NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S.B. No.
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SENATE
146
Senate
of iljc
*22 JUL-7 P3:18
RECEIVED BY;
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
DECLARING A PORTION OF THE PHILIPPINE RISE SITUATED WITHIN THE 
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA AS A PROTECTED AREA 
WITH THE CATEGORY OF MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE UNDER THE NATIONAL 
INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS 
THE PHILIPPINE RISE MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE, PROVIDING FOR ITS 
MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Benham Rise, officially renamed as Philippine Rise by virtue of Executive Order 
No. 25, is vast seamount found in the Eastern Philippine Seaboard facing the Pacific 
Ocean1. The majority of Philippine Rise has always been within the Philippine Economic 
Exclusive Zone (PEEZ). However, on April 2012, the United Nations Commission on the 
Limits of the Continental Shelf (UN CLCS) adopted the recommendation granting an 
additional 13 million hectares as part of the country's territory.
Presidential Proclamation No. 489 declared a portion of the Philippine Rise as 
protected area under the category Resource Reserve as defined under R.A. 7586 to be 
known as the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR)2. This is to prohibit and 
penalize the destruction or disturbance of the marine ecosystems and any other marine 
life in the area. According to Filipino marine scientists and experts, pristine coral reefs 
and associated habitats are situated at the Benham Bank Seamount, the shallowest 
seamount in Philippine Rise. The Philippine Rise is also termed as a natural submarine 
prolongation, rich of marine resources, including 200 fish species and tuna species3.
This bill seeks to provide an added layer of protection for the pristine habitats of
1 Presentation of the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau on the House Committee on Natural Resources 
Hearing
2 Proclamation No. 489 of the President of the Philippines
3 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/l 034670
1


the Philippine Rise and establish the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve 
Management Board which will oversee the management of the protected area. It will also 
prohibit the destruction and hunting of any wildlife. This will be a part of the campaign 
to utilize and conserve the integrity of the Philippine marine ecosystem.
The approval of this bill is respectfully and earnestly sought.
RISA HONTIVEROS \j 
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE
S.B. No. 146
of tliP #;rnTfai|>
'22 JUL-7 P3 *19
RECEIVED BY:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
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AN ACT
DECLARING A PORTION OF THE PHILIPPINE RISE SITUATED WITHIN THE 
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA AS A PROTECTED AREA 
WITH THE CATEGORY OF MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE UNDER THE NATIONAL 
INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS 
THE PHILIPPINE RISE MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE, PROVIDING FOR ITS 
MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be It enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
CHAPTER I
DECLARATION OF POLICY AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION
SECTION 1. 776fe-This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Rise Marine Resource 
Reserve (PRMRR) Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to ensure the 
protection and conservation of the globally significant economic, biological, sociocultural, 
educational, and scientific values of the Philippine Rise and the Benham Bank Into 
perpetuity for the enjoyment of present and future generations. In the pursuit of this 
policy. It shall protect portions of the Philippine Rise region, namely the Benham Bank 
and its surrounding waters, through sustainable and participatory management, taking 
into consideration all applicable laws and international conventions to which the 
Philippines is a signatory.
It shall likewise be the policy of the State to promote the Philippine Rise region, with the 
end in view of fostering widespread awareness and concern for the marine environment, 
and engaging Filipinos in conservation for the same. Towards this end, the State shall 
undertake comprehensive and holistic capacity building, and communication, education, 
and public awareness campaigns for the benefit of the general public, pursuant of the 
duty of the State to protect, conserve, and promote the biodiversity, ecosystems, and 
resources therein. The State shall encourage the participation of the fisheries sector in 
the protection, conservation, and promotion of the PRMRR.


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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
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be defined as follow:
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(a) Bioprospecting refers to research, collection and utilization of biological and
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genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for
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commercial purposes.
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(b) Buffer zone refers to the Identified area outside the boundaries of and Immediately
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adjacent to the PRMRR that needs special development control in order to avoid or
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minimize harm to the protected area.
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(c) By-products or derivatives refer to parts taken or substances extracted from
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wildlife, in raw or in processed form.
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(d) Collecting refers to the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife and its by-products
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or derivatives.
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(e) Conveyance refers to every kind of vessel, including motorized or non-motorized
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vehicles, non-displacement crafts and seaplanes that are used or may be used as a means
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of transportation on land or water. It shall include everything found therein, except
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personal effects.
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(f) Commercial fishers refer to persons who catch fish and other fisheries products
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using fishing vessels of more than three (3) gross tons.
