7 JUN 30 P 2 : y  
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS 
1 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
) 
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. $75 
Introduced by Sen. M.A. 
Madrigal 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a thick forested area in the 
uplands of Negros Oriental. It covers eight thousand (8000) hectares and located 
in the municipalities of Valencia, Sibulan, and San Jose. It has a unique feature of 
two upland lakes adjacent to each other. 
The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park serves as sanctuary to several 
rare and endangered wildlife. Particularly, it is home to barebacked fruit bat 
which was thought to be extinct as no sighting had been reported since 1964 until 
it was sighted herein in the year 2004. 
It was included in the Palinpinon Geothermal Energy Reservation under 
the jurisdiction of the PNOC. 
Due To its biodiversity and ecological significance, the Balinsasayao Twin 
Lakes Natural Park was declared a protected area on 21 November 2000 through 
Presidential Proclamation No. 414. 
In line with the State's policy of securing for the Filipino people of present 
and future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals, it 
is incumbent upon the Congress to enact a law to provide for the management, 
protection, sustainable development and rehabilitation of the Balinsasayao Twin 
Lakes Natural Park This shall be established within the framework of the 
National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act, or Republic Act of 7586, 
while considering the welfare and recognizing the rights of all the communities 
living therein especially the indigenous peoples. 
Passage of this Bill is thus urgent before the treasures of Balinsasayao 
Twin Lakes are lost to the Philippines and the world. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS 
1 
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
) 
SENATE 
S. B. No. 175 
Introdirced by Sen. M.A. Madrigal 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE BALINSASAYAO TWIN LAKES LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITIES OF SIBULAN AND SAN JOSE, PROVINCE OF NEGROS 
ORIENTAL AS A PROTECTED AREA UNDER THE CATEGORY OF 
NATURAL PARK AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
GENERL PROVISIONS 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Balinsasayao Twin Lakes 
Natural Park Act". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy.- Considering the aesthetic, socio-cultural and 
ecological importance to the Province of Negros Oriental of the area where the 
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes are located, it is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to ensure its protection and conservation as a natural park including its 
communities of people insofar as they are in harmony with nature. The 
protection and conservation of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park shall 
be pursued through sustainable and participatory management and shall 
advance and protect the interests of legitimate inhabitants and entities with prior 
rights in the area. 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. 
(a) "Biodiversity" shall refer to the variety and variability among all living 
organisms and the ecological complex in which they occur. 
@) "Buffer zones" shall refer to identified areas outside the boundaries of 
the designated protected area that need special development and control in order 
to provide an extra layer around the protected area where restrictions may 
apply, and managed according to the Management Plan and applicable rules and 
regulations issued as provided for in this Act and related statutes. 


(c) "'Department" shall refer to the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR). 
(d) "Ecosystem" shall refer to the community of plants and animals, their 
physical environment and the interactions between them. 
(e) "Environmental Impact Assessment" shall refer to the Environment, 
Impact Assessment System established under Presidential Decree No. 1586. 
(f) "Exotic species" shall refer to species or subspecies that do not naturally 
occur within the country or within the biogeographic region of the Philippines 
in which the protected area is situated. 
(g) "Management Plan" shall refer to the fundamental plan, strategy andlor 
scheme which shall guide all activities relating to the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes 
Natural Park in order to attain the objectives of this Act as stated in Section 2 
hereof. 
(h) "Natural park" shall refer to a relatively large area not materially altered 
by human activity, where extractive resource uses are not allowed and 
maintained to protect outstanding natural and 'scenic areas of national or 
international significance for scientific, educational and recreational use. 
(i) "Protected area (PA)" shall refer to identified portions of land and water 
set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed 
to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human 
exploitation. 
(j) "Secretary" shall refer to the Secretary of the DENR. 
(k) "Tenured migrants" shall refer to individuals and households who have 
actually and continuously, occupied public lands which are not alienable and 
disposable within the PA before June 1, 1987 and are substantially dependent on 
the PA for their livelihood. 
(1) "Timber" shall refer to wood having an average diameter of at least 
fifteen (15) centimeters and a length of at least one and a half (1.5) meters, or 
wood regardless of size, sawn or hewn on two or more sides usually referred to 
as flitch, and all mangrove. 
Sec. 4. Scope. - The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park shall cover 
certain parcels of land situated ill the municipalities of Sibulan and San, Jose, 
Province of Negros Oriental. Its boundaries, subject to ground demarcation, are 
as follows: 
Beginning a corner marked" 1" on the map being identical to MBM 


