will contribute to the achievement of the 
above-described criminal aim; (c) organizing, directing, aiding, abetting, facilitating, 
counselling the commission of any illegal acts defined under this Act involving an organized 
criminal group.  
 
ARTICLE II 
Penalties 
 
SECTION 31. Penalties for Violations of this Act. – Any person who commits the illegal acts 
described under paragraph (a) of Sec. 29 of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by the 
following penalties: 
 
a. Reclusion temporal or imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years and one (1) days 
but not more than twenty (20) years and a fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P200,000.00) but not more than Two Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00) or both, if the 
illegal act involved critically endangered species; 
b. Prision mayor or imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day but not more 
than twelve (12) years, or a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P100,000.00) but not more than to One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) or both, if the 
illegal act involved endangered species; 
c. Prision correccional in its medium and maximum period or imprisonment of not less than 
two (2) years, four (4) and one (1) day but not more than six (6) years, or a fine of not less 
than Sixty Thousand Pesos (P60,000.00) but not more than six (6) Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P600,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved vulnerable species; 


 
 
d. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months 
and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a fine of not less 
than Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00) but not more than Four Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P400,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved near threatened species; and 
e. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months 
and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a fine of not less 
than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P200,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved other wildlife species. 
 
          For illegal acts under paragraph (b) of Sec. 29 of this Act, the following penalties and 
fines shall be imposed: 
 
a. Prision correccional in its maximum period or imprisonment of not less than four (4) 
years, two (2) months and one (1) day but not more than six (6) years, or a fine of One 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than One Million Pesos 
(P1,000,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved critically endangered species; 
b. Prision correccional in its medium period or imprisonment of not less than two (2) years, 
four (4) months and one (1) day but not more than four (4) years and two (2) months, or a 
fine of not less than Sixty Thousand Pesos (P60,000.00) but not more than Four Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved endangered species; 
c. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months 
and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months,or a fine of not less 
than Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00) but not more than Four Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P40,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved vulnerable species; 
d. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months 
and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a fine of not less 
than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P100,000.00), or both if the illegal act involved near threatened species; and 
e. Arresto mayor or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) 
months, or a fine of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) to Forty Thousand Pesos 
(P40,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved other wildlife species. 
 
         For illegal acts described under paragraph (c) and (d)of Sec. 29 of this Act, the penalty 
involved is arresto mayor to prision mayor in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less 
than one (1) month and one (1) day but not more than eight (8) years, or a fine of not less than 
Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Ten Million Pesos (P10,000.00), or both, 
shall be imposed. If a critical habitat requires rehabilitation or restoration as a result of the 
illegal act as determined by the Court, the offender shall be additionally required to restore the 
same, whenever practicable, or pay additional compensation for the damage caused. 
 
          For illegal acts described in paragraph (e) Sec. 29 of this Act, the following penalties and 
fines shall be imposed: 
 
a. Prision correccional in its maximum period or imprisonment of not less than four (4) 
years, two (2) months and one (1) but not more than six (6) years, or a fine of not less 
than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than Six Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P600,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved critically endangered species; 
b. Prision correccional in its medium period or imprisonment of not less than two (2) 
years, four (4) months and one (1) day but not more than four (4) years and two (2) 
months, or a fine of not less than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) but not more 


 
 
than Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved 
endangered species; 
c. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not les than six (6) 
months and one (1) days but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months or a fine 
of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved vulnerable species; 
d. Arresto mayor or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month and one (1) days but not 
more than six (6) months, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) 
but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) or both, if the illegal 
act involved near threatened species; and 
e. Arresto menor in its medium period and maximum period or imprisonment of not less 
than eleven (11) days to thirty (30) days, or a fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos 
(P5,000.00) but not more than Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00) or both, if the illegal 
act involved other wildlife species. 
 
           For illegal acts described under paragraph (f) and (g) of Sec. 29 of this Act, the following 
penalties and fines shall be imposed: 
 
a. Prision correccional in its medium period or imprisonment of not less than two (2) 
years, four (4) months and (1) day but not more than four (4) years and two (2) months, 
or a fine of not less than Sixty Thousand Pesos (P60,000.00) but not more than Six 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P600,000.00), or both if the illegal act involved critically 
endangered species; 
b. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months and one (1) days but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a fine 
of not less than Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00) but not more than Four Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved endangered species; 
c. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months or a fine 
of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00), or both, if the illegal act involved 
vulnerable species; 
d. Arresto mayor or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month and one (1) day but not 
more than six (6) months, or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) 
but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than One 
Hundred Thousand Pesos, (P100,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved near 
threatened species and; 
e. Arresto menor in its medium period and maximum period or imprisonment of not less 
than eleven (11) but not more than thirty (30) days, or a fine of not less than Two 
Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) but not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00), or 
both, if the illegal act involved other wildlife species: Provided, That if the act was 
perpetuated through the means of inappropriate techniques and devices, the maximum 
penalty herein provided shall be imposed. 
 
