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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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First Regular Session 
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JUl. -4 I 2 ':.) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SENATE 
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Senate Bill No. 1
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Introduced by SENATOR COMPAnERA PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare the Siargao Group of Islands in the Municipalities 
of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sa. 
Monica and Socorro, Surgao del Norte as a protected area. 
Siargao Group of Islands provides a verdant abode for a number of the 
country's endangered species. 
Inhabiting in these islands are the dinagat 
gymnure, the golden crown flying fox, the hawksbill turtle, the green turtle and the 
olive ridley turtle, five species classified under endangered. Also among its 
primary dwellers is the Philippine Cuckatoo, along with 25 other bird species, 
nine amphibians, and 21 mammals. Notably, the Philippine Cuckatoo is listed as 
one of the critical species in the area. This 278,914 hectare of land boasts of 
having the largest continous mangrove stand in the Philippines. It is likewise 
known as one of the best snorkeling, diving and surfing destinations in the 
country. 
It is deemed crucial that we act on these now to ensure that our children 
and the succeeding generations will inherit a living earth with all of its bountiful 
natural resources and vibrant wildlife. 
This bill, therefore, seeks to declare the Siargao Group of Islands as 
protected in order to protect it from indiscriminate exploitation and to be able to 
maintain its ecological balance and preserve its source of water supply. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly urged. 
SENATOR v*y 
COMP QERA PIA S. CAYETANO 


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S.NO. 
1072 
Introduced by Senator Pia S. Cayetano 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE SIARGAO GROUP OF ISLANDS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
BURGOS, DAPA, DEL CARMEN, GEN. LUNA, PILAR, SAN BENITO, SAN ISIDRO, 
STA. MONICA AND SOCORRO, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE AS A 
PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES PURSUANT TO R.A. 7586 
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION. 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Siargao Islands Protected 
Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) Act of 2007”. 
SEC. 2. Land Classification. - All lands of the public domain comprising the 
Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) shall fall under the 
classification of National Park as provided for in the Philippine Constitution. 
SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. - The Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and 
Seascapes (SIPLAS) shall cover the municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, 
General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta. Monica and Socorro located in the 
islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande in the Province of Surigao del Norte and all the 
lands and waters within the following boundaries: 
Tie Point: BLLM No. 1, Cad-789-D with geographic position of latitude 
9’47’00.058” and longitude 126’09’23.669’’ situated at General Luna and Pilar, Siargao 
Island, Surigao del Norte, to wit: 
STATION 
BEARING 
DISTANCE 
TP- 1 
N 54’ 00 00.01” E 
16,700.00 m 
1 - 2  
S 04’ 59’ 59.98” E 
30,900.00 m 
2 - 3  
S 41’59’ 59.90” W 
19,100.00 m 
3 - 4  
N 69’00’ 00.00” W 
20,900.00 m 
4 - 5  
N 82’59’ 59.90 W 
14,800.00 m 
5 - 6  
N 37’00’ 00.01” W 
16,700.00 m 
6 - 7  
N 28’00’ 00.02 E 
16,600.00 m 


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7 - 8  
N 38’00’ 00.02” W 
21,800.00 m 
8 - 9  
N 54’00’ 00.04 E 
22,800.00 m 
9 -10 
N 46’00’ 00.04 E 
23,000.00 m 
10 -1 1 
S 58’ 00’ 00.02“ E 
16,300.00 m 
11 -12 
21’00’ 00.02” E 
31,600.00 m 
The foregoing boundaries, which cover an approximate area of two hundred 
seventy-eight thousand nine hundred fourteen point one hundred thirty-one 
(278,914.131) hectares, shall only be modified through an Act of Congress after 
consultation with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), affected 
communities, local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies. 
The technical descriptions provided in this Act will be subject to ground survey and 
verification to be conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 
Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as changing 
ecological situations, new scientific or archeological findings, or discovery of traditional 
boundaries not previously taken into account shall be made through an act of 
Congress, after consultation with the affected public and concerned government 
agencies. 
