Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No. 6411
Introduced by Rep. ANGELO MARCOS BARBA &
Rep. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS
1                                                            EXPLANATORY NOTE
2
3              Protecting the envirorment is not an easy task. Forest protection offlcers, rangers,
4       and other environmental workers have risked their lives to protect our environment
5       and  natural  resources  from  illegal  logging  syndicates  and  environmental  criminals.
6       Several  environmental  workers were  shot at, hacked, and even killed to protect not
7      only the  environment  but  also  the  right  of the  people  to  a  balanced  and  healthful
8       ecology.
9
1o               The  environment  certalnly  needs  protection  from  individuals  who  destroy  the
11       environment  for their own  selfish  interests,  but  so  do the  people  who  are  called to
12      protect them.  The Department of Envirorment and Natural Resources has repeatedly
13       asked Congress for the  immediate passage  of a measure creating an Environmental
14      Protection and Enforcement Bureau to help protect forest rangers from environmental
15       criminals. It is time congress heeds this call.
16
17               This   proposed   measure   seeks   to   create   a   Bureau   that   shall    carry   out
18       environmental  law  enforcement  functions  in  the  entire  Philippine  archipelago  that
19       would  further  strengthen  environment  and  natural  resources  protection  and  law
2o      enforcement   with   appropriate   structure,   modem   technology,   and   highly-trained
21       manpower.
22
23                 The  Bureau  is  seen to  empower the  arrest  and  prosecution  of environmental
24       criminals,  apprehend and confiscate timber and forest products without license,  and
25       destroy   illegal   structures   occupying   forest   lands   without   authority   to   include
26       paraphernalia and conveyances.i  It also aims to curb illegal mining,  illegal  logging,
27       smuggling and trading of wildlife species and other environmental crimes that risk our
28       biodiversity and destroys our protected areas, the habitat of the threatened species.2
29
3o              The   bill   also   proposes   the   establishment   of  an   Environment   and   Natural
31      Resources Law Enforcement Academy which shall be responsible for the recruitment,
1   DENR to empower Environmental Laws with the creation of EPEB, retrieved on 31 August 2020 from
https://r6.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/1318-denr-to-empower-environmental-laws-with-
the-creation-of-the-epeb
2   DENR to empower Environmental Laws with the creation of EPEB, retrieved on 31 August 2020 from
https://r6.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/1318rdenr-to-empower-environmental-laws-with-
the-creation-of-the-epeb


development,    and    conduct    of   basic    and    advanced-level    environmental    law
enforcement   training   course,   and   continuing   skills   enhancement   of  all   bureau
enforcers and persormel. Through this, forest protection officers and rangers shall be
better equipped in enforcing environmental and natural resources protection laws.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No. 6!11
Introduced by Rep. ANGEL0 MARCOS BARBA &
Rep. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS
1             AN  ACT  CREATING  THE  ENVIRONMHNTAL  PROTECTION  ANI)
2      ENFORCHMENT   BUREAU   qupEB)   UNDER   THE   DEPARTMHNT   0F
3      ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR), PROVIDING FOR
4      ITS    POWERS    AND    FUNCTIONS    AND    APPROPRIATING    FUNDS
5      THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
6
7         _    Be it enacted by the senate andthe House of Representatives of the philippines in
8       Congress aLssembled:
9
1o               SECTION  1.  S7!or/  r7.//e.  `-  This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the  "Environmental
11      Protection and Enforcement Bureau (EPEB) Act".
12
13               SECTION 2. I)cc/czrczfi.o# a/Po/jc}J. -It is the policy of the state to protect and
14       advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
15      rhythm  and  harmony  of nature  by  maintaining  and  strengthening  envirorment  and
16      natural resources protection and law enforcement with appropriate structure, modem
17       and   current   science   and  technology,   and   effective,   capable   and   highly-trained
18       manpower.
19
2o               Toward  this  end,  the   State  shall   formulate  plans  and  programs  relative  to
21       environmental   and  natural   resources   protection  and  to   enhance   and   modernize
22       capabilities  to  address  all  types  of  environmental  crimes,  including  transnational
23      and/or   transboundary   violations,   taking   cognizance   of   the   worsening   global
24       environmental situation.
25
26               The state shall likewise promote shared duties and responsibilities, and capacitate
27       other  law  enforcement  agencies  and  local   government  units  to  ensure  fair  and
28       immediate enforcement of environmental laws.
