FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The absence of a law to regulate the collection and possession of our wildlife 
resources and its derivatives has done a great damage to one of our critical resources. 
With much leeway and discretion granted to various local officials and agencies, 
poachers and their ilk have slowly depleted our national wildlife resource. 
This bill seeks to stanch that withering away of our wildlife resources by a 
proposing comprehensive statute that can regulate the exploitation of our resources. 
Immediate passage of this bill is recommended. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill NO. 994 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE 
RESOURCES AND THEIR HABITATS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
SECTION 1. 
Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Wildlife Resources 
in Congress assembled: 
Conservation and Protection Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to conserve the 
country's wildlife resources and their habitats for sustaainability. In the pursuit of this 
policy, this Act shall have the following objectives: 
to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote 
(a) 
ecological balance and enhance biological diversity; 
(b) to regulate the collection and trade of wildlife; 
(c) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment 
(d) to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity. 
SEC. 3. Scope of Application. - The provisions of this Act shall be enforceable for 
all wildlife species found in all areas of the country, including protected areas under 
Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas 
System (NIPAS) Act, and critical habitats. This Act shall also apply to exotic species 
which are subject to trade, are cultured, maintained andlor bred in captivity or 
propagated in the country. 
SEC. 4. Jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and 
the Department of Agriculture. - The Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR) shall have jurisdiction over all terrestrial plant and animal species, 
all turtles and tortoises and wetland species, including but not limited to crocodiles, 
to international conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats; and 


waterbirds and all amphibians and dugong. The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall 
have jurisdiction over all declared aquatic critical habitats, all aquatic resources, 
including but not limited to all fishes, aquatic plants, invertebrates and all marine 
mammals, except dugong. The secretaries of the DENR and the DA shall review, and, 
by joint administrative order, revise and regularly update the list of species under their 
respective jurisdiction. In the Province of Palawan, jurisdiction herein conferred is 
vested to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development pursuant to Republic Act 
No. 761 1, 
CHAPTER I1 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SEC. 5. Definifion of Terms. -As used in this Act, the term: 
(a) 
“Bioprospecting” means the research, collection and 
utilization of biological and genetic resources for purposes of applying the 
knowledge derived therefrom solely for commercial purposes; 
(b) 
“By-product or derivatives” means any part taken or 
substance extracted from wildlife, in raw or in processed form. This 
includes stuffed animals and herbarium specimens; 
(c) 
“Captive-breedingkulture or 
propagation” 
means the 
process of producing individuals under controlled conditions or with 
human interventions; 
(d) 
“Collection or collecting” means the act of gathering or 
harvesting wildlife, its by-products or derivatives; 
(e) 
“Conservation” 
means 
preservation 
and 
sustainable 
utilization of wildlife, and/or maintenance, restoration and enhancement of 
the habitat; 
(9 
“Critically endangered species” refer to a species or 
subspecies that is facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the 
immediate future; 
“Economically important species” mean species which have 
actual or potential value in trade or utilization for commercial purpose; 
“Endangered species” refer to species or subspecies that is 
not critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the 
causal factors continue operating; 
“Endemic species” mean species or subspecies which is 
naturally occurring and found only within specific areas in the country; 
“Exotic species” mean species or subspecies which do not 
naturally occur in the country; 
(9) 
(h) 
0) 
0) 