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(g) Coral refers to either of the following:
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• the sessile marine Invertebrates under Class Anthozoa of Phylum Cnidaria, whose
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individual units are called polyps. This Includes stony or hard corals, and soft corals; or
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• the hard calcareous substance made up of the skeleton of marine anthozoan
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polyps which compose reefs, shelves and atolls, or any of the other stony masses formed
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by the skeletons of colonies of polyps. This Includes:; (a) skeletons of anthozoans
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characterized as having a rigid axis of compact calcareous or horny spicules, belonging
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to the genus Corallium as represented by the red, pink and white corals which are
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considered precious corals; (b) skeletons of anthozoans characterized by thorny, horny
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axis such as the antipatharians represented by the black corals which are considered
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semi-precious corals; and (c) ordinary corals which are any kind of corals that are not
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precious nor semi-precious.
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(h) Coral reef refers to a natural aggregation of coral skeleton, with or without living
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coral polyps, occurring in intertidal, subtidal marine waters, or mesophotic zones.
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(i) Delineation refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of the protected
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area, its buffer zones, and management zones using the global positioning system (GPS)
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or other applicable survey Instruments and technologies, with the intention of producing
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a map of the area;


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(j) Demarcation refers to the establishment of the boundaries of protected areas and
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their buffer zones using visible markers, monuments, buoys, or GPS markers, as a result
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of actual ground delineation;
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(k) Ecosystems goods and services refer to the multitude of material and nonmaterial
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provisions and benefits from healthy ecosystems necessary for human sustenance, well-
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being, and survival Including support processes, provisioning and environment regulating
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services, and cultural resource preservation services;
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(I) Exotic species refers to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna which do not
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naturally occur within the protected area at present or In historical time.
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(m) Exploration refers to the act of searching or prospecting for mineral or energy
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resources, as defined by law, by geological, geochemical or geophysical surveys, remote
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sensing, test pitting, trenching, drilling, shaft sinking, tunneling or any other means, for
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the purpose of determining the existence, extent, quantity, and quality of resources in an
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area, and the feasibility of utilizing these resources for profit.
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(n) Fishery or Fisheries management area refers to a bay, gulf, lake or any other
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fishery area which may be delineated for fishery resource management purposes, as
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defined in Republic Act No. 10654, amending Republic Act No. 8550 Otherwise known as
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the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
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(o) Gear refers to any instrument or device and Its accessories utilized In taking,
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catching, gathering, killing, hunting, destroying, disturbing, removing, or possessing
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resources within the protected area.
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(p) Genetically modified organism (GMO) refers to any living organism that possesses
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a novel combination of genetic material through the use of modern biotechnology.
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(q) Hunting refers to the killing or catching of wild fauna for food and recreational
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purposes, with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spears, traps and
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snares, and the like.
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(r) Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) refers to the special account established
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for the purpose of financing projects of the NIPAS and individual protected areas.
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(s) Invasive alien species refers to species Introduced deliberately or unintentionally
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outside their natural habitats where they have the ability to establish themselves, invade,
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out"Compete native species, and take over the new environment.
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(t) Littering refers to the disposal of small amounts of non-biodegradable solid waste
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materials such as, but not limited to, cigarette butts, candy wrappers, plastic materials,
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bottles and glasses.
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(u) Multiple-use zone refers to the area where settlement, traditional and sustainable
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land use including agriculture, agroforestry, extraction activities, and income generating


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or livelihood activities may be ailowed to the extent prescribed in the protected area
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management plan.
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Municipal fishers or fisherfolk refer to persons who catch fish and other fisheries
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products using fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less, or whose fishing does not
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require the use of fishing vessels.
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(w) 
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) refers to the classification
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and administration of all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological
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processes and life-support systems, preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use
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of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent
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possible.
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(x) Non-government organization (NGO) refers to any civic, developmental,
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environmental or philanthropic non-stock, non-profit organization, duly registered, having
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by-laws, democratically-elected representatives, with qualifications, expertise and
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objectivity in activities concerning community organizing and development, or resource
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and environmental conservation, management and protection related to the protected
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area.
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(y) Non-renewable resources refer to those resources that cannot be remade, regrown
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or regenerated on a scale comparative to its consumption.
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(z) Noxious or poisonous substances refer to any substance, plant extracts or juice
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thereof, sodium cyanide and/or cyanide compounds or, other chemicals either in raw or
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processed form, harmful or harmless to human beings, which will kill, stupefy, disable or
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render unconscious any marine organism and capable of damaging or altering the natural
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habitat.
24 j (aa) Occupying refers to a continuous stay of Individuals or groups within a protected
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area, whether residing or engaging In the cultivation of land or fishing for more than
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twenty-four (24) hours.