        For illegal acts under paragraph (h) and (i) of Sec. 29 of this Act, the following penalties: 
 
a. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a 
fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than 
Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved 
critically endangered species; 


 
 
b. Arresto mayor in its maximum period or imprisonment of not less than four (4) 
months and one (1) day but not more than six (6) months, or a fine of not less than 
Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P100,000.000 or both, if the illegal act involved endangered species; 
c. Arresto mayor in its minimum and medium period or imprisonment of not less than 
one (1) month but not more than four (4) months, or a fine of not less than Ten 
Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) but not more than Forty Thousand Pesos 
(P40,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved vulnerable specie; 
d. Arresto menor in its medium period and maximum period or imprisonment of not 
less than eleven (11) but not more than thirty (30) days, or a fine of not less than 
Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) but not more than Ten Thousand Pesos 
(P10,000.000) or both, if the illegal act involved near threatened species; 
e. Arresto menor in its minimum period, or imprisonment of not less than one (1) day 
but not more than Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) or both, if the illegal act 
involved other wildlife species. 
 
           
       For illegal acts under paragraph (j) of Sec. 29 of this Act, the following penalties and fines 
shall be imposed: 
 
a. Prision correccional in its maximum period or imprisonment of not less than four 
(4) years, two (2) months and one (1) day but not more than six (6) years, or a fine 
of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than Six Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P600,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved critically 
endangered species; 
b. Prision correccional in its medium period or imprisonment of not less than two (2) 
years, four (4) months and one (1) day but not more than four (4) years and two (2) 
months, or a fine of not less than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) but not more 
than Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00) or both, if the illegal act 
involved endangered species; 
c. Prision correccional in its minimum period, or imprisonment or not less than six 
(6) months, and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, 
or a fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than 
Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) or both, if the illegal act involved 
vulnerable species; 
d. Arresto mayor or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month and one (1) day but 
not more than six (6) months or a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos 
(P10,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) or 
both, if the illegal act involved near threatened species; and 
e. Arresto menor in its medium period and maximum period or imprisonment of not 
less than eleven (11) days but not more than Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00) 
or both, if the illegal act involved other wildlife species. 
 
            For acts constituting wildlife trafficking, the following fines and penalties shall be 
imposed: 
 
a. Reclusion temporal or imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years and one (1) 
day but not more than twenty (20) years, or a fine of not less than Two Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) but not more than Two Million Pesos 
(P2,000,000.00), or two times the proven market value, whichever is higher, or both, 


 
 
if the illegal act involved critically endangered species; 
b. Prision mayor or imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day not 
more than twelve (12) years or a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P100,000.00) but not more than One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00), or two times 
the proven market value, whichever is higher, or both, if the illegal act involved 
endangered species; 
c. Prision correccional in its medium and maximum period or imprisonment of not 
less than two (2) years, four (4) months and one (1) day but not more than six (6) 
years, or a fine of Sixty Thousand Pesos (P60,000.00) to Six Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P600,000.00) or two times the proven market value, whichever is higher or 
both if the illegal act involved vulnerable species; 
d. Prision correccional in its minimum period or imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months and one (1) day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a 
fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than Sixty 
Thousand Pesos (P60,000.00), or two times the proven market value, whichever is 
higher, or both if the illegal act involved other protected wildlife species. 
 
SECTION 32. Criminal Liabilities and Disqualification. – (a) If the violation is committed 
by a corporation, cooperative, association, or any juridical person, such as airfreight, shipping, 
trucking, or forwarding companies, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, director 
or directors, managers, managing partner, or other official thereof responsible for such 
violation: Provided, That the fine shall be doubled: Provided, further, That the liability imposed 
on the juridical person shall be without prejudice to the criminal liability of the natural person 
who actually committed the offense. 
 
    b.) Any government official or employee who violates this Act, shall, in addition to the 
criminal liability that the court may find and the penalty that may be imposed pursuant thereto, 
shall be perpetually disqualified from holding any public office. 
 
       c.)  Any person convicted of a violation of this Act shall be permanently and perpetually 
disqualified from being issued any wildlife permit, clearance, agreement or certificate. 
 