SEC. 4. Definifion of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be 
defined as follows: 
(a) “Ancestral domain” refers to all areas generally belonging to Indigenous 
Cultural Communities or Indigenous People (ICCsllPs) comprising lands, inland waters, 
coastal areas, and natural resources therein, held under a claim of ownership, occupied 
or possessed by the ICCsllPs, by themselves or thru their ancestors, communally or 
individually since time immemorial, continuously to the present except if interrupted by 
war, force majeure or displacement by force, deceit, stealth or as a consequence of 
government projects or any other voluntary dealings entered into by government or 
public individuals/corporations, and which are necessary to ensure their economic, 
social and cultural welfare. It shall include ancestral lands, forests, pasture, residential, 
agricultural, and other lands individually owned whether alienable and disposable or 
otherwise, hunting grounds, burial grounds, worship areas, bodies of water, mineral and 
other natural resources, and lands which may no longer be exclusively occupied by 
ICCsllPs but from which they traditionally had access to for their subsistence and 
traditional activities, particularly the home ranges of ICCs/lPs who are still nomadic 
andlor shifting cultivators. 
(b)”Biodiversity” refers to the variety and variability among all living organisms and 
the ecological complex in which they occur. 
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(c) “Bioprospecting” is the research, collection and utilization of biological and 
genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for 
commercial purposes. 
(d) “Buffer Zone” is the identified area outside the boundaries of and immediately 
adjacent to designated SIPLAS that need special development control in order to avoid 
or minimize harm to the SIPLAS. 
(e) “By-product or derivatives” refers to any part taken or substance extracted from 
wildlife, in raw or in processed form, and includes stuffed animals and herbarium 
specimens. 
(f) “Collection or collecting” is the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife, its by- 
products or derivatives. 
to maintain basic subsistence for workers and their dependents. 
and/or maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of the habitat. 
(9) “Commercial” refers to market sale in volume or value in excess of that required 
(h) “Conservation” refers to the preservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife, 
(i) “Department” refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(j) “Endangered species” refers to a species or subspecies that is not critically 
endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors for their 
depletion continue operating. 
(k) “Endemic species” means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which is 
(I) “Exotic species” means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which do not 
(DENR). 
naturally occurring and found only within specific areas in the country. 
naturally occur within the protected area at present or in historical time. 
(m) “Habitat“ means a place or type of environment where a species or subspecies 
naturally occurs or has naturally established its population. 
(n) “Hunting” refers to collection of wild fauna for food andlor recreational purposes 
(0) 
“Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous People (ICClIPs)” refers to a 
group of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by 
others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally bounded 
and defined territory, and who have, under claims of ownership since time immemorial, 
occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, 
customs, traditions and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through resistance 
to political, social and cultural inroads of colonization, non-indigenous religions and 
cultures, became historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. IPS shall 
likewise include peoples who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent 
from the populations which inhabited the Country, at the time of conquest or 
with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spear and the like. 
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colonization, or at the time of inroads of non-indigenous religions and cultures, or the 
establishment of present state boundaries, who retain some or all of their own social, 
economic, cultural and political institutions, but who may have been displaced from their 
traditional domains or who may have resettled outside their ancestral domains. 
(p) “Management plan” refers to the fundamental plan, strategy and/or scheme 
which shall guide all activities relating to the SIPLAS in order to attain the objectives of 
this Act. 
(4) “Mineral” refers to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, gas, 
liquid, or any intermediate state including energy materials such as coal, petroleum, 
natural gas, radioactive materials, and geothermal energy. 
(r) “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)” is the classification and 
administration of all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological 
processes and life-support systems, to preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable 
use of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest 
extent possible. 
(s) “National Park refers to the land of the public domain classified as such in the 
1987 Constitution which include all areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas 
System (NIPAS) pursuant to RA 7586 primarily designated for the conservation of 
native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity. 
(t) “Nongovernment organizations (NGOs)” refers to an agency, institution, 
foundation or a group of persons whose purpose is to assist people’s 
organizationslassociations in various ways including, but not limited to, organizing, 
education, training, research andlor resource accessing. 
(u) “People’s organization (PO)” refers to a group of organized migrant 
communities and or interested indigenous peoples, which may be an association, 
cooperative, federation, or other legal entity, established to undertake collective action 
to address community concerns and needs, and mutually share the benefits of the 
endeavor. 
(v) “Protected Area (PA)” refers to the identified portions of land andlor water set 
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to 
enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. 
(w) “Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)” refers a multi-sectoral policy- 
making body for protected areas created in accordance with RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act 
of 1992. 
(x) “Protected Landscape/Seascape” refers to an area of national significance 
which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man while providing 
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opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal 
lifestyle and economic activity of these areas. 
(y) “Quarrying” means the process of extracting, removing and disposing quarry 
resources found on or underneath the surface of private or public land. 