29
3o               SECTION 3. Dc/j"`/7.o7z o//erms'. -As used in this Act, the following terms shall
31        mean:
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33              a.    4bcz/e77ze#f -refers to  legal  document  issued by the  Bureau,  its  officers  and
34                    enforcers, ordering the suspension or cessation, in whole or in part, or removal
35                    of a problem or nuisances, which is against environment and natural resources
36                    laws committed in prohibited areas, and/or other public areas, which such act
37                      is prohibited;


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b.   Bztrecz# ~ refers to the Environmental Protection and Enforcement Bureau;
c.    C,'eczL`'e  cr7€c7  Dcsz.Lq/  Order  /COO/   -  refers  to  an  order  duly  issued  by  the
Secretary  or  the  Bureau  directing  or  enjoining  any  person,   business,   or
organization,   or   government   agency.   to   stop   or   continue   doing   an   act
considered   harmful   or   illegal   and/or   in   order   to   protect,   preserve,   or
rehabilitate the environment.  A CDO may be permanent, for specified period
of time, or until a final administrative or judicial determination of its legality
occurs;
d.    Co#¢scczfj.o72 - refers to the act of taking in favor of the government, real of
personal  property,  from  a  person  without  payment  or  compensation  in  an
administrative proceeding;
e.    Cz{s/ody -  refers  to  the  temporary  holding  or  safekeeping  of any  evidence
obtained or seized in an enforcement operation and conducted by, or with the
participation of the Bureau, while a case is pending before any administrative
body or courts;
f.    Dep¢r/me#f --refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR);
9.   f?"crge#c)J  -   as   used   in  this   Act,   emergency   occurs   when   there   is   a
demonstrated  impending  threat  to  human  life,  biodiversity,  or  irreparable
damage to the integrity and stability of the ecosystem;
h.   E77/o7`cc7#e#/ areab' - refers  to  any  geographic  area in the Philippines  where
priority enforcement response is needed;
i.     Fore7?,s.j.c   --   refers   to   the   application   of  scientific   methods   of  analyzing
evidence   and   samples   for   purposes   of  criminal,   civil,   or  administrative
procedure;
j.     Jmpo#7ec7rme77/ -the taking into custody of private property, such as a vehicle,
facility,  or  implements,  by  government  action  with  custody  documentation
pending the outcome of a criminal prosecution under this Act;
k.   Profej.bjtec7 4recz --refers to areas explicitly prohibited or deemed by law to be
free from human habitation or interference such as, but not limited to, water
Casements,  areas  identified  as  geohazard  zones,  or  in  any  other  prohibited
zones  within  protected  areas  including  strict  protection  zones,  multiple  use
zones,  and buffer zones,  or areas designated under Disaster Risk Reduction
and  Management  Plan  of local  government  units  (LGUs)  as  hazard  prone
areas;
I.     Reg#/cz/ec7 comm##j.fy - refers to  all  persons,  businesses  or organizations,  or
government agencies or instrumentalities of the government whose utilization,
exploitation,   development,   management,   conservation   and   protection   of
environment  and  natural  resources  are  governed  under  the  administrative
authority of the Department;


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26      There is hereby created an Environmental protection and Enforcement Bureau (EPEB)
27      which  shall  be  a  uniformed  service  and  a  line  agency  under  the  Department  of
28      Environment and Natural Resources.
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3o              This Act  shall transfer and consolidate all  enforcement functions performed by
31      different Bureaus  and  attached  agencies  of the  Department  and  those  that may  be
32       created hereafter.
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34               The Bureau shall exercise concurrent enforcement authority with agencies having
35      jurisdiction under other laws.
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37                SECTION  5.  /2trj-sc7z.c`/z-o7z.  -  The  Bureau  shall  carry  out  environmental  law
38       enforcement  functions   in  the   entire  Philippine   archipelago   including  air  space,
39       territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, continental shelf, and other areas where
4o       the   Philippines   exercises   sovereignty   and   sovereign   rights,   or  jurisdiction,   in
41       accordance with Philippine and International Laws.  It shall be under the control and
42       supervision of the secretary.