No. 14, Project No. 15, AandDLCMap225; 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
N 71'25' W 
N 72" 27'W 
s 20" 52' w 
S 74" 41' W 
S 46' 19' W 
S 70"50' W 
N71" 25' W 
S 32" 11' W 
S 580 12' W 
N 64' 15' W 
DUE W 
N 39" 30' E 
S 80'21' E 
N 45'43' E 
DUE S 
S 45" 19' W 
S25"47'E 
N 50'45' E 
S 47" 01' E 
S 20" 40' E 
N 18'36' E 
N 40" 44' E 
DUE E 
N 35" 46' E 
S70'39'E 
825'47' E 
N 48" 44' E 
S 60" 53' E 
S31" 1O'W 
S 65" 59' W 
S 41" 19'W 
S 20" 52' E 
N 85" 10' E 
DUE S 
S 31'55' E 
S 33'57' E 
s 77"34'W 
S15'31'E 
N 61" 58'E 
N 48"44' E 
S 10"22' E 
S.50" 00' E 
S 20" 32' W 
DUE S 
S 60" 53' E 
N 64" 47' E 
282.40 m. 
705.70 m. 
337.90 m. 
491.00 m. 
1,376.00m. 
400.00 m. 
756.50m. 
875.00m. 
1,190.40 m. 
8,092.30 m. 
670.28 m. 
5,954.47m. 
4,173.80 m. 
4,166.40 m. 
226.00 m. 
785.70 m. 
193.20m. 
303.60 m. 
489.10 m. 
289.20 m. 
481.70 m. 
510.00 m; 
208.00 m. 
409.60 m. 
346.80 m. 
289.90 m. 
283.80 m. 
690.30 m. 
310.90 m. 
299.10 m. 
587.40 m. 
289.60 m. 
278.60 m. 
240.00 m. 
213.20 m. 
436.70 m. 
882.60 m. 
298.30 m 
301.30 m. 
293.40 m. 
240.30m. 
588.40 m. 
190.00m. 
288.00 m. 
345.10 m. 
398.00 m. 
to corner 2; 
to corner 3; 
to corner 4; 
to corner 5; 
to corner 6; 
to corner 7; 
to corner 8', 
to corner 9; 
to corner 10; 
to corner 11; 
to corner 12; 
to corner 13; 
to corner 14; 
to corner 15; 
to corner 16; 
to corner 17; 
to corner 18; 
to corner 19; 
to corner 20; 
to comer 21; 
to corner 22; 
to comer 23; 
to comer 24; 
to comer 25; 
to corner 26; 
to corner 27; 
to corner 28; 
to corner 29; 
to corner 30; 
to corner 31; 
to corner 32; 
to corner 33; 
to corner 34; 
to corner 35; 
to corner 36; 
to corner 37;. 
to corner 38; 
to corner 39; 
to corner 40; 
to corner 41; 
to corner 42; 
to corner 43; 
to corner 44; 
to corner 45; 
to corner 46; 
to corner 47; 


Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
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Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
S 85" 31' E 
S30"04' E 
S 31" 10' W 
S 08"lO'EO 
DUE E 
S 15'40' W 
S3lo10'W 
S 61" 07' W 
N 79"39' W 
S 32"11' W 
S 15"31' E 
S 31" 10' W 
S 78" 32' W 
N 27"12' W 
N 41" 19' W 
S 20"'40' E 
S 64"16' W 
S 14'29'E 
S 16'36' E 
S 61'07' W 
S 20'52' W 
S20°40'E 
S41"01' E 
S31"10 W 
280.70 m. 
387.50 m. 
291.50 m. 
230.50 m. 
346.20m. 
173.30m. 
242.90 m. 
21S.70om. 
201.30 m. 
272.20 m. 
481.10 m. 
291.50 m 
280.90 m. 
371.70 m. 
195.80'm. 
366.40 m. 
221..10 m. 
15 4.0 0 m . 
192.60m. 
447.40 m. 
202.70 m. 
570.70 m. 
370.30 m. 
291.50 m. 
to corner 48; 
to comer 49; 
to corner 50; 
to corner 51; 
to corner 52; 
to-corner 53; 
to corner 54; 
to corner 55; 
to corner 56; 
to corner 57; 
to comer 58; 
to corner 59; 
to corner 60; 
to corner 61; 
to corner 62; 
to comer 63; 
to corner 64; 
to corner 65; 
to corner. 66; 
to corner 67; 
to corner 68; 
to corner 69; 
to corner 70; 
to corner 1, 
the point of beginning, containing an area of eight thousand sixteen and five hundredths 
(8,016.05) hectares: more or less. 
The above boundaries and scope of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural 
Park shall not be amended except by an act of Congress. 
SEC.5. Management Plan - Within one year. from the effectivity of this Act 
and in accordance with the General Management Planning Strategy as provided 
for in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIP AS) Act, there shall 
be a management plan to be prepared by the Office of the Protected Area 
Superintendent (PASu)'in coordination with the local communities, local 
government units (LGUs), appropriate offices of the DENR, non-government 
organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (pas), existing operators in the 
park and experts With socioeconomic, anthropological and ecological experience 
in the area. It shall contain, among others, the following: 
(a) Period of applicability of the plan, preferably at least five years; 
(b) Key management issues; 
(c) Goals and objectives of management in support of Section 2 of this Act; 
(d) Site management strategy; 


(e) Major management activities such as, but not limited to, enforcement 
of Iaws, biodiversity conservation, habitat and wildlife management, sustainable 
use management; infrastructure development and maintenance, fire and pest 
control; 
(f) Establishment and delineation of management zones and the regulated 
and/or prohibited activities therein, such as, but not limited to, multipurpose-use 
zones, buffer zones, recreational zones, strict protection zones and other special 
zones which can provide effective management of the. PA and promote 
sustainable development of all legitimate stakeholders. To avoid relocation, 
primary consideration shall be accorded to the traditional zones used which have 
been proven sustainable and in consonance with the biodiversity and protection 
of the natural characteristics of the PA; and 
(g) Visitor management programs. The Management Plan shall be 
consistent with the nature of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes as a PA under the 
category a natural park. It shall be reviewed and approved by the Protected Area 
Management Board (PAMB) and certified to by the Secretary that it conforms to 
all laws and the rules and regulations issued therefor by the DENR. The 
Management Plan shall not be revised nor modified except by prior consultation 
with the PAMB and in accordance with the procedure herein set forth. If any part 
or section of the Management Plan is inconsistent with existing laws, the 
Secretary shall certify to the other provisions of the plan that are consistent with 
the laws. Unless the Secretary accepts or adopts such inconsistent provisions, 
he/she shall notify the PAMB of the provisions that need modification or 
revision. One year before the expiration of the initial Management Plan, there 
shall be a subsequent plan to be prepared by the Office of the PASu in the same 
manner as the procedure and principles herein set forth and in accordance with 
the General. Management Planning Strategy as provided in the NIPAS Act. In 
the same period, the Office of the PASu shall cause the publication of notices for 
comments and suggestions on the proposed plan in a newspaper of local 
circulation and the actual posting of such notices in conspicuous places within. 
the LGUs in the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. The proposed new 
Management Plan shall be made available for public perusal in all agencies, 
offices and organizations duly represented the PAMB. 
In the event that no subsequent plan is adopted upon the expiration of the 
initial Management Plan, the latter shall remain in force subject to interim 
modifications that may be adopted by the PAMB. 
Sec. 6. The Protected Area Management Board (PAME).- There shall be a 
PAMB. which shall serve as the highest policy-making body of the Balinsasayao 
Twin Lakes Natural Park. It shall be composed of the following: 
(a) The Regional Executive Director (RED) Of the DENR-Region VI1 who 
shall sit as the PAMB chairperson; 