(k) 
(1) 
“Export permit” refers to a permit authorizing an individual to 
bring out wildlife from the Philippines to any other country; 
“Gratuitous permit” means permit issued to any individual or 
entity engaged in noncommercial scientific or educational undertaking to 
collect wildlife; 
(m) 
“Habitat” means a place or environment where a species or 
(n) 
“Import permit” refers to a permit authorizing an individual to 
“Indigenous wildlife” means species or subspecies of wildlife 
“Introduction” means bringing species into the wild that is 
“Reexport permit“ refers to a permit authorizing an individual 
“Secretary” means either or both the Secretary of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Secretary of 
the Department of Agriculture; 
“Threatened species” a general term to denote species or 
subspecies considered as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable 
or other accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of 
extinction; 
(t) 
“Trade” means the act of engaging in the exchange, 
exportation or importation, purchase or sale of wildlife, their derivatives or 
by-products, locally or internationally; 
“Traditional use” means utilization of wildlife by indigenous 
people in accordance with written or unwritten rules, usage, customs and 
practices traditionally observed, accepted and recognized by them; 
“Transport permit” means a permit issued authorizing an 
individual to bring wildlife from one place to another within the territorial 
jurisdiction of the Philippines; 
“Vulnerable species” refer to species or subspecies that is 
not critically endangered nor endangered but is under threat from adverse 
factors throughout their range and is likely to move to the endangered 
category in the near future; 
“Wildlife” means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, 
in all developmental stages, including those which are in captivity or are 
being bred or propagated; 
subspecies naturally occur or has naturally established its population; 
bring in wildlife from another country; 
naturally occurring or has naturally established population in the country; 
outside its natural habitat; 
(0) 
(PI 
(4) 
(0 
to bring out of the country a previously imported wildlife; 
(SI 
( 4  
(VI 
(w) 
(XI 


(Y) 
“Wildlife collector’s permit“ means a permit to take or collect 
from the wild certain species and quantities of wildlife for commercial 
purpose; 
“Wildlife farmlculture permit” means a permit to develop, 
operate and maintain a wildlife breeding farm for conservation, trade 
and/or scientific purposes. 
(4 
CHAPTER 111 
CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES 
Article One. - General Provision 
SEC. 6. Wildlife Information. -All activities, as subsequently manifested under this 
chapter, shall be authorized by the Secretary upon proper evaluation of best available 
information or scientific data showing that the activity is, or for a purpose, not 
detrimental to the survival of the species or subspecies involved and/or their habitat. 
For this purpose, the Secretary shall regularly update wildlife information through 
research. 
SEC. 7. Collection of Wildlife. - Collection of wildlife may be allowed in 
accordance with Section 6 of this Act: 
Provided, That in the collection of wildlife, 
appropriate and acceptable wildlife collection techniques with least or no detrimental 
effects to the existing wildlife populations and their habitats shall, likewise, be required: 
Provided further, That collection of wildlife by indigenous people may be allowed for 
traditional use and not primarily for trade: Provided, furthermore, That collection and 
utilization for said purpose shall not cover threatened species: Provided, finally, That 
Section 23 of this Act shall govern the collection of threatened species. 
SEC. 8. Possession of Wildlife. - No person or entity shall be allowed possession 
of wildlife unless such person or entity can prove financial and technical capability and 
facility to maintain said wildlife: Provided, That the source was not obtained in violation 
of this Act. 
SEC. Q. Collection and/or Possession of By-products and Derivatives. - By- 
Provided, That the 
products and derivatives may be collected and/or possessed: 
source was not obtained in violation of this Act. 
SEC. IO. 
Local Transport of Wildlife, By-Products and Derivatives. - Local 
transport of wildlife, by-products and derivatives collected or possessed through any 
other means shall be authorized unless the same is prejudicial to the wildlife and public 
health. 
SEC. 11. 
Exportation and/or Importation of Wildlife. - Wildlife species may 
be exported to or imported from another country as may be authorized by the Secretary 


