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1.5 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2393 
(In substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 177 and 1068) 
Prepared jointly by the Committees on Environment and Natural Resouces and 
Finance with Senators Madrigal, Legarda, and Cayetano, P. as authors thereof 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE APO REEF IN SABLAYAN, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO 
ASPROTECTEDAREAUNDERTHECATEGORYOFNATURALPARKAND 
ITS PERIPHERAL WATERS AS BUFFER ZONES, PROVIDING FOR ITS 
MANAGEMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Apo Reef Natural 
Park (ARNP) Act of 2008." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - In view of the importance of Apo Reef in 
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, its biodiversity and role in the fisheries of the 
region, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the protection and 
conservation of Apo Reef, its associated waters, biodiversity and islands. 
Pursuant thereto, the State shall ensure the full implementation of this Act, 
mobilize resources in order to put into operation institutional mechanisms and full 
scientific and technical support for the conservation of biodiversity and the 
integrity of the ecosystems in Apo Reef. 
SEC. 3. Land Classification. -All lands of the public domain comprising 
the Apo Reef Natural Park shall fall under the classification of National Park as 
provided for in the Philippine Constitution. 
SEC. 4. Scope and Coverage. -The boundaries of the Apo Reef Natural 
Park (ARNP), situated in the Municipality of Sablayan, Province of Occidental 
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Mindoro, containing an approximate area of fifteen thousand seven hundred 
ninety-two (1 5,792) hectares, are as follows: 
Control 
CM 
Latitude 
Longitude 
Northings 
Eastings 
Points 
(" ' ") 
(" ' '7 
(Meters) 
(Meters) 
1 
123 
12-44-47 
120-27-22 1410356.242 223773.809 
2 
123 
12-41-1 1 
120-33-44 1403605.487 235240.033 
3 
123 
12-35-47 
120-29-57 1393709.839 228292.637 
4 
123 
12-39-1 8 
120-23-46 1400336.616 21 71 53.893 
to point 1, the point of beginning. 
Any modification of this Act due to factors such as changing ecological 
situations, new scientific or archaeological findings, or discovery of traditional 
boundaries not previously taken into account shall be made through an Act 
passed by Congress after full consultation with the affected public and concerned 
government agencies. 
SEC. 5. Buffer Zones. - Buffer Zones surrounding the ARNP, containing 
an approximate area of eleven thousand six hundred seventy-seven (1 1,677) 
hectares, are hereby established with the following boundaries: 
Control 
CM 
Latitude 
Longitude 
Northings 
Eastings 
Points 
(" ") 
(" ' ") 
(Meters) 
(Meters) 
1 
123 
12-46-14 
120-27-00 
1413043.227 223151.990 
2 
123 
12-41-32 
120-35-19 
1404229.656 238121.888 
3 
123 
12-34-20 
123-30-16 
1391042.803 214329.440 
4 
123 
12-38-57 
120-22-12 
1399689.788 214329.441 
to point 1, the point of beginning. 
SEC. 6. Definition of Terms. - The following terms are hereby defined for 
the purposes of this Act: 
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(a) “Biodiversity” shall refer to variety and variability among living 
organisms and the ecological complexes in which said organisms occur. 
(b) “Buffer Zones” are the identified areas outside the boundaries of and 
immediately adjacent to the designated ARNP that need special development 
control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the ARNP. 
(c) “Collection or collecting” is the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife, its 
by-products or derivatives. 
(d) “Commercial fishers/fisherfolk shall refer to persons who catch fish 
and other fishery products using fishing vessels of more than three (3) gross 
tons. 
(e) “Conservation” shall mean the sustainable utilization of wildlife, and/or 
maintenance, restoration and enhancement of the habitat. 
(9 “Ecosystem” shall mean the dynamic complex of plant, animal and 
micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a 
functional unit. 
(9) “Endangered species” shall refer to species or subspecies that is not 
critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors 
continue operating. 
(h) “Exotic species” shall refer to species or subspecies of flora or fauna 
that do not naturally occur within the ARNP at present or in historical time. 
(i) “FishedFisherfolk shall refer to people directly or personally engaged 
in taking and/or culturing and processing fishery andlor aquatic resources. They 
shall also include traditional fishers who are solely dependent on fishing in ARNP 
for sustenance and livelihood. 
(j) “Fishing Gear“ shall refer to any instrument or device and its 
accessories utilized in taking, catching, gathering, killing, hunting, destroying, 
disturbing, removing or possessing resources within the ARNP. 
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(k) “Habitat“ shall mean a place or type of environment where a species or 
subspecies naturally occurs or has naturally established its population. 
(I) “Hunting” shall refer to collection of wild fauna for food and/or 
recreational purposes with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, 
spear and the like. 
(m) “Introduction” shall mean bringing species into the wild that is outside 
its natural habitat. 