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44               SECTION  6.  Power6`  cz#c7  I;Tzf#ctJ.o#s.  -The  Bureau  shall  have  the  following
45       powers and functions:
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in.  Lsecre/czry ~ refers to the Secretary of the DENR;
n.   Sej.z#re  ~  as  used  in  this  Act,  seizure  refers  to  the  taking  by  enforcement
officers  of potential  evidence  from  a  person  who  is  suspected  of violating
environmental laws, rules and regulations.  Seizure of evidence may be done
by  virtue  of a  search  warrant  or on  the  occasion  of a  warrantless  arrest  or
warrantless search;
o.   Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) --as used inthis Aict.
the defense of SLAPP shall be avallable to the Bureau enforcers and those the
have  deputized,  complainants,  and witnesses.  This  remedy is  available even
during preliminary investigation and relevant administrative cases. The Bureau
shall provide sufficient assistance for those enforcers, deputies, complainants,
and witnesses charged with SLAPP suits; and
p.    rrcr7zL`'#c7/z.077cr/ Or trc£#L`'bo#72cJc!ry vjo/cr/z.O#6' - refers  to  a continuing offense  in
contravention  of  both   environmental   laws   and   international   treaties   and
conventions on environment to which the Philippines is a signatory.  An act is
deemed a continuing offense  when the  act may be  prosecuted and tried not
only in the court of administrative bodies of the place where it began, but also
in the court of administrative bodies of the place where part of the offense was
continued or consummated.
S;E.CFropr  4.  Errvironmental  Protection  and  Erforcement  Bureau  (EPEB).  -
a.    Enforce,  interdict  ongoing  violations,  arrest,  investigate,  and  prosecute  all
violations of environmental and natural resources laws, m]es, and regulations,
including those over which other agencies exercise jurisdiction;


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b.    Take custody of all  seized and confiscated items,  implements, conveyances,
tools, and equipment;
c.    Initiate the filing of appropriate cases and/or proceedings;
d.   File   the   appropriate   cases   in   court   in   consultation   with   the   National
Prosecution Service when necessary,  and in coordination with the Office of
the Ombudsman in cases involving goverrment officials and employees;
e.    Execute  decisions  and  dispose  of confiscated  items  in  administrative  cases
pertaining to environment and natural resources violations, and in court cases
as may be directed by the court;
f.    Call on the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP),
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI),      other      government      law     enforcement      agencies,      including
government-owned and/or -controlled corporations, to aid in the enforcement
of laws against environmental crimes;
9.    Conduct intelligence operations and forensics investigation in furtherance of
the foregoing powers and functions;
h.    Issue   subpoena   for  the   appearance   of  any   person   for   investigation   or
production   of  any   documents,   through   its   officers   from   the   ranks   of
Director-General, Deputy Director, Directors  for Enforcement,  Investigation
and/or Legal Services, and Regional Director, and cite in contempt any person
who violates or disobeys orders and processes duly issued by the Bureau;
i.    Accept   in  the   name   of  the   Philippine   Government,   funds   of  financial
assistance for immediate disbursements or other property in the interest of, or
as may be necessary to carry out its  functions,  and which shall be properly
allocated and utilized  directly and  exclusively  for environmental  protection
and enforcement;
j.    Establish and maintain coordination mechanisms with other law enforcement
agencies local ly and intemationally;
k.   Develop enforcement systems and strategies based on best practices and using
the most advanced and reliable technologies;
1.    Impose    administrative    fines/citations    for    j.#   /crgra7z/e    violations    of
environment and natural resources laws, rules, and regulations pursuant to the
schedule of fines to be issued by the Office of the Secretary;
in.  Maintain  database  of all  relevant  information  such  as,  but  not  limited  to,
environmental  cases,   environment-related  incidents,   permittees,   licensees,
park and forest occupants, tenured migrants, and scientific research data and
information;


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n.   Issue  and  implement  Cease  and  Desist  Order,  Closure  Order,  Notice  of
Violat].on, and Abatement Order in the exercise of its administrative powers
pursuant to pertinent rules and regulations issued by the Department;
o.   Formulate  and  implement  policies,  guidelines,  and  programs  necessary  to
effectively carry out its mandate; and
p.   Perform other related functions as the Secretary may assign.
Nothing  in  this   Section  shall  prevent  other  law  enforcement  agencies  from
11       exercising jurisdiction  over violations  of environmental  laws,  rules  and regulations:
12       Provz.c7ec/ f/?cr/,  once the Bureau takes cognizance of the aforementioned violations, the
13      Bureau shall take the lead and other law enforcement agencies shall collaborate for
14       assistance.
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16               SECTroN 7. Orgr7#.=czJ;o#cz/ S'fr#cJz#e. -The Bureau shall be organized into the
17      Office  of the  Director-General,  Deputy  Director  Generals  for  Operations  and  for
18       Administration,   and  Division   Chiefs   for  Enforcement,   Investigation   and  Legal,
19      Finance    and   Logistics,    Administrative    and   Human   Resource,    Plarming   and
2o       Knowledge  Information  Service,  and  Forensic  Laboratory.   Each  service  shall  be
21       composed of the necessary divisions and sections.