or the designated representative, subject to strict compliance with the provisions of this 
Act and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto: 
Provided, That the 
recipient of the wildlife is technically and financially capable to maintain it. 
SEC. 12. 
Introduction, Reintroduction or Restocking of Endemic or 
Indigenous Wildlife. - The introduction, reintroduction or restocking of endemic and 
indigenous wildlife shall be allowed only for population enhancement or recovery 
purposes subject to prior clearance from the Secretary or the authorized representative 
pursuant to Section 6 of this Act. 
Any proposed introduction shall be subject to a scientific study which shall focus 
The proponent shall also conduct public consultations with 
on the bioecology. 
concerned individuals or entities. 
SEC. 13. 
Introduction of Exotic Wildlife. - No exotic species shall be 
introduced into the country, unless a clearance from the Secretary or the authorized 
representative is first obtained. In no case shall exotic species be introduced into 
protected areas covered by Republic Act No. 7586 and to critical habitats under Section 
25 hereof. 
In cases where introduction is allowed, it shall be subject to environmental impact 
study which shall focus on the bioecology, socioeconomic and related aspects of the 
area where the species will be introduced. The proponent shall also be required to 
secure the prior informed consent from the local stakeholders. 
SEC. 14. 
Bioprospecting. - Bioprospecting shall be allowed upon execution 
of an undertaking by any proponent, stipulating therein its compliance with and 
commitment(s) to reasonable terms and conditions that may be imposed by the 
Secretary which are necessary to protect biological diversity. 
The Secretary or the authorized representative, in consultation with the concerned 
agencies, before granting the necessary permit, shall require that prior informed 
consent be obtained by the applicant from the concerned indigenous cultural 
communities, local communities, management board under Republic Act No. 7586 or 
private individual or entity. The applicant shall disclose fully the intent and scope of the 
bioprospecting activity in a language and process understandable to the community. 
The prior informed consent from the indigenous peoples shall be obtained in 
accordance with existing laws. 
The action on the bioprospecting proposal by 
concerned bodies shall be made within a reasonable period. 
Upon submission of the complete requirements, the Secretary shall act on the 
research proposal within a reasonable period. 
If the applicant is a foreign entity or individual, a local institution should be actively 
involved in the research, collection and, whenever applicable and appropriate, in the 


technological development of the products derived from the biological and genetic 
resources. 
SEC. 15. 
Scientific Researches on Wildlife. - Collection and utilization of 
biological resources for scientific research and not for commercial purposes shall be 
allowed upon execution of an undertakinglagreement with and issuance of a gratuitous 
permit by the Secretary or the authorized representative: 
Provided, That prior 
clearance from concerned bodies shall be secured before the issuance of the gratuitous 
permit: Provided, further, That the last paragraph of Section 14 shall likewise apply. 
SEC. 16. 
Biosafefy. - All activities dealing on genetic engineering and 
pathogenic organisms in the Philippines, as well as activities requiring the importation, 
introduction, field release and breeding of organisms that are potentially harmful to man 
and the environment shall be reviewed in accordance with the biosafety guidelines 
ensuring public welfare and the protection and conservation of wildlife and their 
habitats. 
Commercial Breeding or Propagation of Wildlife Resources. - 
Breeding or propagation of wildlife for commercial purposes shall be allowed by the 
Secretary or the authorized representative pursuant to Section 6 through the issuance 
of wildlife farmlculture permit: Provided, That only progenies of wildlife raised, as well 
as unproductive parent stock shall be utilized for trade: 
Provided, furfher, That 
commercial breeding operations for wildlife, whenever appropriate, shall be subject to 
an environmental impact study. 
SEC. 17. 
SEC. 18. 
Economically Important Species. - The Secretary, within one (1) 
year after the effectivity of this Act, shall establish a list of economically-important 
species, 
A population assessment of such species shall be conducted within a 
reasonable period and shall be regularly reviewed and updated by the Secretary. 
The collection of certain species shall only be allowed when the results of the 
assessment show that, despite certain extent of collection, the population of such 
species can still remain viable and capable of recovering its numbers. For this purpose, 
the Secretary shall establish a schedule and volume of allowable harvests. 
Whenever an economically important species become threatened, any form of 
collection shall be prohibited except for scientific, educational or breedinglpropagation 
purposes, pursuant to the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 19. 
Designation of Management and Scientific Authorities for 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. - For the 
implementation of international agreement on international trade in endangered species 
of wild fauna and flora, the management authorities for terrestrial and aquatic resources 
shall be the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the DENR and the Bureau 
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the DA, respectively and that in the 