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(bb) People's organization (PO) refers to a group of people which may be an
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association, cooperative, federation, aggrupatlon of individuals or groups with an
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identifiable structure of decision-making and accountability, established to undertake
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collective action to address community concerns and needs in relation to the protected
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area.
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(cc) Poaching refers to gathering, collecting, or possessing products or natural
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resources from the protected area by any individual person, corporation or entity whether
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local or foreign; In the case of marine protected areas, operating any foreign fishing
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vessels by any person, corporation, or entity without a permit.


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(dd) Protected area refers to identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason
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of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological
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diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation.
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(ee) Protected Area Retained Income Account (PA-RIA) refers to the trust fund
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maintained by any protected area and administered by the respective Protected Area
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Management Boards (PAMB) created pursuant to this Act representing the seventy-five
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percent (75%) of revenues generated from the protected area to support Its operation
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and management.
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(ff) Protected Species refers to plants or animals declared protected under Philippine
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laws, rules, and regulations. These shall include all species listed under the Convention
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on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and all its Annexes,
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the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), those specified under
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the red-list categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
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Resources (lUCN), or any plant or animal which the Department of Environment and
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Natural Resources (DENR), PAMB or any government agency may deem necessary for
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conservation and preservation in the protected area;
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(gg) Quarrying refers to the process of extracting, removing, and disposing sand,
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gravel, guano, limestone, and all other resources used as building and construction
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materials that are found within the protected area.
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(hh) Resource reserve refers to an extensive, relatively isolated, and uninhabited area
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which is difficult to access and is designated to protect the natural resources of the area
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for future use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect the
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resources, pending the establishment of sustainable resource utilization goals which are
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based upon appropriate information and planning.
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(ii) Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF) refers to the trust fund deposited in
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the national treasury representing the twenty-five percent (25%) of the revenues
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generated from the operation of individual protected area and earmarked to support the
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NIPAS.
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(jj) Special Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) refers to any Fishery/Fisheries
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Management Area, as defined In RA No. 10654 amending RA No. 8550, designated
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through a Presidential Proclamation or any other form policy issuance.
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(kk) Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) refers to a binding instrument
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between the DENR, as the first party, and the project proponent as the second party,
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relating to the use and/or development of land, resources or facilities within protected
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areas, pursuant to the ENIPAS Act;


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(II) Strict Protection Zone (SPZ) refers to portions within protected areas that are 
closed to human activities by virtue of their significant biodiversity value, high 
susceptibility to geo-hazard, and identification as permanently dangerous. These areas 
may also include habitats of threatened species, or degraded areas that are designated 
for restoration and subsequent protection, regardless of their stages of regeneration; 
(mm) Wildlife refers to the wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all 
developmental stages. Including those which are in captivity or are being bred, fed, or 
propagated.
Sec. 4. Scope of Application - The Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve 
(PRMRR) shall cover the Benham Bank and its surrounding waters, more specifically 
described In Map No. PP-MPA-PR-01 within the following geographic coordinates:
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BOUNDARY CORNER
LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
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15° 32' 12" N
123° 58'56" E
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15° 32J12" N
124° 33A 03" E
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16° or 47" N
124° 33' 03" E
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16° 02f 47" N
123° 58r56" E,
under the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84), containing an area of three hundred 
fifty-two thousand three hundred ninety (352,390.00) hectares.
Sec. 5. Management Zoning - When necessary, the DENR Secretary, upon the 
recommendation of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve Protected Area 
Management Board (PRMRR PAMB), may designate a Strict Protection Zone within the 
PRMRR in consideration of significant biodiversity value or habitats of threatened species, 
among other reasons as may be identified.
The areas outside of the strict protection zone but within the PRMRR shall automatically 
be designated as the Multiple-Use Zone and the Special Fisheries Management Area, 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 11038, or the "ENIPAS Act of 2018", amending Republic Act 
No. 7586, and Republic Act No. 10654 amending Republic Act No. 8550, or the "Philippine 
Fisheries Code of 1998."
The DENR Secretary, upon recommendation of the PAMB, may designate areas 
surrounding the PRMRR as buffer zones for the purpose of providing extra layer of 
protection where restrictions may be applied.
Pursuant to the "ENIPAS Act of 2018", the DENR, with the assistance of other government 
agencies, shall delineate and demarcate the PRMRR and its management zones.
Sec. 6. Management Plan.-Tne. management plan shall, at the minimum, promote 
the adoption and Implementation of innovative management techniques including, when 
necessary, zoning, buffer zone management, habitat conservation and rehabilitation.


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diversity management, community organizing and development, socioeconomic and 
scientific researches, site-specific policy development, climate change adaptation and 
mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and gender and development, 
among others.
The Management Plan shall be updated pursuant to the ENIPAS Act.