(b) The Provincial Governor of Negros Oriental as the PAMB co- 
(c) The. provincial planning and development. officer or hisher permanent 
chairperson; 
representative; 
(d) The municipal mayors of Sibulan and San Jose or their respective 
permanent representatives; 
(e) All barangay captains within the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural 
Park; 
(t) Two representatives from the POs and the NGOs .accredited by the 
municipalities of Sibulan and San Jose chosen from among themselves in an 
election duly called by the DENR-Region VI1 for the purpose; and 
(g) Representatives from national government agencies operating within 
the PA which can potentially contribute to the area's management; and 
(h) Other stakeholders who can potentially assist and contribute in the 
protection, preservation and conservation of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes 
Natural Park. 
In the selection of representatives from the PAS and the NGOs, the 
following criteria shall be primarily considered: 
(1) Active involvement in the ecological conservation, preservation, 
rehabilitation and protection of the PA; 
(2) Great potential in community organizing and other development 
works; 
(3) Favorable track record in community; and 
(4) Duly accredited by the LGU concerned and the DENR. 
Sec.7. Term of Office of that PAMB Members.- Every member of the PAMB 
shall serve for a term of five years: Provided, That hefshe continues to be officially 
connected with the organization or office being represented. If a vacancy occurs, 
a new member shall be chosen in accordance with the original selection process 
but the successor shall only serve the remaining term. In the case of elected 
officials, they shall serve the PAMB for the duration of their term office. 
Sec.8. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB of the Balinsasayao 
Twin Lakes Natural Park, being the highest policy-making body, shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
(a) Decide and approve matters relating to proposals, work and action 
plans, guidelines and policies, and other activities for the management of the PA; 


@) Review, approve and adopt the management plans and development 
programs and their respective implementing rules and regulations; 
(c) Recommend and approve the establishment and delineation of zones; 
(d) Establish supplemental criteria and guidelines for park fees for 
activities regulated by this Act or the Management Plan subject to the DENRs 
approval pursuant to Section 1O(f) of the NIPAS Act; 
(e) Ensure the effective implementation of development activities within 
the PA: 
(f) . Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, roles and 
responsibilities, and discipline of its board members, including the creation of 
standing committees; 
(g) Evaluate the performance and activities of the Office of the PA%; 
(h) Accept donations, approve proposals for funding and budget 
allocation, and exercise accountability over all funds that may accrue; 
(i) Evaluate and recommend compliance to all existing requirements set 
by the DENR particularly in the issuance of the Environmental Compliance 
Certificate; 
(8) Recognize the rights and privileges of indigenous communities under 
the provisions of this Act arid other applicable laws; 
(k)Request assistance from any government agency, office, board and 
private or public person to achieve the objectives of this Act; 
(1) Monitor and evaluate the performance of PA personnel, NGOs and the 
communities in biodiversity conservational and sociocultural and economic 
development, and report its assessment to the DENR; and 
(m) Participate in the selection and designation process of the DENR in 
the appointment of the PASu. 
The DENR, through the RED, shall ensure that, the FAME3 acts within the 
scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between administrative 
orders issued by the DENR pursuant to the NIPAS Act and issuances and 
resolutions issued by the PAMB, the DENR Secretary shall decide whether to 
apply the Department's administrative order or withdraw its application in the 
PA. 
Sec.9. Office of the Protected Avea Superintendent (PASu). -There is hereby 
established the Office of the PASu in charge of the management, protection and 