SECTION 33. Civil Liabilities. – Civil action for the recovery of civil liability arising from 
the offense charged shall be included in the criminal action or may be separately filed. Civil 
liabilities are separate from criminal and administrative liabilities and shall include costs for 
maintenance of apprehended live wildlife species, economic reparations, or indemnification 
for environment damage, among others. 
 
SECTION 34. Amount of Fines. – The fines herein prescribed shall automatically increase by 
ten percent (10%) every three years from the effectivity of this Act without need for further 
legislation or administrative issuance. 
 
ARTICLE III 
Disputable Presumptions and Qualifying Circumstances 
 
SECTION 35. Disputable Presumptions. – Without the appropriate wildlife permit, 
certification or clearance, or authority at the time of apprehension, the following shall 
constitute prima facie evidence of the corresponding illegal acts punishable under this Act: 
 
a. Possession of any hunting, trapping, or collecting paraphernalia along with live or dead 


 
 
wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives shall be a disputable presumption that the 
possessor caused the killing or destruction, infliction of injury, maltreatment, collection, 
hunting of wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives, as appropriate; 
b. Presence of fresh or dried blood, wildlife by-products and derivatives, with or without 
the tools, equipment or paraphernalia derivatives, shall be a disputable presumption of 
the killing or destruction of, or inflicting injury on, the wildlife species involved; 
c. Entry into areas designated as critical habitats while in possession of hunting, trapping, 
or collecting paraphernalia shall be a disputable presumption that the person intends to 
collect, hunt, or gather wildlife resources thereat; and  
d. Failure on the part of any airfreight, shipping, trucking or forwarding company, or any 
parcel or mail delivery service providers from whose possession, the wildlife, wildlife 
by-products or derivatives are discovered or seized to fully cooperate in the investigation 
on the matter by concerned government authorities shall create a presumption that there 
is connivance or conspiracy between the company or service provider and the shipper to 
violate the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 36. Qualifying Circumstances. – Any prohibited act committed each wildlife 
specimen shall be counted separately. The imposition of penalties shall be qualified and the 
maximum penalty shall be imposed if the prohibited acts committed involve: 
 
a. More than one (1) specimen of a critically endangered species; 
b. More than five (5) of specimen of an endangered species; 
c. More than eight (8) specimens of vulnerable species; 
d. More than ten (10) specimens of near threatened species; 
e. More than fifteen (15) specimens of other wildlife species; 
f. More than twenty (20) wildlife specimens of any classification. 
 
   If the prohibited act is committed in a large scale or by a syndicate, the penalty of twice the 
maximum penalty shall be imposed. A prohibited act is deemed large scale when the total 
number of wildlife specimen involved is more than thirty (30). A prohibited is deemed 
committed by a syndicate if more than three (3) persons are involved. 
 
    If the prohibited act committed involve the inducement of indigenous peoples (Ips), the 
maximum penalty. 
 
SECTION 37. Penalties for Recidivists. – The maximum applicable penalty shall be imposed 
upon a recidivist who commits any of the illegal acts punishable under this Act. A recidivist 
refers to a person who, at the time of the trial for violation of this Act, shall have been 
previously convicted by final judgment of the same or another violation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 38. Liability Under Other Laws. – Prosecution for violation of this Act shall be 
without prejudice to the prosecution of the offender for violation of other laws, rules and 
regulations. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
Administrative Adjudication 
 
SECTION 39. Authority to Adjudicate and Administer Penalties. – The Secretaries of the 
DENR and DA, PCSD Chairperson, or their respective authorized representatives shall 
exercise administrative adjudication, confiscation, and forfeiture powers, including the power 


 
 
to cite in contempt, in cases of violations of this Act. They may also impose administrative 
sanctions such as payment of fines, or order the suspension or cancellation of existing wildlife 
permits and disqualification from the issuance of future permits, the closure of establishment, 
or the confiscation and forfeiture of all wildlife, wildlife by-product and derivatives, and all 
paraphernalia, tools and conveyances used in connection with the violation, and to dispose of 
the same in accordance with pertinent laws, regulations or policies on the matter. The 
Secretaries of the DENR, and DA, PCSD Chairperson, or their respective authorized 
representatives may, after due notice and hearing, cancel or suspend wildlife permits, 
clearances, agreements and/or certificates issued to persons found to have violated any 
provision of this Act, rules and regulations issued to implement it, or the terms of the permits, 
agreements or certificates. The Secretaries of the DENR and the DA, and the PCSD 
Chairperson shall issue appropriate procedural rules and regulations for the administrative 
adjudication of violations of this Act. 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 
Transnational Wildlife Crisis 
 