22
23               The Bureau shall establish regional offices composed of district offices to cover
24       designated enforcement areas. Field units may be established as needed to work with
25      the PENR and/or CENR offices or clusters thereof.
26
27               The  Bureau's  persormel   and  their  respective  positions   and  rank  shall   have
28       appropriate staff-ing complement, as follows:
29
Job Title
Career Level
SalaryGrade     ISG30I
Director-General
Director VI
Deputy Director-General for Operations
Director V
SG29
Deputy Director-General for Administration
Director V
SG29
Regional Director
Director Ill
SG27
Chief for Enforcement Division
Director I
SG25
Chief for Investigation and Legal Division
Director I
SG25
Chief for Finance and Logistics Division
Director I
SG25
Chief   for   Administrative   and   Human   Resource
Director I
SG25
Division
Chief  for   Plarming   and   Knowledge   Information
Director I
SG25
Division
Director of Forensic Laboratory
Director I
SG25
Regional Legal Division Chief
Attorney V
SG25
Supervising Environmental Prosecutor
Attorney IV
SG23
Environmental Pro secutor
Attorney Ill
SG21
Regional Enforcement Division Chief
Division Chief
SG24
Regional Management Division Chief
Division Chief
SG24
Supervising Enforcement Officer
Senior Officer V
SG22
Enforcement Officer IV
OflEcer IV
SG19
Enforcement Offlcer Ill
Officer 111
SG16
Enforcement Officer 11
Officer 11
SG13


Enforcement Officer I
Officer I
SG]1
Ranger Technician
Ranger Ill
SG9
Ranger
Ranger 11
SG7
Ranger
Ranger I
SG5
1
2             SECTroIN  8.  Powers  and  Functions  of the  Director  General.  -The Director
3       General shall have access to all official records of the Government and the regulated
4       communities   of  the   Department   in   the   furtherance   of  his   or   her   duties   and
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responsibilities, and shall perform the following powers and functions:
a.   Direct, control and administer the operations of the Bureau, and deploy any of
its officials and operatives for missions;
b.   Formulate policies, guidelines, programs, and projects to implement this law
and  recommend  poll.cies  that  would  enable  the  Bureau  to  take  additional
necessary measures in exercising its powers;
c.   Develop  a  system  and  allocate  funds  for  inforinant's  rewards  and  whistle
blower protection;
d.   Recommend    and/or    direct    appropriate    agencies    to    effect    emergency
containment    and    remediation    measures    in    relation    to    violations    of
environment and natural resources law, rules, and regulations;
e.    Initiate   and   strategize   training   and   deputation   of   envirormental   law
enforcement   officers   and,   whenever   practicable   their   consolidation   and
organization in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations;
f.    Designate  and/or authorize the  use of informants  for investigative purposes
including   hiring   of  consultants,   subject   to   pertinent   laws,   rules,   and
regulations, as may be required;
9.    Issue mission orders and permits to carry duly-issued agency firearms of its
organic  personnel  or  other  duly  deputized  officers  who  are  conducting  or
assisting in investigation and enforcement operations;
h.   Ensure  proper  inventory,   identification  and  jmpoundment  of  confiscated
and/or forfeited obj ects, implements, and conveyances;
i.    Create and/or abolish divisions/units and positions within the Bureau that may
be required for the expeditious, effective and efficient discharge of its duties
and  responsibilities;  and  remove,  suspend,  of otherwise  discipline  Bureau
officials, enforcers, and personnel for causes provided under the Civf I Service
Rules and Regulations and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations, subject
to the approval of the Secretary; and
j.    Perform other acts that are necessary, proper or incidental to the performance
of his or her duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Secretary.


1             SPC"PIN 9. Powers  and Functions  of Bureau of f icers  and Enf `orcers. -The
2       members of the Bureau shall be peace officers, and as law enforcers. They shall have
3       the following additional powers and functions:
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a.    To detect, interdict, and investigate any environmental violations and to make
arrests,  searches  and  seizures  in  accordance  with  existing  laws,  rules  and
regulations;
b.    To seize and initiate confiscation proceedings for prohibited items including
objects, implements, and conveyances used in the violation of environmental
law,   as  provided  for  by  applicable  laws,  rules,  and  regulations,  and  to
inventory said items;
c.    To  take  and  require  sworn  affidavits  of person  or  persons  summoned  in
correction  with  cases  under  investigation  and to  administer  oaths  in  cases
under  investigation,  subject to  limitations  imposed by  the  Constitution  and
laws, rules and regulations;
d.   To  cany   suitable  and  adequate   agency-issued  firearms   for  enforcement
operat].ons and personal security;
e.    To  have  access to  all  official  records  of the  Goverrment  and the regulated
community, where such records relate to their official functions under this law;
and
f.    To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Bureau.