administration of the PA. The PASu shall be supported by the existing personnel 
of the DENR. The head of office shall be the chief, operating officer of the 
Balinsasayao Twin Lalces Natural Park or the PA and shall be accountable to the 
RED of the DENR-Region VI1 and the PAMB. The PASu shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
(a) Administrative 
(1) Serve as the chief administrative officer of the PA for the purpose of 
implementing the Management Plan as detailed in the annual work program; 
(2) Establish a productive partnership with the local community; 
(3) Plan the protection and management of the PA; 
(4) Ensure the performance and high morale of his staff; 
(5) Ensure the proper utilization of annual budget allocations and the 
proper disposition of fees and other funds generated within the PA; 
(6) Develop and implement a park information, education and visitor 
program; 
(7) Develop and implement a natural history documentation program and 
oversee researches that may be conducted within the area; 
(8) Integrate the roles of the NGO and the DENR staff in the operation of 
the area; and 
(9) Document the processes involved. in the establishment and 
management of the PA, with particular reference to the development of 
relationships with cultural communities, tenured migrants, buffer zone residents 
and other in establishment effective protection of the area. 
(b) Regulatory, 
(1) Act as peace officer for the purpose of maintaining peace and order 
within the PA. As peace officer, he shall exercise police supervision therein and 
may arrest any person found in any place within PAS who is committing, has 
committed or is about to commit an offense which is prohibited in this Act; 
(2) Enforce rules and regulations established to protect the area and 
preserve the area from trespass, damage, injury and illegal occupancy; 
(3) Require; when necessary, any person entering or passing through or 
any part of the PA under his jurisdiction, to give the following information: 
name address the proposed duration of stay inside the PA and the portion which 


he intends to visit or has visited and such other information of similar nature as 
may be referred to him; 
(4) Summarily remove or eject from the area persons who have rendered 
themselves obnoxious by disorderly conduct or bad behavior or who have 
violated any of the regulations on the PA; 
(5) Require persons cutting and/or gathering forest products or hunting or 
fishing within the PA to produce, upon demand, authority or permit to do so; 
(6) Seize and confiscate timber or other forest products, game birds, 
animals and fish, including instruments, tools and conveyances used inside the 
PA by unlicensed persons, or if licensed, in violation of PA laws, rules and 
regulations, and to report them in accordance with the present rules, regulations 
and guidelines issued by the Secretary concerning confiscation, seizure and 
disposition of illegally cut, gathered, transported forest products and other 
natural resources and confiscated wildlife; and 
(7) Perform such other powers and duties as may from time to time be 
prescribed by higher authorities. 
All DENR employees detailed with the PA at the time of the effectivity of 
this Act shall be accorded preference to for impact of the Office of the PASu. 
CHAPTER III 
TENURED MIGRANTS 
SEC.10, Tenuredlred Migrants. - Tenured migrants shall be eligible to 
become stewards of portions of lands within the allowed and designated zones. 
The PAMB shall identify, verify and subject to Section 56 of Republic Act No, 
8371 or the Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, review all tenure 
instrument, land claims and issuance of permits for resource use within the PA 
and recommend the issuance of the appropriate tenure instrument consistent 
with the land classification, proper and allowed use of resources found therein, 
and zoning provided in the management or successor plans. Farmers who have 
been cultivating land within the PA are considered to be occupying such lands 
and shall be entitled to a tenure instrument limited to cultivation and residence: 
Provided, That the rights under such can only be transferred to direct 
descendants. 
Nothing herein shall be construed to mean any diminution of accrued 
rights earned by tenured migrants: If areas occupied by tenured migrants are 
designated as zones in which no occupation or other activities are allowed, they 
shall be transferred to multiple-use zones or buffer zones to be accomplished 
through just and human means. 
In the event of termination of it tenure instrument for cause or by 
voluntary surrender of rights, the PASu shall take immediatesteps to rehabilitate 