SECTION 40. Transnational Character of Wildlife Crime. – Consistent with the provisions 
of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) to which the 
Philippines is a Party, and which is considered part of the land through incorporation, a wildlife 
crime acquires a transnational character if committed: 
 
a. In more than one State; 
b. In one State, but a substantial part of its preparation, planning, direction or control takes 
place in another State; 
c. In one State, but involves an organized criminal group that engages in criminal 
activities in more than one State; or 
d. In one State, but has substantial effects on another State. 
 
SECTION 41. International Cooperation. – Once the Philippine Center on Transnational 
Crime (PCTC) has received a request from another State Party of UNTOC for confiscation or 
proceeds of crime, property, equipment, or other instrumentalities from the commission of a 
transnational wildlife crime, the PCTC shall submit the request to the implementing agencies 
of this Act for the purpose of obtaining an order of confiscation, and if such an order is granted, 
shall enforce such order. 
 
   In addition, upon receipt of such request, the PCTC, in coordination with the implementing 
agencies of  this Act, shall take measures to identify, trace, freeze, seize property, equipment, 
other instrumentalities and the proceeds of the transnational wildlife crime. 
 
SECTION 42. Collection, Exchange, and Analysis of Information on the Nature of 
Transnational Wildlife Crime. – The PCTC shall consolidate and analyze, in consultation with 
the scientific and academic communities and other relevant international and regional 
organizations, including International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and 
Association of Southeast Asian Nation National Police (ASEANAPOL), consolidate and 
analyze the trends in organized crime in its territory, the circumstances in which organized 
crime operates as well as the professional groups and technologies involved. The PCTC shall 
also consider developing and sharing analytical expertise concerning organized criminal 
activities with other international and regional organizations. For these purposes, common 


 
 
definitions, standards and methodologies should be developed and applied, as appropriate. 
 
SECTION 43. Policies and Other Measures to Address Transnational Wildlife Crime. – The 
PCTC shall work with the DENR, DA, PCSD and the Office of the Special Envoy for 
Transnational Crimes, and consult with international and regional organizations, including 
INTERPOL, ASEANAPOL and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, to develop policies and 
measures conducive to the optimal implementation of the UNTC in relation to wildlife crime, 
through regional and international cooperation, taking into account the negative effects of 
organized crime on society in general, and in particular on sustainable development. 
 
CHAPTER V 
WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT 
 
SECTION 44. Creation of Plantilla Positions for Wildlife Law Enforcement. – The DA, 
DENR and PCSD are hereby authorized to create, subject to existing guidelines, permanent 
positions of Wildlife Enforcement Agents, or designate their existing permanent employees as 
such from their respective enforcement units. They shall have full authority to enforce the 
provisions of this Act such as the conduct of surveillance activities, investigation, application 
and service of search warrants, arrests of violators and seizures of illegally possessed, collected, 
traded or transported wildlife, their by-products and derivatives including the conveyances, 
tools and implements used thereto. Wildlife Enforcement Agents are authorized to carry their 
agency"s badge and government firearms in the conduct of their duties, subject to the existing 
rules on firearms and after proper training from any government facility. 
 
SECTION 45. Deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers. – The DENR and DA 
Secretaries, and the PCSD shall deputize wildlife enforcement officers from nongovernment 
organizations, citizens #"groups, community organizations, local government units and other 
volunteers who have undergone necessary training for this purpose. The Philippine National 
Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Customs 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 
These agencies may also seeks the cooperation of International and Regional Organizations in 
the conduct of its investigation and enforcement actions. 
 
SECTION 49. Creation of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units (WTMUs). – The DENR and 
DA Secretaries shall create WTMUs in strategic air and seaports all over the country to ensure 
the strict implementation of all existing wildlife laws, rules and regulations, including pertinent 
international agreements. For this purpose, the DENR, DA or PCSD are authorized to add in 
their staffing pattern such number of Wildlife Inspector positions as may be necessary, the 
appointees of which shall be assigned to WTMUs, and who shall have the same powers and 
duties as Wildlife Enforcement Officers. National government agencies with mandates as 
transportation and local government units shall provide necessary assistance to such WTMUs. 
 