Province of Palawan the implementation hereof is vested to the Palawan Council for 
Sustainable Development pursuant to Republic Act No. 761 1. 
To provide advice to the management authorities, there shall be designated 
scientific authorities for terrestrial and aquaticlmarine species. 
For the terrestrial 
species, the scientific authorities shall be the Ecosystems Research and Development 
Bureau (ERDB) of the DENR, the U.P. Institute of Biological Sciences and the National 
Museum and other agencies as may be designated by the Secretary. For the marine 
and aquatic species, the scientific authorities shall be the BFAR, the U.P. Marine 
Science Institute, UP. Visayas, Silliman University and the National Museum and other 
agencies as may be designated by the Secretary: Provided, That, in the case of 
terrestrial species, the ERDB shall chair the scientific authorities, and in the case of 
marine and aquatic species, the U.P. Marine Science Institute shall chair the scientific 
authorities. 
SEC. 20. 
Authority of the Secretary to Issue Permits. - The Secretary or the 
duly authorized representative, in order to effectively implement this Act, shall issue 
permitskertificationslclearances with corresponding period of validity, whenever 
appropriate, which shall include but not limited to the following: 
(1) Wildlife farm or culture permit 
3 to 5 years 
(2) Wildlife collector’s permit 1 to 3 years 
(3) Gratuitous permit 
1 year 
(4) Local Transport permit 
(5) ExporVlmporVReexport permit 1 to 6 months 
These permits may be renewed subject to the guidelines issued by the appropriate 
1 to 3 months 
agency and upon consultation with concerned groups. 
Fees and Charges. - Reasonable fees and charges as may be 
determined upon consultation with the concerned groups, and in the amount fixed by 
the Secretary shall be imposed for the issuance of permits enumerated in the preceding 
section. 
For the export of wildlife species, an export permit fee of not greater than three 
percenturn (3%) of the export value, excluding transport costs, shall be charged: 
Provided, however, That in the determination of aforesaid fee, the production costs 
shall be given due consideration. Cutflowers, leaves and the like, produced from farms 
shall be exempted from the said export fee: Provided, further, That fees and charges 
shall be reviewed by the Secretary every two (2) years or as the need arises and revise 
the same accordingly, subject to consultation with concerned sectors. 
SEC. 21. 


Article Two - Protection of Threatened Species 
SEC. 22. 
Determination of Threatened Species. - The Secretary shall 
determine whether any wildlife species or subspecies is threatened, and classify the 
same as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories 
based on the best scientific data and with due regard to internationally accepted 
criteria, including but not limited to the following: 
(a) 
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its 
habitat or range; 
(b) over-utilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes; 
(c) inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and 
(d) other natural or man-made factors affecting the existence of wildlife. 
The Secretary shall review, revise and publish the list of categorized threatened 
wildlife within one (1) year after effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, the list shall be 
updated regularly or as the need arises: Provided, That a species listed as threatened 
shall not be removed therefrom within three (3) years following its initial listing. 
Upon filing of a petition based on substantial scientific information of any person 
seeking for the addition or deletion of a species from the list, the Secretary shall 
evaluate in accordance with the relevant factors stated in the first paragraph of this 
section, the status of the species concerned and act on said petition within a 
reasonable period. 
The Secretary shall also prepare and publish a list of wildlife which resembles so 
closely in appearance with listed threatened wildlife, which species shall likewise be 
categorized as threatened. 
Collection of Threatened Wildlife, By-Products and Derivatives. - 
The collection of threatened wildlife, as determined and listed pursuant to this Act, 
including its by-products and derivatives, shall be allowed only for scientific, or breeding 
or propagation purposes in accordance with Section 6 of this Act: Provided, That only 
the accredited individuals, business, research, educational or scientific entities shall be 
allowed to collect for conservation breeding or propagation purposes. 
Conservation Breeding or Propagation of Threatened Species. - 
Conservation breeding or propagation of threatened species shall be encouraged in 
order to enhance its population in its natural habitat. It shall be done simultaneously 
with the rehabilitation andlor protection of the habitat where the captive-bred or 
propagated species shall be released, reintroduced or restocked. 
provided that the following minimum requirements are met by the applicant, to wit: 
SEC. 23. 
SEC. 24. 
Commercial breeding or propagation of threatened species may be allowed 