(z) “Strict protection zone” is a natural area with high biodiversity value which shall 
be closed to all human activity except for scientific studies andlor ceremonial or 
religious use by the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples; may include 
habitats of threatened species, or degraded areas that have been designated for 
restoration and subsequent protection, even if these areas are still in various stages of 
regeneration. 
(aa) “Sustainable use” means the use of components of biological diversity in a 
way and rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby 
maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future 
generations. 
(bb) “Tenured Migrants” refers to forest occupants who have actually and 
continuously occupied a portion of the SIPLAS and is solely dependent therein for 
subsistence. A protected area occupant is understood to be “solely dependent for 
subsistence” when everything indispensable for survival for the household, including 
food, clothing, shelter and health, comes only from the utilization of resources from the 
SIPLAS. 
(cc) “Threatened species” refers to species or subspecies considered as critically 
endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories of wildlife whose 
population is at risk of extinction. 
(dd) “Vulnerable species” refers to a species or subspecies that is not critically 
endangered nor endangered but are under threat from adverse factors throughout their 
range and are likely to move to the endangered category in the near future. 
(ee) ”Wildlife” refers to wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna in all 
developmental stages including those which are in captivity or are being bred or 
propagated. 
SEC. 5 Management of the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and 
Seascapes (SIPLAS) - There is hereby created a PAMB which shall have sole 
jurisdiction, power and authority over the SIPLAS for all matters that may affect 
It shall be composed of: 
(a) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR Region XIII, as Chairperson: 
(b) The Mayors of the Municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen Luna, 
Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta. Monica, and Socorro, Province of Surigao del Norte 
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or duly designated representatives; 
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(c) The Provincial Planning and Development Officer of the Province of Surigao 
(d) One representative from each Barangay covering the SIPLAS; 
(e) One representative from each tribal community residing within the SIPLAS; 
(f) At least two (2) representatives from local POs with stakes in the SIPLAS, 
(9) At least three (3) representatives from the local NGOs with stakes in the 
(h) One representative from government agencies involved in the SIPLAS 
management; 
Each member of the PAMB shall serve for a term of five (5) years and shall be 
considered to represent his or her sector and deemed to carry the vote of such sector in 
all matters. In the case of members who are government officials, the term of office shall 
be attached to the office held. 
del Norte; 
chosen from among themselves; 
SIPLAS, chosen from among themselves; 
The members of the PAMB shall be appointed by the Secretary of the DENR in 
conformity with the provisions of the NIPAS Act. As a transitory provision, the initial 
members of the PAMB shall be nominated from the current members of the interim 
PAMB of the SIPLAS. Their nominations shall be conducted in a joint meeting of the 
current members of the interim PAMB duly called for the purpose: Provided, That at 
least one-third (1/3) of the members shall include women. 
In the selection of the representatives of POs and NGOs, preference shall be 
accorded to those organizations that are involved in the conservation, protection and 
development of the SIPLAS. Representation shall be by institution and shall aim to 
achieve balance in representation by geographic location or areas. 
The representatives from the local government units (LGUs) and national agencies 
in the PAMB shall include among their duties the appraisal of their respective 
constituents, office or sector of PAMB approved or other relevant policies, rules, 
regulations, programs and projects and ensuring that the provisions of this Act are 
observed, complied with, and used as reference and framework in their respective 
plans, policies, programs and projects. Failure to comply with the foregoing shall subject 
such representative to disciplinary action as the PAMB may provide. 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance 
in meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by a 
resolution of the Board, subject to existing rules and regulations. 
SEC. 6. Powers and Funcfions of the PAMB. - The PAMB, which shall decide by 
consensus or majority vote, shall have the following powers and functions in addition to 
those provided under the NIPAS Act and its implementing rules and regulations: 
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(a) Issue rules and regulations to prohibit acts that may be prejudicial to the 
SIPLAS and to the declaration of policy set forth under the NIPAS; 
(b) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through appropriate 
and effective means; 
(c) Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, including the creation of 
committees to which its powers may be delegated; 
(d) Approve the management plan and oversee the office of the PASu; 
(e) Establish criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits for activities regulated 
by this Act or the management plan; 
(f) Recommend the deputization of appropriate individuals, including local 
community leaders, for the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the 
conduct or management of the SIPLAS; 
(9) Approve fees and charges in accordance with DAO 51, Series of 2000 and 
raise funds for the SIPLAS; 
(h) Manage the allocation of the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and 
Seascapes Fund, and other funds for the SIPLAS, and ensure their proper 
administration and render accounting; and 
(i) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other government 
The DENR through the Regional Executive Director (RED), shall ensure that the 
PAMB 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 the 
resolutions issued by the PAMB, such conflict shall be referred by PAMB to the DENR 
Secretary who shall decide whether to apply the rule or withdraw its applications from 
the SIPLAS. 
authorities. 