CHAPTER II
THE PHILIPPINE RISE MARINE RESOURCE RESERVE PROTECTED AREA 
MANAGEMENT BOARD (PRMRR PAMB)
Sec. 7. Creation and Composition of the Phiiippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve 
Management Board. - There shall be a Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve Protected 
Area Management Board (PRMRR PAMB), which shall be the sole policy-making body of 
the PRMRR. The management and administration of the PRMRR shall be vested with the 
PRMRR PAMB, as herein provided, and shall be consultative and participatory. It shall be 
composed of:
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Secretary of the DENR, as Chairperson;
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Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources 
Chairperson;
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Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and 
Climate Change Chairperson;
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Designated representatives of the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources (DA BFAR), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of National Defense Office 
of Civil Defense (DND OCD), Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, the National 
Security Council (NSC), National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWCS), Department 
of Foreign Affairs Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (DFA MOAO), Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
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Four (4) representatives from NGOs or POs duly accredited by the DENR. The 
NGOs or POs represented should have been in existence for at least five (5) years and 
must have a record of accomplishments in the field of protected area management;
(0 Up to four (4) representatives from academic institutions, preferably from 
universities or colleges with proven track records In protected area management and 
research; and
(g) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably from the commercial 
fishing sector and a member of the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 
Management Council.


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EX“OfRclo members or members of the PAMB by virtue of their elective or appointive 
government positions as specified In the immediately preceding sub-paragraphs (a), (b), 
(c), and (d) shall serve for the duration of their respective terms of office In their 
respective elective or appointive government positions.
On the other hand, the members of the PAMB specified under sub-paragraphs (e), (f), 
and (g) of this section shall be appointed by the DENR Secretary after the conduct of a 
transparent and fair selection process. They shall each serve a term of three (3) years 
and may be reappointed for another term.
The members of the PAMB shall serve without compensation, except for the actual and 
necessary travel and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, 
either in their attendance in PAMB meetings or in connection with other official business 
authorized through a resolution by the PAMB, subject to existing rules and regulations. 
Each member shall have the full capacity and accountability for decisions binding to the 
member's sector.
The Interim PAMB members duly appointed prior to the effectivlty of this Act shall 
continue to exercise their function until such time that a new set of PAMB members shall 
have been constituted.
Thereafter, the members of the management board shall be appointed In accordance 
with the provisions of this Act: Provided, That at least forty percent (40%) of the PAMB 
members shall be women pursuant to Republic Act No. 9710 or 'The Magna Carta of 
Women'.
A member of the PAMB may be removed for any of the following grounds:
(1) 
More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings of the 
management board;
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Commission of acts prejudicial to the management of protected areas as embodied 
in Section 18 hereof and other existing rules and regulations governing protected areas;
(3) 
Disassoclation from the office or organization being represented;
(4) 
Termination of relationship with the office or organization being represented; or
(5) 
Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
The processes for facilitating applications, appointments, and creation of committees of 
the PRMRR PAMB and its members, as well as the resolution of issues, shall be pursuant 
to the ENIPAS Act of 2018.
Sec. 8. Powers and Functions of the PRMRR PAMB. - The PRMRR PAMB shall have 
the following powers and functions:
(a) Oversee the management of the protected area;


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(b) 
Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other related 
documents for the management of the protected areas;
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Approve the management plan of the protected area and ensure its harmonization 
with and integration into national and other development plans, such as the FMA plan, 
public or private, and its implementation;
(d) 
Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedures in the conduct of 
business, and the creation of committees and their respective terms of reference;
(e) 
Recommend the deputation of appropriate agencies and individuals for the 
enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the management of the 
protected area;
(f) 
Allocate financial resources for the Implementation of the management plan and 
manage the Protected Area Retention Income Account and other funds In accordance 
with the accounting and budgeting rules and regulations;
(g) 
Set fees and charges In accordance with existing guidelines;
(h) 
Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through appropriate and 
effective means;
(i) 
Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other government 
authorities;
0) Monitor and assess the performance of the Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) 
and other protected area personnel and compliance of partners with the terms and 
conditions of any undertaking, contract or agreement;
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Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the designation or 
appointment of the PASU; and
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Assess the effectiveness of the management of the protected area:
Provided, That the members of the management board representing national agencies 
shall Inform their respective constituents, offices or sectors, of PAMB-approved or other 
relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects and shall ensure that the 
provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations are complied with, and 
used as reference and framework in their respective plans, policies, programs, and 
projects. Failure to comply with the foregoing shall be the basis for disciplinary action 
against such member according to administrative rules and regulations and such penalties 
as the PAMB may provide: Provided, further. That the DENR, shall ensure that the PAMB 
acts within the scope of Its powers and functions. In case of conflict between the 
resolutions issued by the PAMB and the existing administrative orders of national 
application, the latter shall prevail.