(a) 
species; and, 
Proven effective breeding and captive management techniques of the 
(b) Commitment to undertake commercial breeding in accordance with Section 17 
The Secretary shall prepare a list of threatened species for commercial breeding 
and shall regularly revise or update such list or as the need arises. 
SEC. 25. 
Establishment of Critical Habitats. - Within two (2) years following 
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall designate critical habitats outside protected 
areas under Republic Act No. 7586, where threatened species are found. 
Such 
designation shall be made on the basis of the best scientific data taking into 
consideration 
species 
endemicity 
and/or 
richness, 
presence of 
man-made 
pressures/threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, among others. 
All designated critical habitats shall be protected, in coordination with the local 
government units and other concerned groups, from any form of exploitation or 
destruction which may be detrimental to the survival of the threatened species 
dependent therein. 
For such purpose, the Secretary may acquire, by purchase, 
donation or expropriation, lands, or interests therein, including the acquisition of 
usufruct, establishment of easements or other undertakings appropriate in protecting 
the critical habitat. 
of this Act, simultaneous with conservation breeding. 
Article Three - Registration of Threatened and Exotic Species 
Registration of Threatened and Exotic Wildlife in the Possession of 
Private Persons. - No person or entity shall be allowed possession of wildlife unless 
such person or entity can prove financial and technical capability and facility to maintain 
said wildlife. Twelve (12) months after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall set 
a period, within which personslentities shall register all threatened species collected 
and exotic species imported prior to the effectivity of this Act. However, when the 
threatened species is needed for breedinglpropagation or research purposes, the State 
may acquire the wildlife through a mutually acceptable arrangement. 
After the period set has elapsed, threatened wildlife possessed without certificate 
of registration shall be confiscated in favor of the government, subject to the penalties 
herein provided. 
All Philippine wildlife which are not listed as threatened prior to the effectivity of 
this Act but which may later become so, shall likewise be registered during the period 
set after the publication of the updated list of threatened species. 
SEC. 26. 


CHAPTER IV 
ILLEGAL ACTS 
SEC. 27. 
//legal Acts.- Unless otherwise allowed in accordance with this Act, 
it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and knowingly exploit wildlife resources 
and their habitats, or undertake the following acts: 
(a) 
(i) 
or indigenous cultural communities; 
killing and destroying wildlife species, except in the following instances: 
when it is done as part of the religious rituals of established tribal groups 
(ii) when the wildlife is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease; 
(iii) 
wildlife; 
when it is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the 
(iv)when it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human 
(v) when the wildlife is killed or destroyed after it has been used in authorized 
being; and, 
research or experiments. 
(b) 
wildlife species; 
(c) 
inflicting injury which cripples and/or impairs the reproductive system of 
effecting any of the following acts in critical habitat@): 
(i) dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife: 
(ii) squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat; 
(iii) mineral exploration and/or extraction; 
(iv) burning; 
(v) logging; and 
(vi) quarrying. 
(d) introduction, reintroduction or restocking of wildlife resources; 
(e) trading of wildlife; 
(f) 
collecting, hunting or 
possessing wildlife, their by-products and 
derivatives; 
(9) gathering or destroying of active nests, nest trees, host plants and the like; 
(h) 
paragraph; and 
maltreating and/or inflicting other injuries not covered by the preceding 
(i) transporting of wildlife. 


CHAPTER V 
FINES AND PENALTIES 
SEC. 28. 
Penalties for Violations of this Act. - For any person who 
undertakes illegal acts under paragraph (a) of the immediately preceding section to any 
species as may be categorized pursuant to this Act, the following penalties and/or fines 
shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of a minimum of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) 
years andlor a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (P100,OOO.OO) to One 
million pesos (PI ,OOO,OOO.OO), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as 
critical; 
(b) imprisonment of four (4) years and one (1) day to six (6) years and/or a fine of 
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against endangered species; 
(c) imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and/or a fine of 
Thirty thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000.00), 
if inflicted or undertaken against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of one ( 1 )  year and one (1) day to two (2) years and/or a fine of 
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), 
if inflicted or undertaken against other threatened species; and 
(e) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and/or a fine of 
Ten thousand pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against other wildlife species. 
For illegal acts under paragraph (b) of the immediately preceding section, the 
following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of a minimum of four (4) years and one (1) day to six (6) 
years and/or a fine of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to Five hundred 
thousand pesos (P500,000.00), 
if inflicted or undertaken against species listed 
as critical; 
(b) imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years andlor a fine of 
Thirty thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against endangered species; 
(c) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (j) day to two (2) years and/or a fine of 
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), 
if inflicted or undertaken against vulnerable species; 