SECTION 10. Fore7"z.c I,czborczfory. -The Bureau shall establish, maintain, and
improve a forensic laboratory to be headed by a Director and supported by as many
sections as may be deemed necessary,  which may include chemical and toxicology,
genetics,  criminalistics, veterinary, morphology, and digital.  The forensic laboratory
may be composed of the following staffing complement:
Job Title
Career. Level
Salary Grade
Director for Forensic Laboratory
Director I
SG25
Section Chief on Chemistry and Toxicology
Section Chief
SG22
Section Chief on Genetics and Forensic Biology
Section Chief
SG22
Section Chief on Criminalistics
Section Chief
SG22
Section Chief on Veterinary
Section Chief
SG22
Section Chief on Taxonomy and Morphology
Section Chief
SG22
Section Chief of Geology
Section Chief
SG22
Senior Computer Programmer
ENRE Officer IV
SG19
Analyst Ill
ENRE Officer Ill
SG16
Analyst 11
ENRE Officer 11
SG13
Analyst I
ENRE Officer I
SGll
SECTION  11. Be77?¢fs cr7zc7 Pr7.vj./eges.  -The Bureau shall  provide its persormel
with the following benefits:
a.    Health care services or insurance for all its regular personnel;
b.   Accident insurance for all its employees and deputized officers;


c.    Hazard pay, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; and
d.   Access to legal assistance and support fund.
3
4              SrfLC"OIN L2. Environment and Natural Resources Low Enif ;orcement Academy.
5      ~  The  Department  shall   establish  an  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  Law
6      Enforcement Academy which shall be responsible for the recruitment, development,
7      and  conduct  of basic  and  advanced-level  environmental  law  enforcement  tralning
8       course, and continuing skills enhancement ofall bureau enforcers and personnel.  The
9      Academy  shall  provide  other Philippine  law  enforcement  agencies  and  institutions
1o       high-quality  standardized  trainings  on  environmental  law  enforcement,  including
11       LGUs.
12
13              SECTroIN  13.  Inter-Agency  Environmental  Erforcement  coordination.  -The
14      Bureau shall establish and maintain close coordination, cooperation, and linkages with
15       national     and     international     coordinative    bodies,     multilateral     agencies,     and
16       organizations that address environmental crimes.
17
T8              SECTroIN 14. Stakeholder's  Engagement/People's  participation. ~  Aictive a;nd
19       direct participation of national government agencies (NGAs), LGUs, academe, media,
2o       people's organizations, non-govemmental organizations, including the citizenry, shall
21       beencouraged.
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23               The   Bureau   shall   take   measures   to   ensure   responsiveness   and   feedback
24
mechanisms for maximum participation, engagement, and transparency.
25
Z6         .   _SECT|OIN IS. Strategic Lawsuit Against public participation (SLAPP).    -The
27       defense  of SLAPP as  defined by existing laws  shall be available to Bureau officers
28       and those they have deputized, complainants, and witnesses. This remedy is available
29       even during preliminary investigation and relevant administrative cases.  The Bureau
30       shall  provide  sufficient  assistance  for  those  enforcers,  deputies,  complainants,  and
31       witnesses charged with SLAPP suits.
32
33              The Rules of procedure for Environmental  Cases shall  govern the procedure in
34       civil,  criminal,  and  special  civil  actions  involving  enforcement or violations  of this
35       Act, including actions treated as sLAPp as provided in this section.
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g]        _     FHC"ON 16. Prohibition on the  lssuance  of Temporary  Restraining orders,
38      Preliminary lrtyunctions, and preliminary Mandatory Injunctions.  -"o court, ohar
39      than  the  Supreme  Court,  shall  issue  an  injunction  or  restraining  order  against  the
4o      Department  and  Bureau  in  the  lawful  enforcement  of environlnental  and  natural
41       resources laws.
42
¢3              S;HC"OIN   11.   -   Assaults   against   Enwironment   and   Natural   Resources
44       E77/orcemc#f oj7j73cers czJ7d Depz//I.es.  --Any person, whether natural or juridical, who
45       shall  attack,  employ  force,  or  seriously  intimidates  any  environment  and  natural
46      resources enforcement officer or his deputies,  while engaged in the performance of
47       official duties, or on occasion of the performance of such duties shall be charged with
48       direct assault under the Revised penal code.