  Customs officers and the authorized representatives of other government agencies or 
instrumentalities such as, those from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), the Civil 
Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), assigned at air or seaports who may have 
discovered or intercepted wildlife commodities in the discharge of their official functions shall 
bring such discovery to the attention of, and turn over the intercepted wildlife, wildlife by-
products and derivatives to the wildlife traffic monitoring unit assigned in the area. 


 
 
 
SECTION 47. Wildlife Regulatory and Law Enforcement Management Information 
System. – The DENR, DA and PCSD shall develop, establish and maintain a wildlife law 
enforcement management information system to aid in the monitoring, regulation, control and 
surveillance of activities involving wildlife, particularly the possession, transport and trade of 
wildlife, wildlife by-products and derivatives. 
 
SECTION 48. Role of Local Government Units. – Local government units shall support the 
DENR, DA and PCSD in the implementation of this Act. Local government units shall require 
the presentation of the appropriate and duly issued wildlife permits or clearances by persons 
engaged in business activities involving wildlife as a pre-requisite for the issuance or renewal 
of business permits and other applicable local government permits and clearances to such 
persons. 
 
SECTION 49. Public Participation. – The participation of private citizens in reporting and 
providing information on illegal wildlife trade shall be encouraged. Any private person who 
shall provide any information leading to the apprehension, prosecution and conviction of any 
offender for any violation of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, or 
confiscation of wildlife, its derivatives or by-products, and all paraphernalia, tools and 
conveyances used in connection with the violation, may be given a reward in an amount to be 
determined through a policy guideline issued by the DENR, DA or the PCSD. 
 
SECTION 50. Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation in the Enforcement of this 
Act. – A legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any legal recourse that 
any person, institution or the government has taken or may take in the enforcement of this Act 
shall be treated as a strategic lawsuit against public participation. 
 
  The hearing on the defense of a strategic lawsuit against public participation shall be 
summary in nature. The affirmative defense shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after the 
summary hearing. If the court dismisses the action, the court may award damages, attorney"s 
fees, and costs of suit under a claim if such has been filed. The dismissal shall be with prejudice. 
 
  If the court rejects the defense of a strategic lawsuit against public participation, the evidence 
adduced during the summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits if 
the case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of Court. 
 
  The Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases shall govern the procedure in civil, 
criminal, and special civil actions involving the enforcement or violations of this Act, including 
actions treated as a strategic lawsuit against public participation as provided in this section. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 51. Wildlife Management Fund. – There is hereby established a Wildlife 
Management Fund to be administered separately by the DENR, DA and PCSD as a special 
account in the National Treasury. It shall finance rehabilitation or restoration of habitats 
affected by acts committed in violation of this Act and support scientific research, enforcement 
and monitoring activities, procurement of vehicles, firearms and ammunitions, as well as 
enhancement of capabilities of relevant agencies. 
 


 
 
   The fund shall be derived from administrative and criminal fines imposed, civil liabilities 
and damages awarded, proceeds from allowable disposition of wildlife, wildlife by-products 
and derivatives, fees, charges, donations, endowments, administrative fees or grants in the form 
of contributions. Contributions to the Fund shall be exempt from donor"s tax and all other tax 
charges or fees imposed by the government. The administrative and criminal fines imposed, 
civil liabilities and damages awarded shall accrue to the Wildlife Management Fund of the DA, 
DENR, or the PCSD, as the case may be. 
 
SECTION 52. Tax Exemption. – All grants, bequests, endowments, donations and 
contributions which may be made to the DENR, DA,PCSD and to NGOs and people"s 
organizations engaged in wildlife conservation, protection and law enforcement duly registered 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Cooperative Development Authority, as 
certified by the local government unit, the DENR, DA or PCSD, for the conservation and 
protection of wildlife resources and their habitats shall be exempt from donor"s tax and the 
same shall constitute as allowable deductions from gross income for purposes of computing 
the taxable income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal 
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
 
SECTION 53. Wildlife Resource Center. – The DENR and DA Secretaries shall establish or 
designate wildlife resources centers which shall take temporary custody and care of all 
confiscated, abandoned, or donated wildlife to ensure their welfare and well-being. Such 
wildlife rescue centers shall be staffed by permanent qualified personnel and shall also have 
the necessary tools, machines, equipment and facilities consistent with the requirements of 
animal health and welfare. The DENR and DA Secretaries shall formulate guidelines for the 
disposition of wildlife from these rescue centers. 
 