(d) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (I) 
day to one (1) year andlor a fine of 
Ten thousand pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), 
if inflicted or 
undertaken against other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of one (1) month to six (6) months andlor a fine of Five thousand 
pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken 
against other wildlife species; 
For illegal acts under paragraphs (c) and (d) of the immediately preceding section, 
an imprisonment of one (1) month to eight (8) years and/or a fine of Five thousand 
pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) shall be imposed. 
For illegal acts under paragraph (e), the following penalties andlor fines shall be 
imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and/or a 
fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Three hundred thousand pesos 
(P300,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical; 
(b) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years andlor a fine of 
Two thousand pesos (P2,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against endangered species: 
(c) imprisonment of six (6) months and (1) one day to one (1) year andlor a fine of 
One thousand pesos (P1,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO), if 
inflicted or undertaken against vulnerable species: 
(d) imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months and/or a fine 
of Five hundred pesos (P500.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against species listed as other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of ten ( I O )  days to one (1) month and/or a fine of Two hundred 
pesos (P200.00) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken 
against other wildlife species: 
For illegal acts under paragraphs (f) and (9) of the immediately preceding section, 
the following penalties andlor fines shall be imposed: 
(a) 
imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and a fine 
of Thirty thousand pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Three hundred thousand pesos 
(P300,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical; 
(b) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years and a fine of 
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), 
if inflicted or undertaken against endangered species; 


(c) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and a fine of 
Ten thousand pesos (Pl0,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months and a fine of 
Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if inflicted or 
undertaken against species listed as other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of ten (IO) days to one (1) month and a fine of One thousand 
pesos (PI ,000.00) to Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken 
against other wildlife species. 
Provided, That in case of paragraph (f), where the acts were perpetuated through the 
means of inappropriate techniques and devices, the maximum penalty herein provided 
shall be imposed. 
For illegal acts under paragraphs (h) and (i) of the immediately preceding section, 
(a) 
imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and a fine 
of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to One hundred thousand pesos 
(PI OO,OOO.OO), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical species; 
(b) imprisonment of three (3) months and one (1) day to six (6) months and a fine 
of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) 
to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), if 
inflicted or undertaken against endangered species; 
the following penalties andlor fines shall be imposed: 
(c) imprisonment of one (1) month and one (1) day to three (3) months and a fine 
of Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), if inflicted 
or undertaken against vulnerable species; 
(d) imprisonment of ten (IO) days to one (1) month and a fine of One thousand 
pesos (PI ,000.00) to Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) if inflicted or undertaken against 
species listed as other threatened species; 
(e) imprisonment of five (5) days to ten (IO) days and a fine of Two hundred pesos 
(P200.00) to One thousand pesos (PI ,OOO.OO), if inflicted or undertaken against other 
wildlife species. 
All wildlife, its derivatives or by-products, and all paraphernalia, tools and 
conveyances used in connection with violations of this Act, shall be ipso facto forfeited 
in favor of the government: 
Provided, That where the ownership of the aforesaid 
conveyances belong to third persons who has no participation in or knowledge of the 
illegal acts, the same may be released to said owner. The apprehending agency shall 
immediately cause the transfer of all wildlife that have been seized or recovered to the 
nearest Wildlife Rescue Center of the Department in the area. 