SEC. 7. Protected Area superintendent (PASu) Ofice. - The Protected Area 
Superintendent (PASu) Office is hereby created within the DENR regional office to be 
headed by the PASu who shall serve as the chief operating DENR officer of the entire 
SIPLAS. The PASu shall report directly to the RED of the DENR-Region Xlll and shall 
be accountable to the PAMB. The PASu and the PASu staff shall reside within the 
SIPLAS and establish an office and sub-offices within the SIPLAS in order to implement 
this Act. 
The PASu shall have full responsibility for the protection of land, water, wildlife and 
other natural physical and biological resources within the SIPLAS. As such, the PASu 
shall have the following duties and responsibilities in addition to those provided under 
the NIPAS and its implementing rules and regulations: 
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(1) Establish, operate and maintain a database management system as decision 
support tool; 
(2) Prepare the management plans as herein defined; 
(3) Provide a secretariat for the PAMB and supply the PAMB with all the necessary 
information to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of this Act; 
(4) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the SIPLAS, institute and 
file legal action independently or in collaboration with other government agencies or 
organizations and assist in the prosecution of offenses committed in violation of this Act; 
(5) Monitor all activities within the SIPLAS to ensure its conformity with the 
management plan; 
(6) Recommend the issuance of permits based on terms, conditions and criteria 
established by the PAMB; 
(7) Ensure the integration of the SlPLAS management policies, regulations, 
programs and projects at all the concerned national and Local Government Unit levels; 
and 
(8) Perform such other functions as the PAMB may delegate. 
The PASu shall be supported by sufficient number of personnel who shall be 
performing day to day management, protection and administration of the SIPLAS. Upon 
the recommendation of the PAMB, the DENR Regional Director shall deputize local 
community leaders and environment and natural resource officers. 
SEC. 8. Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) Fund. - 
There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Siargao Islands Protected 
Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) Fund for purposes of financing projects of the 
SIPLAS. Seventy-five percent (75%) income generated from the operation of the 
SIPLAS or management of wild flora and fauna in the SIPLAS shall accrue to the fund. 
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) shall go to the Integrated Protected Areas 
Fund (IPAF) as established in the NIPAS Act of 1992. 
Income shall be derived from visitors/tourists fee, fees from permitted sale and 
export of flora and fauna and other resources from the SIPLAS, proceeds from the 
registration and lease of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, 
proceeds, and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the 
SIPLAS, and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the SIPLAS. 
The PAMB may impose and charge reasonable fees, such as but not limited to 
water users fee for water extracted by commercial water extractorddistributors sourced 
and generated from the protected area. Such fee structure may change as the PAMB 
may see fit. 
The SIPLAS Fund maybe augmented by grants, donations, endowment from 
various sources, domestic or foreign for purposes related to their functions: Provided, 
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That disbursements therefrom shall be made solely for the system, 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 rentals of local government units’ 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 SIPLAS. 
SEC 9. Tenured Migrants and Other SlfLAS Occupants.- Tenured migrants shall 
be eligible to become stewards of portions of lands within allowable zones. The PAMB 
shall identify, verify and review all tenurial instruments, land claims, and issuances of 
permits for resource use within the SIPLAS and recommend the issuance of the 
appropriate tenurial instrument consistent with the zoning provided in the management 
plan and its successor plans. 
Should areas occupied by tenured migrants be designated as zones in which no 
occupation or other activities are allowed pursuant to the attainment of sustainable 
development, provision for the transfer of said tenured migrants to multiple-use zones or 
buffer zones shall be accomplished through just and humane means. 
In the event of termination of a tenurial instrument for cause or by voluntary 
surrender of rights, the PASu shall take immediate steps to rehabilitate the area in order 
to return it to its natural state prior to the cultivation or other act by the tenured migrant. 
Other SIPLAS occupants who do not qualify as tenured migrants shall be resettled 
outside the SIPLAS as determined by the PAMB. The PAMB shall determine, plan and 
implement a definite schedule for resettling them outside of the SIPLAS following the 
procedures set forth by existing law. 