the area in order to return it to its natural state prior to the cultivation or other 
act by the tenured migrant. 
Sec.11. Existing Rights. - All prior and property and private rights within 
the PA and ancestral domains already existing and/or vested upon the effectivity 
of this Act shall be protected and respected in accordance with existing laws. 
CHAPTER IV 
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES 
SEC.12. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. 
(a) The Penalties and qualifications prescribed in Articles 309 and 310 of 
the Revised Penal Code depending on the value of the resources involved in 
connection with the prohibited ad shall be imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Hunts, takes, destroys, disturbs or possesses any timber, forest 
product, natural growing or wild terrestrial or aquatic plants, animals, flora or 
fauna or products derive therefrom, or any from off extraction or use of 
resources within particularly identified regulated or prohibited areas or zones in 
the PA including private lands,' without the necessary PA permit, authorization 
or exemption, issued or promulgated by the PAMB; 
(2) Cuts, gathers, removes or collects timber or any forest products within 
particularly identified prohibited areas or zones in the PA area including private 
lands, without the necessary PA permit, authorization or exemption, as issued or 
promulgated by the PAMB; 
(3) Cuts, destroys any tree or shrubs or other erosion-preventing plants, or 
builds or introduces any structure that would cause erosion in/riparian areas of 
the PA pursuant to Section 16 of Presidential Decree No. 70S, as amended, or the 
Revised Forestry Reform Code; 
(4) Possesses outside the PA any timber, forest products, wild terrestrial or 
aquatic plants, animals, flora or fauna so prohibited by the FAME or products 
derived therefrom which are ascertained to have been taken from the PA. It shall 
be presumed to have been taken from the PA if the subject plant, animals, flora 
or fauna is found in possession or control of persons who traveled to the PA 
within seventy-two (72) hours before the time of their arrest; or 
(5) Hunts, collects, removes or destroys endangered or protected species, 
except when collection or removal is for scientific research and is so exempted 
from this prohibition by the PAMB. 
(b) A fine ranging from One hundred thousand pesos (Pl00.000.00) to Five 
hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00)r, imprisonment ranging from five years to 
ten (10) years, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, and 
the restoration and rehabilitation of the damage or, when appropriate, the 
ejectment therefrom shall be imposed upon any person who: 


(1) Occupies, settles or possesses any portion of the PA, introduces 
improvements, agricultural or otherwise, or performs "kaingin" therein not 
sanctioned by law or without the proper permit and authority as required by the 
PAMB; 
(2) Sells, buys or offers to sell or buy any real property or rights "within 
particularly identified regulated areas or zones in the PA; 
(3) Occupies or possesses any portion of lands within the PA by using 
force, intimidation, threat, deceit or by taking advantage of the absence or 
tolerance of the rightful possessor, occupant or claimant; 
(4) Uses explosives, noxious substances or electricity for fishing within the 
PA. The possession of explosives noxious or poisonous substances, electro 
fishing devices and paraphernalia, or fish caught through explosives, noxious or 
poisonous substances or electricity within and nearby fishing areas or fishing 
boats shall constitute pvima facie evidence that the possessor thereof committed 
the act herein prohibited; 
(5) Destroys, damages,' mutilates, defaces or commits any act of 
vandalism on any object of natural beauty, object of anthropological or cultural 
importance, or non-renewable resource within the PA; 
(6) Throws, discharges or dumps within the protected zone any substance 
that is deleterious or potentially deleterious to the ecosystem or to the plants, 
animals or inhabitants in the protected and buffer areas, or committing same 
activities within the buffer zone without appropriate permit or authority; 
(7) Alters, removes, destroys or defaces any boundary' markers, 
monuments or interpretative signs relating to the PA; 
(8) Causes damage to road, trails and pathways; 
(9) Engages in any degree or form locationlexploration, quarrying or 
extraction of mineral; 
(10) Obstruct; or hinders the enforcement of this Act, its related laws, rules 
and regulations. 
(c) A fine ranging from Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to One hundred 
thousand pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO)r, imprisonment ranging from one year to six years, 
or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court shall be imposed 
upon any person who: 
(1) Violates any rules and regulations promulgated by the PAMB or its 
duly authorized delegate or any agreement or commitment reached before the 
PAMB; 