SECTION 54. Establishment of National Wildlife Research Centers. – The DENR and DA 
Secretaries and PCSD shall establish national and local wildlife research centers for terrestrial 
and aquatic species that shall lead in the conduct of scientific researches on the proper strategies 
for the conservation and protection of wildlife, including captive breeding or propagation. Such 
research centers shall be staffed by permanent qualified personnel and shall have the necessary 
tools, machines, equipment and facilities to conduct forensic analyses and other related 
capabilities for wildlife law enforcement. To further enrich scientific studies and explorations 
in the area of wildlife protection and conservation, the DENR, DA and PCSD shall establish 
partnerships with experts from academic and research institutions and the legitimate wildlife 
trade industry. 
 
SECTION 55. Flagship Species. – Local government units shall initiate conservation 
measures for wildlife species in their areas. For this purpose, they may adopt flagship species 
such as Cebu black shama (Copsychus cebuensis), tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), Philippine 
tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), or the Philippine teak tree (Tectona philppinensis), which shall serve 
emblems of conservation for the local government concerned. The DENR or DA Secretary, the 
PCSD or their authorized representatives may provide guidelines on the selection of flagship 
species. 
 
SECTION 56. Heritage Trees. – In coordination with and assistance from the DENR or PCSD, 
local government units shall declare or designate as heritage trees certain qualified endemic or 
indigenous tree species within their territorial jurisdiction. The DENR or DA Secretary or 
PCSD or their authorized representatives may provide guidelines on the selection of heritage 
trees. 


 
 
 
SECTION 57. Botanical Gardens, Zoological Parks and Other Similar Establishments. – 
The DENR or DA Secretary shall regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of 
botanical gardens, zoological parks and other similar establishments for recreation, education 
and conservation. 
 
SECTION 58. Registration of Museum Specimens. – Except for the National Museum, all 
other measures and similar establishments displaying wildlife, wildlife by-products and 
derivatives for public viewing shall register said specimens with the DENR, DA or PCSD, as 
the case may be, 
 
SECTION 59. Communication, Education, Public Awareness, and Information Sharing. – 
The DENR, DA, PCSD and the Office of Special Envy for Transnational Crimes shall 
undertake wildlife information awareness and wildlife crime prevention activities with the 
assistance of other national agencies and local government units. These agencies shall facilitate 
information sharing with other national agencies and pertinent agencies of the ASEAN and 
ASEAN member countries to further aid enforcement of the wildlife protection laws and 
address and deter wildlife trafficking and illegal wildlife trade. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 60. Appropriations. – The Secretaries of the DENR, DA, and PCSD shall 
immediately include in their Department"s programs the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 61. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within twelve (12) months following 
the effectivity of this Act, the DENR and DA Secretaries shall jointly promulgate the rules and 
regulations to implement this Act. Whenever appropriate, coordination in the preparation and 
implementation of rules and regulations on joint and inseparable issues shall be done by the 
DENR, DA and PCSD. The commitments of the State to international agreements and 
protocols shall likewise be a consideration in the implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 62. Report to Congress. – The DENR and DA Secretaries and PCSD shall report 
to Congress, not later than March 30 of every year following the approval of this Act, the 
progress of efforts to conserve and protect Philippine wildlife resources and make the necessary 
recommendations in areas where there is need for legislative action. 
 
SECTION 63. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. – There is hereby created a Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor and oversee the implementation of the 
provisions of this Act. The Committee shall be composed of six (6) members from the Senate 
and six (6) members from the House of Representatives with the Chairpersons of the 
Committees on Environment of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the 
House of Representatives, respectively as co-chairpersons of the Joint Committee. The five (5) 
other members from each Chamber are to be designated by the Senate President and the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The minority party or bloc shall be 
entitled to pro rata representation but shall have at least two (2) representatives from each 
Chamber. 
 
SECTION 64. Mandatory Review. – The Congressional Oversight Committee shall undertake 


 
 
the mandatory review of this Act at least once every five (5) years after the effectivity of this 
Act, or as the need arises. 
 
SECTION 65. 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. 
 
SECTION 66. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 9147 is hereby repealed. All other laws, 
ordinances, orders, rules, regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent 
with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 67. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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