If the offender is an alien, he shall be deported after service of sentence and 
payment of fines, without any further proceedings. 
The fines herein prescribed shall be increased by at least ten percent (10%) every 
three (3) years to compensate for inflation and to maintain the deterrent function of 
such fines. 
CHAPTER VI 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SEC. 29. 
Collections from Fines, Penalties and Other Fees. - Amounts 
collected from fines imposed, penalties, damages awarded and other fees by the 
Department shall be deposited with the National Treasury and shall accrue to the 
General Fund. 
The Department may be allowed to use donations, grants and contributions 
received from domestic and foreign sources for purposes specified by the donor in 
accordance with existing rules and regulations. 
Deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers. - The Secretary shall 
deputize wildlife enforcement officers from nongovernment organizations, citizens 
groups, community organizations and other volunteers who have undergone the 
necessary training for this purpose. The Philippine National Police (PNP), the Arm 
Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other 
law enforcement agencies shall designate wildlife enforcement officers. As such, the 
wildlife enforcement officers shall have the full authority to seize illegally traded wildlife 
and to arrest violators of this Act subject to existing laws, rules and regulations on arrest 
and detention. 
SEC. 30. 
SEC. 31. 
Establishment of National Wildlife Research Centers. - The 
Secretary shall establish national wildlife research centers for terrestrial and aquatic 
species to lead in the conduct of scientific researches on the proper strategies for the 
conservation and protection of wildlife, including captive breeding or propagation. In 
this regard, the Secretary shall encourage the participation of experts from 
academiclresearch institutions and wildlife industry. 
SEC. 32. 
Wildlife Rescue Center. - The Secretary shall establish or 
designate wildlife rescue centers to take temporary custody and care of all confiscated, 
abandoned andlor donated wildlife to ensure their welfare and well-being. 
The 
Secretary shall formulate guidelines for the disposition of wildlife from the rescue 
centers. 
Creation of Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Units. - The Secretary shall 
create wildlife traffic monitoring units in strategic air and sea ports all over the country to 
SEC. 33. 


ensure the strict compliance and effective implementation of all existing wildlife laws, 
rules and regulations, including pertinent international agreements, 
Customs officers and/or other authorized government representatives assigned at 
air or seaports who may have intercepted wildlife commodities in the discharge of their 
official functions shall, prior to further disposition thereof, secure a clearance from the 
wildlife traffic monitoring unit assigned in the area. 
Exemption from Taxes. - Any donation, contribution, bequest, 
subsidy or financial aid which may be made to the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources or to the Department of Agriculture and to NGOs engaged in wildlife 
conservation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as certified 
by the local government unit, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or 
the Department of Agriculture, for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources 
and their habitats shall constitute as an allowable deduction from the taxable income of 
the donor and shall be exempt from donor’s tax. 
SEC. 35. 
Flagship Species. - Local government units shall initiate 
conservation measures for endemic species in their areas. For this purpose, they may 
adopt flagship species such as the Cebu black shama (copsychus cebuensis), tamaraw 
(bubalus mindorensis), Philippine tarsier (tarsius syrichfa), Philippine teak (fecfona 
philippinensis), which shall serve as emblems of conservation for the local government 
concerned. 
SEC. 36. 
Botanical 
Gardens, 
Zoological 
Parks 
and Ofher 
Similar 
Establishments. - The Secretary shall regulate the establishment, operation and 
maintenance of botanical gardens, zoological parks and other similar establishments for 
recreation, education and conservation. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within twelve (12) months 
following the effectivity of this Act, the secretaries of the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the 
Committees on Environment and Ecology of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives, respectively, shall promulgate respective rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act. 
Whenever appropriate, coordination in the 
preparation and implementation of rules and regulations on joint and inseparable issues 
shall be done by both Departments. The commitments of the State to international 
agreements and protocols shall likewise be a consideration in the implementation of 
this Act. 
Appropriations. - The amount necessary to initially implement the 
provisions of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources in the current General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 34. 
SEC. 37. 
SEC. 38. 


Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to fully implement the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 39. 
Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be 
subsequently declared as unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity or the 
legality of the other provisions. 
Repealing Clause. - Act Nos. 2590 and 3983, Commonwealth Act 
No. 63, as amended, Presidential Decree No. 1219, as amended, Republic Act No. 
6147, and other laws, orders and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed 
or amended accordingly. 
€ffecfivify. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
SEC. 40. 
SEC. 41. 
publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,