(2) Deals any product illegally derived from the PA such as, but not 
limited to, selling, buying, offering to sell or buy any timber, forest product, 
natural growing or wild terrestrial or aquatic plants, animals, flora or fauna or 
products derived therefrom or any resource from within particularly identified 
regulated or prohibited areas or zones in the PA without the necessary permit, 
authorization or exemption for the utilization, and/or extraction thereof as 
provided by this Act and other existing laws, rules and regulations; 
(3) Uses any equipment which facilitates extraction of resources, 
regardless, of such intention or purpose within the PA without the necessary PA 
permit or authorization; 
(4) Leaves debris, refuse or garbage in exposed or unsanitary condition 
any Where within the PA; or 
(5) Enters any portion of the PA for purposes of mountain climbing, 
camping, spelunking, study, research or recreational visit without the necessary 
permit or authorization. 
Administrative procedures for the investigation and validation of the 
violation shall be prepared by the PAMB in coordination with the appropriate 
offices of the DENR. 
If the act is committed by a corporation, organization, partnership or 
association, the penalty shall be imposed on the chief executive officer and/or 
board of trustees of the corporation, organization or managing partner of the 
partnership or association. Valuation of the damage shall take into account 
biodiversity and conservation considerations as well' as aesthetic and scenic 
value. Valuation by the DENR or the concerned, government agency shall be 
presumed correct unless proven otherwise. 
Any person who shall induct or conspire with another person or persons 
to commit any of the acts prohibited in this Act or caused any person to commit 
any of the same shall be liable in the same manner as the one actually performing 
the act. 
Sec.13. Administrative, Confiscation and Fine. - Administrative proceedings 
for violation of the foregoing prohibited acts shall proceed independently and 
without prejudice to judicial action. The PAMB through the Office of the PASu is 
hereby empowered to impose an administrative fine ranging from Five thousand 
pesos (P5,OOO.OO)to One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,OOO.OO) and/or the 
cancellation of permit or license issued. Decisions of the Office of the PASu may 
be appealed within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the decision to the PAMB 
Executive Committee. The decision of the PAMB Executive Committee is 
appealable to the DENR Secretary within a period of sixty (60) days from the 
receipt of the decision. 


All conveyances, vessels, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, gear, 
tools and similar devices shall be subject to immediate administrative 
confiscation by the Office of the PASu upon apprehension without prejudice to 
criminal action: Once the proper criminal action is filed in the regular courts, the 
said conveyances, vessels, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, gear, tools 
and similar devices shall be in custodia legis but shall continue to be subject to 
administrative confiscation and may only be released by the trial court to the 
owner pending trial upon consultation with the PASu and with proper, 
consideration of the pending, administrative proceedings and the potential 
forfeiture of the said objects. 
Administrative fines collected and the proceeds of the sale of all objects 
administratively judicially confiscated or forfeited pursuant hereto shall accrue 
to the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park Fund. The procedure for the sale 
thereof shall be promulgated by the PAMB. 
Sec.14. Special Prosecutov, - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of 
this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint a special prosecutor to 
whom all cases of violation of laws, rules and regulations in the PA shall be 
assigned. Such special prosecutor shall coordinate with the PAMB and the PASu 
in the performance of hidher duties and assist in the training of wardens and 
rangers in arrest and criminal procedure. The PAMB shall periodically submit an 
evaluation of the performance of the designated special prosecutor to the DOJ. 
SEC. 15. Special Counsel. - The PAMB may retain the services of a 
competent lawyer to prosecute or assist in the prosecution of cases, defend the 
members of the PAMB, the PASu and staff or any person assisting in the 
protection, conservation and sustainable development of the PA against any 
legal action related to their powers, functions and responsibilities as provided in 
this Act or as delegated or tasked by the PAMB. 
CHAPTER V 
BALINSASAYAO TWIN LAI<ES NA RURAL PARK FUNDS 
SEC. 16. Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park Fund. - There is hereby 
established a trust fund to be known as the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural 
Park Fund for purposes of financing projects of the PA. All income generated 
from the operation of the system or management of wild flora and fauna in the 
PA shall accrue to the fund. These income shall be derived from fees from 
permitted sale and export of flora and fauna and other resources from the PA, 
proceeds from lease of multiple-use areas, contributions from industries and 
facilities directly benefiting from the PA, and such other fees and income derived 
from the operation of the PA. 
The fund may be augmented by grants, donations, endowment from 
various sources, domestic or foreign; for purposes related to their functions: 
Provided, That the fund shall be deposited as a special account in the National 
Treasury and disbursements therefom shall be made solely for the protection, 