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Sec. 9. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - Pursuant to the ENIPAS 
Act of 2018, there Is hereby established a PRMRR Protected Area Management Office 
(PAMO) to be headed by a Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) with a permanent 
plantilla position who shall supervise the day-to-day management, protection, and 
administration of the PRMRR. A sufficient number of support staff with permanent 
plantilla position shall be appointed by the DENR to assist the PASU in the management 
of the PRMRR.
The PASU shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the management 
and operations of the protected area. Pursuant thereto, the PASU shall have the following 
duties and responsibilities:
(a) 
Prepare the management plan, In consultation with the stakeholders, including the 
annual work and financial plans and ensure its implementation;
(b) 
Ensure the Integration of the protected area management plans, programs, 
projects, and policies with relevant national plans and programs;
(c) 
Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees and ensure the 
availability of relevant and timely Information for decision-making;
(d) 
Formulate and recommend to the PAMB proposed policies, rules, regulations, and 
programs;
(e) 
Establish, operate, and maintain a database management system which shall be 
an important basis for decision-making;
(f) 
Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the protected area, commence 
and institute administrative and legal actions In collaboration with other government 
agencies or organizations, and assist In the prosecution of offenses committed In violation 
of this Act;
(g) 
Monitor, evaluate, and report the Implementation of management activities of the 
protected area;
(h) 
Request for and receive any technical assistance, support or advice from any 
agency or instrumentality of the government as well as academic Institutions, NGOs, and 
the private sector, as may be necessary for the effective management, protection and 
administration of the protected area;
(I) Issue permits and clearances for activities that Implement the management plan 
and other permitted activities in accordance with terms, conditions, and criteria 
established by the PAMB: Provided, That ail permits for extraction activities, including 
collection for research purposes, shall also continue to be issued by relevant authorities, 
subject to prior clearance from the PAMB, through the PASU, in accordance with the 
specific acts to be covered;
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(i) Collect and receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other Income for the 
protected area: Provided, That such fees, charges, donations, and other Income 
collected/received shall be reported regularly to the PAMB and the DENR in accordance 
with existing guidelines;
(k) 
Prepare and recommend to the PAMB approval of the annual work and financial 
plans of the protected area based on the management plan;
(l) 
Directly report to the DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations through the 
Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau; and
(m) 
Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.
Sec. 10. Role of the DENR.- Ihe DENR shall perform all the functions as stipulated 
in the ENIPAS Act of 2018, as well as coordinate closely with other government agencies 
concerned to ensure the sound management and conservation of the PRMRR. It shall 
also provide technical and financial assistance to the PRMRR as may be needed.
Sec. 11. Reporting Responsibility. -Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, thePASU, 
through the PAMB, shall submit an annual accomplishment report of the protected area 
to the Secretary of the DENR through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). A 
report on the conditions and benefits of the biological resources and ecosystem services 
of the protected area shall also be submitted by the PASU, through channels, to the 
Secretary of the DENR every five (5) years. Further, the PASU shall coordinate with and 
provide the necessary documents needed by the BMB for the preparation of the National 
State of Protected Areas (NSPAs) report every five (5) years, to be submitted to the 
President, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
CHAPTER III
DEVELOPMENT, FISHING, EXPLORATION, AND RESEARCH ACTIVmES AT
THE PRMRR
Sec. 12. Management of the Special Fisheries Management Area of the PRMRR - 
There shall be a Special Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) within the PRMRR under the 
jurisdiction of the DA BFAR, that covers the Multiple-Use Zone of the PRMRR. The DA 
BFAR shall monitor ail the fishing activities within the SFMA, advise the PASU on fisheries 
management, ensure coordination and harmonization of the PRMRR Management Plan 
with the FMA framework, and provide other technical and financial assistance as may be 
necessary.
SEC. 13. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - Considering that protected 
areas are environmentally critical areas, the proponent of development projects and 
activities with potentially significant adverse impacts as determined by the Environmental
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Management Bureau (EMB), whether or not these projects or activities are included in 
the management plan, shall secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) in 
accordance with the Philippine Environment Impact Statement (EIS) System: Provided, 
That for development projects and activities that are not environmentally critical, an initial 
environmental examination (lEE) shall be undertaken Instead of a full-blown EIA. No 
project or activity may be undertaken by any project proponent without prior clearance 
from the PAMB. The DENR shall require the submission of the PAMB clearance, among 
others, before issuing an ECC to a project proponent.