SEC. 10. lndigenous People’s Rights. - Ancestral domain and other customary 
rights and interests of indigenous communities within the SIPLAS shall be accorded due 
recognition. The preservation of ancestral domain and customary rights shall be 
considered as one of the management objectives. The maintenance, management and 
development of ancestral domains which are found to be necessary for protected areas 
will be pursuant to Section 58 of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the “The 
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA)”. 
The identification, delineation and recognition of ancestral domain claims within the 
SIPLAS shall be conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 
pursuant to its provisions, the IPRA, and its implementing rules and regulations, in 
coordination with the PAMB. 
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SEC. 11. Existing Facilities Within the SIPLAS. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, major existing facilities such as roads, buildings, water systems, 
transmission lines, communication facilities, heavy equipment, and irrigation facilities 
existing within the boundaries of the SIPLAS shall submit project description to the 
PAMB through the PASu. 
The PAMB, with the assistance of the DENR, shall determine whether the 
existence of such facility and its future plan and operations will be detrimental to the 
SIPLAS or whether conditions for its operation shall be imposed. If any such conditions 
are violated, the owner of the facility shall be liable to pay a fine of Five thousand pesos 
(P5,OOO.OO) for every violation. Upon reaching a total fine of Five hundred thousand 
pesos (P500,000.00), the PAMB through the PASu and deputizing other government 
entities, shall cause the cessation and demolition of the facility at the cost of its owner. 
Existing facilities allowed to remain within the SIPLAS may be charged a 
reasonable royalty by the DENR. All income from such royalty shall accrue to the 
SIPLAS Fund, 
SEC. 12. Utilization of Resources. -Any 
exploitation of or utilization of 
nonrenewable resources within the SIPLAS shall not be allowed. Energy projects within 
the SIPLAS shall be allowed only through an act of Congress except energy from wind, 
sun, and water sources and not more than one (1) megawatt capacity for mini-hydro 
power. Provided, That these renewable energy projects are established outside the 
strict protection zone, adopted reduced impact technologies and undergo the 
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system as provided by law; Provided, further, 
that the PAMB has endorsed the project. 
SEC. 13. Special Prosecutor and Retained Counsel. - Within thirty (30) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint a special 
prosecutor to whom all cases of violation of laws, rules and regulations in the SIPLAS 
shall be assigned. Such Special Prosecutor shall coordinate with the PAMB and the 
PASu in the performance of hislher duties and assist in the training of wardens and 
rangers in arrest and criminal procedures. The PAMB may retain the services of a 
counsel to prosecute and/or assist in the prosecution of cases under the direct control 
and supervision of the regular or special prosecutor and to defend the members of the 
PAMB, the PASu and the staff, or any person assisting in the protection, conservation 
and sustainable development of the SIPLAS, against any legal action related to their 
powers, functions and responsibilities as provided in this Act or as delegated or tasked 
by the PAMB. 
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SEC. 14. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. - The following shall be the prohibitions 
and penalties applicable to the SIPLAS, in addition to the prohibited acts as provided in 
the NIPAS Act and its pertinent rules and regulations: 
(A)The penalties in Articles 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code, depending on 
the value of the resources involved in connection with the prohibited act, shall be 
imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Takes, destroys, collects, disturbs or possesses any wild terrestrial or aquatic 
plants or animals, flora or fauna, sand, rocks or by-products derived therefrom, within 
particularly identified regulated or prohibited areas zones in the SIPLAS including 
private lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption; Provided, That 
hunting of animals shall be absolutely prohibited except for scientific research and for 
traditional hunting by the IPs/lCCs; 
(2) Cuts, gathers, removes or collects timber or any forest products, within 
particularly identified regulated or prohibited areas or zones in the SIPLAS including 
private lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption; 
(3) Possesses or transports, within or outside the SIPLAS any timber, forest 
products, wild terrestrial or aquatic plants, animals, flora or fauna, or by-product derived 
therefrom which is ascertained to have been taken from the SIPLAS; 
(4) Undertakes mineral exploration or extraction within the SIPLAS; 
(5) Engages in quarrying of sand, gravel, guano, limestone or any material within 
the SIPLAS; 
(6) Hunts, collects, removes or destroys any endangered or protected species, 
except when collection or removal is for scientific research and exempted from the 
prohibition by the PAMB; 
accordance with existing guidelines; or 
(7) Conducts bioprospecting within the SIPLAS without prior PAMB approval in 
(8) Establishes or introduces any exotic species within the SIPLAS, which are 
(B) A fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) nor more than Five 
hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO) and/or imprisonment from one (I) 
year but not 
more than six (6) years shall be imposed upon any person who: 
detrimental to endemic species or without prior PAMB approval. 