maintenance, administration and management of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes 
Natural Park and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance 
with existing. accounting and budgeting rules and regulations: Provided, further, 
That the fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures. 
The LGUs shall continue to impose and collect all other fees not 
enumerated herein which they have traditionally collected, such as business 
permits, property tax and rental of LGU facilities. Furthermore, LGUs may 
charge add-ons to fees imposed by the PAMB: Provided, That such add-ons shall 
be determined based on the contribution of the LGUs in the maintenance and 
protection of the PA. 
CH APTERVI 
RESOURCES, 
ENVIRONMENTAL 
IMPACT 
ASSESSMENT 
AND 
PARTNERSHIP AMONG GOVERNMENT, NONGOVERNMENT AND 
PEOPLE'S ORGANIZATIONS 
EXISTING 
FACILITIES, 
UTILIZATION 
OF 
NON-RENEWABLE 
SEC.17. Existing Facilities within the PA. - Existing facilities within the PA 
shall be inventoried and assessed by the PAMB in accordance with the objectives 
of this Act. Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, unless 
extended by the PAMB, all commercial facilities existing within the boundaries 
of the PA with a total capitalization exceeding One hundred thousand pesos 
(PlO0,OOO.OO) shall submit to the PAMB, through the PASu, the following 
information: 
(a) 
Environmental 
Impact 
Assessment 
and/or 
Environmental 
Management Plan; 
(b) Environmental Compliance Certificate, if any; and 
(c) Developmental Plan, if any. 
Failure to submit the required information shall constitute a violation of 
this Act. Based on its submission, the PAMB with the assistance of the DENR 
shall assess such facility and its future plan and operation vis-&vis the objectives 
of this Act. The PAMB may prescribe, conditions for the operation of the facility 
to ensure that it does not contradict PA management objectives, If any of such 
conditions are violated, a fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO)for every day of 
violation shall be imposed. If the fine reaches the total amount of Five hundred 
thousand pesos (P500,000.00)regardless of duration, the PAMB, through the 
PASu and deputizing other government entities, shall cause the cessation of 
operations and demolition of the facility at the cost of its owners. 
The removal of existing facilities which provide basic services and 
amenities to the public shall require the concurrence of the LGU. 


Existing facilities allowed to remain within the PA may be charged a 
reasonable fee, subject to the DENR approval pursuant to Section 10(f) of the 
NIPAS Act by the PAMB based on the extent of its impact on the environment 
and biodiversity. 
SEC. 18. Utilization of 
Non-renewable Resources. - Any exploration, 
exploitation or utilization of non-renewable resources within the PA shall not be 
allowed. 
Sec.19. Environmental Impact Assessment System. - Existing laws, rules and 
regulations relating to Environmental Impact Assessment shall be applicable to 
projects and activities intended in the PA. The issuance of the Environmental 
Compliance Certificate or its exemption shall be coordinated with the PAMB. 
Sec.20. Partnership Among Government, NGOs and POs. - For the purpose of 
attaining the objectives of this Act, all government agencies, NGOs, POs and 
their personnel shall continuously foster and develop a strong and true 
partnership. 
All NGOs, POs and private entities implementing any park conservation, 
protection and development program must be accredited by the LGUs and the 
Department. 
CHAPTER VI1 
APPROPRIATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SEC. 21. Appropriations. - The Secretary shall immediately include in the 
DENRs program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 22. Construction. - The provisions of this Act shall be construed 
liberally in favor of tenured migrants and indigenous cultural communities with 
due consideration to the protection of biodiversity. The NIPAS Act shall have 
suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. - For the purpose of this Act, Sections 11, 15, 20 
and 21 of Republic Act No. 7586 or the NIPAS Act are hereby modified. All other 
laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. The prohibition and penalties under the NIPAS Act are 
hereby superseded for the entire area covered by this Act. 
SEC. 24. Separability Clause. - If any part or section of this Act is declared 
by the courts as unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the other parts 
or sections hereof. 
SEC. 25. Eflectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Oficial Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation readily available in the area. It shall be translated in English and 


Filipino and shall likewise be posted for three weeks in the appropriate language 
in a conspicuous place in the provincial, municipal and barangay halls within the 
area as well as in three other places frequented by the public. 
Approved,