No actual implementation of such activities shall be allowed v/ithout the required ECC 
under the Philippine EIA System. Violations of environmental laws, rules and regulations. 
Including those under the EIA System, shall be penalized accordingly.
Sec. 14. Energy Resource Projects- Consistent with Section 14 of the ENIPAS Act 
of 2018, the exploration for energy resources may be allowed In protected areas only for 
the purpose of gathering data and information and only if such activity is carried out with 
the least damage to surrounding areas.
Surveys for non-renewable energy projects shall be conducted only in accordance with a 
program approved by the DENR, and the result of such surveys shall be made available 
to the public and submitted to the President who shall make the appropriate 
recommendations to Congress.
Renewable energy projects may be allowed within the protected area by the PAMB with 
the concurrence of the DENR Secretary: Provided, That renewable energy projects, which 
shall be located outside the strict protection zones, shall undergo the EIA as provided by 
law, and shall adopt reduced Impact technologies so as not to be detrimental to 
ecosystem functions, biodiversity, cultural practices and tradftions: Provided, further. 
That sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR, the amount of 
which will be based on damage estimation upon decommissioning and projected cost of 
rehabilitation. It shall be released to the depositor upon the satisfactory decommissioning 
of all equipment, structures and improvements and the rehabilitation of the site according 
to the zones and objectives of the management plan as attested to by the PAMB.
Sec. 15. Special Uses Within Protected Areas. - Consistent with Section 25 of the 
ENIPAS Act of 2018, special uses may be allowed within the PRMRR except in the strict 
protection zone.
A sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR to be released to the 
depository bank in the event of damage by or closure of the establishment after 
satisfactory rehabilitation according to the zones and objectives of the management plan 
as attested to by the PAMB.
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CHAPTER IV
ENFORCEMENT, PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES
Sec. 16. Persons and Deputies Authorized to Enforce this Act and Other 
Environmentai Ruies and Reguiations. -The law enforcement officers of the Department 
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as the Department of Agriculture 
(DA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine 
National Police - Maritime Group (PNP MG) are hereby authorized to enforce this Act and 
other marine environmental laws, rules and regulations. Further, the PAMO may also be 
augmented by the deputized environment and natural resources, law enforcement 
officers upon the recommendation of the PAMB and approval of the DENR.
Nothing herein mentioned shall be construed as preventing regular enforcers and police 
officers from arresting any person in the act of violating said laws and regulations.
Sec. 17. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are prohibited within the PRMRR;
(a) 
Poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife within the protected area;
(b) 
Hunting, taking, collecting, gathering or possessing of any wildlife or by-products 
derived therefrom, or resources, whether living or nonliving within the protected area 
without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption: Provided, That the PASU as 
authorized by the PAMB shall issue a permit, authorization or exemption only for culling, 
scientific research, the exceptions provided under Section 27(a) of Republic Act No. 9147, 
or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act", or harvests of non-protected 
species in multiple-use zones by fishers who are traditionally operating in the area as may 
be determined by BEAR;
(c) 
Possessing or transporting outside the protected area any wildlife, or by-products 
derived therefrom, which are ascertained to have been taken from the protected area, 
except as may be allowed by this Act and authorized through obtaining of the appropriate 
permit;
(d) 
Using any fishing or harvesting gear or employing any practices, or any of their 
variations, that is unsustainable, that are unsustainable, or detrimental to coral reefs, 
seagrass or seaweed beds or other marine life and their associated habitats: Provided, 
That mere possession of such gears within the protected area shall be prima facie 
evidence of their use;
(e) 
Holding fast or securing a vessel in place either by using an anchor or tying onto 
any part of the reef: Provided, That all vessels permitted to enter shall utilize the mooring 
buoys provided by the PRMRR;
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(f) 
Dumping, throwing, using, or causing to be dumped into or placed in the protected 
area of any toxic chemical, noxious or poisonous substance or non-biodegradable 
material, untreated sewage or animal waste products or products whether In liquid, solid 
or gas state, including pesticides and other hazardous substances as defined under 
Republic Act No. 6969, otherwise known as the 'Toxic Substances and Hazardous and 
Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 199" detrimental to the protected area, or to the plants, 
animals, inhabitants or habitats therein;
(g) 
Operating any motorized conveyance within the protected area without permit 
from the PAMB;
(h) 
Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks, buoys, or signs;
(I) Mutilating, defacing, destroying, excavating, vandalizing or, in any manner, 
damaging any natural formation, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts and other 
objects of natural beauty, scenic value or objects of interest;
0) 
Littering or depositing refuse or debris within the protected area;
(k) 
Possessing or using blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the protected 
area;
(l) 
Occupying or dwelling within the protected area without clearance from the PAMB;
(m) 
Entering, enjoying or utilizing any portion of the PRMRR and the resources therein, 
for whatever purpose without the prior permission from the PRMRR-PAMB; and
(n) 
Obstructing, evading, or hindering Law Enforcement Officers from performing their 
duties within the Protected Area.