(1) Violates any rules and regulations in the management plan or by the PAMB or 
agreements reached before the PAMB in the exercise of adjudicative functions; 
(2) Erects any structure on land or on water for any purposes outside the 
management plan: Provided, That large-scale private infrastructure and other projects 
such as medium to high density residential subdivisions, medium to large commercial 
and industrial establishments, golf-courses, heavily mechanized commercial and non- 
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traditional farming, and other activities that cause increased in-migration and resource 
degradation are absolutely prohibited; 
(3) Possesses a chainsaw, hacksaw and other mechanized equipment within the 
SIPLAS without a permit; 
(4)Throws, dumps or causes to be dumped into the SIPLAS any non- 
biodegradable material or waste whether liquid, solid or gas; 
(5) Uses, dumps, places or causes to be placed into the SIPLAS toxic chemicals, 
including pesticides and other hazardous substances, unless the same is expressly 
allowed in the management plan; 
(6) Prospects, hunts or otherwise locates hidden treasures within the SIPLAS; 
(7) Informally occupies or dwells in any land within the SIPLAS without clearance 
(8) Possesses or uses blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the SIPLAS; 
(9) Destroys, excavates, vandalizes or, in any manner, damages any natural 
formation on land, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts and other objects of 
natural or scenic value; 
from the PAMB; 
(IO) Alters, removes or destroys boundary marks or signs; or 
(1 1) Engages in kaingin, or, in any manner, causing forest fires inside the SIPLAS. 
(12) Purchases, or sells, mortgages or leases lands or other portions of the 
Valuation of the damage for this Act shall take into account biodiversity and 
conservation considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. Valuation assessed 
by the DENR or the concerned government agency shall be presumed correct unless 
otherwise proven by preponderant evidence. 
SIPLAS which are covered by any tenurial instrument. 
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the illegal acts 
prohibited in this Act or suffer their workers to commit any of the same shall be liable in 
the same manner as the one actually performing the act. 
All conveyances, vessels, equipments, paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools 
and similar devices shall be subject to immediate and administrative confiscation, 
independent of the judicial proceedings by the PASu Office upon apprehension, subject 
however to due process and substantial evidence requirements. When legal action is 
however filed in the regular courts, the said conveyances, vessels, equipments, 
paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools and similar devices, independent of the 
administrative proceedings, shall not be released until after judgment has been 
rendered. Proceeds of the sale of all objects administratively or judicially confiscated 
pursuant hereto shall accrue to the SIPLAS Fund. Procedure for the sale thereof shall 
be promulgated by the PAMB. However, in no case shall any confiscated or rescued 
protected animal species be sold or in any manner disposed of but shall be immediately 
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turned over to the PASu Office for release in its natural habitat, subject to existing 
regulations. 
The penalties specified in this Section will be in addition to the penalties contained 
in RA 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act), RA 
9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), and other related laws. 
Conviction for any offense under this Act, of a public officer or officer of the law 
SEC. 15. Reporting Responsibility. - The PASu, through the PAMB, shall submit 
an annual accomplishment report to the Secretary of the DENR on the activities 
undertaken in the SIPLAS. 
SEC. 16. Appropriations. - The Secretary shall immediately include in the 
Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 17. Construction and Suppletory Application of Existing Laws. The provisions 
of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving biodiversity conservation, 
protection and sustainable development Provisions of Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise 
known as the National Integrated Protected Areas Management Act of 1992 and 
existing forestry laws, and their corresponding rules and regulations not inconsistent 
hereto shall have the suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act. 
shall carry the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office. 
SEC. 18. Transitory Provision. - In order to ensure the recovery and restoration of 
biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for tenured 
migrants, the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses, permits, 
clearances, compliance documents or any other instrument that allows exploitation and 
utilization of resources within the SIPLAS until the management plan shall have been 
put into effect. 
All existing land use and resource use permits within the SIPLAS shall be reviewed 
and shall not be renewed upon their expiration unless consistent with the management 
plan and approved by the PAMB. 
SEC. 19. Separabilify Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or section of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such other parts not affected thereby shall continue 
to have full force and effect. 
SEC. 20. Repealing C/ause. - All other laws, decrees, proclamations, rules and 
regulations inconsistent with this Act or any provision hereof are hereby repealed or are 
modified accordingly. 
SEC. 21. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation available in the SIPLAS. 
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Approved. 
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