49


1                 SECTION  18.  ~ ,4c7#2z.7#.Lqgivc7/z.vc  4cry.z4cZz'ca/i.o#.  -The  Secretary  is  authorized  to
2      organize and standardize administrative adjudication mechanisms to impose fine and
3       other penalties provided for under existing laws, rules, and regulations and cause the
4       issuance of procedural rules and regulations as may be appropriate.
5
6           ^  _SPCTro_IN _L9. Power to Issue cDo and Abatement order without the Necessity
7       o/Jztc7z.c7.cz/ Orc7cr.  -  The Bureau may,  subject to the requirements  of administrative
8       due process, issue cease and desist order/s, and to summarily eject any person and/or
9       issue  abatement order,  removal,  dismantling,  or demolition of any illegal  structures
1o       from a prohibited area, without the necessity of judicial order: J'rov7.c7ec7,  that in case
11      of emergency, the Bureau may order the immediate exit or departure of the offender
12       from the prohibited area. The Bureau may call on other enforcement agencies to assist
13       in executingthe orderto vacate.
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15
16
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18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
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31
SECTroIN 20. Authority to Issue Notice Of Violation and Seizure Order. -TI+ a,II
cases of violations of environmental laws, rules and regulations, the Director-General
or his or her duly authorized representative, may, in appropriate cases, issue notices of
violation  and  order  the  seizure  of any  property  subject  of the  offense,  including
conveyances, implements, tools and equipment used in the commission of the offense.
SECTION 21. F2j72c7z.ng So%7.cL> cl7247 +4pp7.ap7.j.c!/i.o726`.  -The amount necessary for
the  implementation of this Act shall be taken from the General Appropriations Act
and may be augmented from the following:
a.    Integrated protected Area Fund (IPAF);
b.   Environmental and user fees;
c.    EPIRA;
d.   Road user's tax; and
e.    Administrative Fine and penalties
Provjc/ecJ, that all funds collected shall be pooled together as a single account that
32       will cover all operational expenses.
33
34                SECTION 22.  rrcz7€s7./or}J prov7.,w.o#.§'.  -All unexpended appropriations, real and
35       personal  properties,  documents,  records  and  other  papers  related  to  enforcement
36      which are kept and/or managed by enforcement divisions,  sections and units  of the
37       Department and attached Agencies shall be transferred to the Bureau.
38
39               All incumbent officials and persormel currently assigned and/or designated at the
4o      regional enforcement divisions, PENR enforcement sections,  or CENR enforcement
41      units who have undergone the mandatory training on enforcement as provided under
42      this Act may continue to serve as an officer or enforcer of the Bureau, or choose to be
43      reassigned in non-enforcement offices or Bureaus of the Department.
44
45              Allincumbentenforcement     officials,     enforcers     and     personnel     of    the
46      Department,  Bureaus,  and  attached  agencies  who  have  undergone  the  mandatory
47      training on enforcement as provided under this Ac may serve as officer or enforcer of
48       the Bureau, or choose to be reassigned in non-enforcement functions or offices of said
49       agencies.
50


1              All  incumbent  enforcement  officials,  enforcers  and  persormel  of the  Palawan
2       Council   for   Sustainable  Development  and  Bangsamoro   Autonomous  Region   in
3      Muslim  Mindanao  shall  be  trainer  under  the  Bureau  as  part  of  the  one-system
4       approach.
5
6               SECTION   23.  Jxp/e"e#fjng  R%/es  cwccJ  Reg%/c7f I.o#£.   -   The  Department,   in
7       consultation with concerned government agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate
8       the  implementing rules  and regulations of this  Act,  within six (6) months  from the
9       effectivity of this Act.
10
11                SECTION  24.  Sepc!ra6J-/I.tyi  C/c}2zs'e.  -If any  provision  of this  Act  is  declared
12       invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall
13       remain in full force and effect.
14
15               SECTION  25.  j?epecz/j7zg  C/crz{£Lp.  -All  laws,  executive  orders,  administrative
16       orders,  and rules  and regulations  inconsistent with this  Act  are  hereby repealed or
17       amended accordingly.
18
19               SECTION 26. E/rec/z.vz.ty c'/o2+6'e. -This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its
publication in the Offlcial Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
20
21
22
2 3               Approved,