(o) 
Constructing, erecting, or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosures, 
conducting any business enterprise within the protected area without prior clearance from 
the PAMB and permit from the DENR, or conducting these activities In a manner that is 
inconsistent with the management plan duly approved by the PAMB;
(p) 
Undertaking mineral exploration or extraction within the protected area, pursuant 
to Republic Act No. 7942, or the "Philippine Mining Act of 1995";
(q) 
Engaging in commercial or large-scale quarrying within the protected area;
(r) 
Establishing or introducing exotic species, including GMOs or Invasive alien species 
within the protected area;
(s) 
Conducting bioprospecting activities within the protected area without prior PAMB 
clearance in accordance with existing guidelines: Provided, That in addition to the penalty 
provided herein, any commercial use of any substance derived from non-permitted 
bioprospecting activities shall not be allowed and all revenue earned from illegal 
commercialization thereof shall be forfeited and deposited as part of the IPAF;
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(t) Prospecting, hunting or otherwise locating hidden treasures within the protected 
area;
Sec. 18. Penalties. - Violations under this Act shall be subject to the following 
penalties:
(a) 
A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but not more than 
One million pesos (P1,000,000) or imprisonment from one (1) year but not more than six 
(6) years, or both, plus damages of triple the value of the said resources, or both, shall 
be imposed upon any person who violates paragraphs (a) to (e) of Section 17 herein;
(b) 
A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but not more than 
One million pesos (Pl,000/000) or Imprisonment from one (1) year but not more than six 
(6) years, or both, shall be Imposed upon any person who violates paragraphs (f) to (n) 
of Section 17 herein;
(c) 
A fine of not less than One million pesos (P1,000,000) but not more than Five 
million pesos (P5,000,000) or Imprisonment from six (6) years but not more than twelve 
(12) years, or both, shall be imposed upon any person who violates paragraphs (o) to (t) 
of Section 17 herein;
(d) 
Administrative fines of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000), but not 
exceeding Five million pesos (P5,000,000), shall be imposed by the DENR Secretary for 
the violation of any rule, regulation, or provision of arry agreement reached with the 
PAMB: Provided, That if an area which has sustained damage from any activity conducted 
therein requires rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the court, the offender 
shall be required to restore or pay compensation for such damages, which payment shall 
accrue to the IPAF.
On the basis of a court order, the DENR shall cause the eviction of an offender from the 
protected area: Provided, that in cases of emergency, the DENR Secretary may order the 
immediate exit or departure of the offender from the protected area. The DENR Secretary 
may call on other enforcement agencies to assist in executing the order to vacate.
An emergency occurs when there is a demonstrated impending threat to human life and 
biodiversity or to species found within the ecosystem of the protected area.
All minerals, wildlife, or other resources, whether living or nonliving, illegally collected or 
removed from the protected area. Including all equipment, devices, conveyances, and 
firearms used in connection therewith, shall be forfeited w\ favor of the government, and 
any construction or Improvement made thereon by the offender shall be subject to 
confiscation by the PAMO, subject to the application of due process.
The conveyances, vessels, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools, and 
similar devices used in the commission of the crime shall be dealt with in accordance with
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Part 4, Rule 12 (Custody and Disposition of Seized Items, Equipment, Paraphernalia,
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Conveyances and Instruments) of Administrative Matter No. 09-6-8-SC (Rules of
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Procedure for Environmental Cases) Issued by the Supreme Court. However, in no case
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shall any confiscated or rescued protected animal species be sold or In any manner
5 
disposed of but shall be Immediately turned over to the PAMO for rehabilitation and
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release to its natural habitat, subject to existing regulations.
7 
Valuation of the damage shall take into account biodiversity and conservation
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considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. The valuation and assessment by
9 
the DENR, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, shall be presumed
10 
regular, unless otherwise proven by preponderance of evidence.
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If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager, who is proven
12 
to have participated in or have actual knowledge of any violation against the provisions
13 
of this Act shall be directly liable for the act of the employees and laborers: Provided,
14 
finally. That the DENR may impose administrative fines and penalties consistent with this
15 
Act.
16 
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the acts prohibited In
17 
this Act, or force their workers to commit any of the same, shall be liable as principal.
18 
The penalties specified in this section shall be in addition to the penalties provided in the
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ENIPAS Act, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and R*otection Act, Republic Act No.
20 
10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, and other related laws.
21 
The conviction of a public officer or officer of the law whether from any LGU or any
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national government agency for any violation of the provisions of this Act shall carry the
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accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from pubik: office.
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Sec. 19. Enforcement of Jaws within PRMRR Areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone.
25 
-The penalties under this Act shall be enforced according to the following norms:
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(a) Foreign nationals who are arrested and prosecuted for violations of this Act
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committed in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines shall be subject to
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Imprisonment or other form of corporal punishment pursuant to an agreement between
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the Philippines and the relevant foreign states allowing the Imposition of these penalties;
30 
(b) Foreign vessels and their crew arrested or detained for violation of this Act
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committed in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines shall be promptly released
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upon the posting of reasonable bond or other financial security set by the competent
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Philippine court. In case a dispute settlement proceeding has been initiated by the flag
34 
state of a detained foreign vessel before the relevant international court or tribunal under
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Article 292 of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the competent Philippine court shall
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promptly order the release of the detained foreign vessel and its crew upon payment of
2 
the bond or other financial security set by the said relevant International court or tribunal;
3 
(c) In case a foreign vessel is arrested or detained for violation of this Act committed
4 
in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines, the competent Philippine court shall
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promptly direct the Department of Foreign Affairs to notify the flag State of that vessel
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of the action taken and of any penalties subsequently Imposed.
7
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CHAPTER V
9 
INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREA FUND
10 
Sec. 20. The Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act
11 
of 2018, income generated from the operation and management of the PRMRR shall
12 
accrue to the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). The income shall be derived from
13 
fees and charges from the use of resources and facilities of the PRMRR; contributions
14 
from Industries and facilities directly benefitting from the protected area; and such other
15 
fees and income derived from the operation of the PRMRR.
16 
The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised through the
17 
above means, which shall be deposited in the Protected Area-Retained Income Account
18 
(PA-RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within the locality: Provided,
19 
That disbursements out of such deposits shall be used solely for the protection,
20 
maintenance, administration, and management of the protected area and implementation
21 
of duly approved projects of the PAMB.
22 
Grants, donations and endowments from various sources, domestic or foreign, shall be
23 
deposited in full In a special account In the National Treasury to be used for the purpose
24 
specified in the deeds and Instruments covering them.
25 
Voluntary or legislated payments for ecosystem goods and services, including fines,
26 
penalties, and compensation for damages from protected area offenses shall accrue fully
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to the PA-RIA and shall be managed by the PAMB.
28 
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a special
29 
account in the General Fund in the National Treasury for purposes of financing the
30 
projects of the System.
31 
The use of the IPAF shall be in accordance with existing accounting, budgeting, and
32 
auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further. That the IPAF shall not be used to cover
33 
personal services expenditures.
34 
The DENR shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the
35 
Department of Finance (DOF) quarterly reports on the financial and physical
36 
accomplishments on the utilization of the IPAF and other documents as may be required
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by the DBMA and shall furnish a copy of the same to the House Committee on
2 
Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
3 
Sec. 21. Tax Exemption. - All grants, bequests, endowments, donations and
4 
contributions made to the protected area fund to be used actually, directly, and
5 
exclusively by the protected area, shall be exempted from donor's tax and shall be
6 
considered as allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor for the purpose of
7 
computing the taxable income of the donor In accordance with the provisions of the
8 
National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, (n)
9 
Sec. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days
10 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DENR shall, in consultation with the
11 
concerned agencies and stakeholders most especially the fisheries sector. Issue the
12 
corresponding rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
13 
Sec. 23. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of the DENR and DA shall immediately
14 
Include In their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which
15 
shall be Included in the General Appropriations Act.
16 
Sec. 24. Transitory Provision. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, in order to
17 
enhance biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for
18 
tenured migrants, the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses,
19 
permits, clearances, compliance documents or other instruments that allow utilization of
20 
resources within the protected area until the management plan shall have been put into
21 
effect. All existing resource use permits issued for purposes which are authorized within
22 
the protected area shall be reviewed and shall not be renewed upon their expiration
23 
unless consistent with the management plan and approved by the PAMB.
24 
SEC. 25. Construction and Suppletory Application of Existing Laws. - The provisions of
25 
this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving biodiversity conservation,
26 
protection and sustainable development. Provisions of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, Republic
27 
Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the Wildlife Resources
28 
Conservation and Protection Act, and existing environmental laws and their corresponding
29 
rules and regulations not Inconsistent hereto shall have suppletory effect in the
30 
Implementation of this Act.
31 
Sec. 26. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
32 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected shall continue to
33 
be In full force and effect.
34 
Sec.27. Repeating Clause. - All laws, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations and
35 
other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
36 
amended or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication
2 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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