(n) “Kayakas” shall refer to the fishing method known as the local version 
of the muro-ami but smaller in size, using bamboo or trunk trees as scaring 
devices aside from coconut or other leaves or materials to drive the fishes and 
other marine resources out of the coral reefs while at the same time pounding the 
corals. 
(0) “Litter or Littering” shall refer to the disposal of small amount of non- 
biodegradable solid waste materials, such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, 
plastic bags, bottles, glasses, in the ARNP which may cause or contribute to the 
deterioration of the resources or habitats in the ARNP. 
(p) “Management plan” shall refer to the fundamental plan, strategy and/or 
scheme which shall guide all activities relating to the ARNP in order to attain the 
objectives of this Act. 
(4) “Municipal fisherslfisherfolk shall refer to persons who catch fish and 
other fishery products using fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less, or 
whose fishing does not require the use of fishing vessels. 
(r) “Muro-ami” shall refer to the method used in reef fishing consisting of a 
movable bagnet, detachable wings and scarelines having plastic strips 
and/iron/steel/stone weights, effecting fish capture by spreading the net in an arc 
around reefs or shoals and: with the use of the scarelines, a cordon of people 
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drive the fish towards the waiting net while pounding the corals by means of 
heavy weights like iron/steel/stone or rock making it destructive to corals. 
(s) “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)” shall refer to 
the classification and administration of all designated protected areas to maintain 
essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to preserve genetic 
diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain 
their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible. 
(t) “Natural Park” shall refer to a relatively large area not materially altered 
by human activity where extractive resource uses are not allowed and 
maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or 
international significance for scientific, education and recreational use. 
(u) “Non-Government Organization (NGO)” shall refer to an agency, 
institution, a foundation or a group of persons whose purpose is to assists 
peoples organizations/associations in various ways including, but not limited to, 
organizing, education, training, research and/or resource accessing. 
(v) “Non-Renewable Resources” shall refer to those resources that cannot 
be re-made, re-grown or regenerated on a scale comparative to its consumption. 
(w) “People’s Organization” shall mean a group of organized migrant 
communities and or interested indigenous peoples which may be an association, 
cooperative, federation, or other legal entity, established to undertake collective 
action to address community concerns and needs, and mutually share the 
benefits of the endeavor. 
(x) “Poaching” shall refer to fishing or operating any fishing vessel, 
gathering and/or purchase or possession of any fishery products within Philippine 
waters by any foreign person, corporation or entity. 
(y) “Protected Area” shall refer to the identified portions of land and/or 
water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, 
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managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive 
human exploitation. 
(z) “Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)” shall refer to a multi- 
sectoral policy-making body for protected areas created in accordance with RA 
7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992. 
(aa) “Protected Species” shall refer to any plant or animal declared 
protected under Philippine laws, rules, and regulations. These shall include all 
species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and all its Appendices, the Bonn 
Convention on Migratory Species, those specified under the red-list categories of 
the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 
(IUCN), or any plant or animal which any government agency andlor the ARNP 
may deem necessary for conservation and preservation in the ARNP. 
(bb) “Purse Seine” shall refer to the gear characterized by encircling net 
having a line at the bottom passing through rings attached to the net, which can 
be drawn or pursed. In general, the net is set from a boat or boats around the 
school of aquatic resources. The bottom of the net is pulled closed with a purse 
line. The net is then pulled aboard the boat or boats until the resources are 
concentrated in the bunt or bag. 
(cc) “Resources” shall refer to all natural endowments, whether aquatic or 
terrestrial, living or non-living, found in ARNP. 
(dd) “Vessel” includes every description of watercraft, including non- 
displacement crafts and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of 
transportation on water. It shall include everything found therein, except personal 
effects . 
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(ee) "Waste" shall refer to discarded items of solid, liquid, contained 
gaseous or semisolid from, and from whatever source, which may cause or 
contribute to the deterioration of the resources or habitats in the ARNP. 
SEC. 7. Creation and Composition of the Apo Reef Natural Park 
Management Board. - Pursuant to Section 11 of RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 
1992, there shall be a PAMB which shall have jurisdiction, power and authority 
over the ARNP for all matters that may affect biodiversity conservation, 
protection and sustainable development. It shall be composed of: 
(1) The Regional Executive Director, DENR Region 46 as Chair 
Chairperson; 
(2) The Provincial Planning and Development Officer/Coordinator; 
(3) The Mayor of the Municipality of Sablayan or his duly designated 
representative; 
(4) One (1) representative chosen from among the coastal barangays in 
the municipality of Sablayan; 
(5) One (1) representative from each department or national government 
agency directly involved in the ARNP or with long term projects or permanent 
facility located therein; 
(6) At least three (3) representatives from accredited NGOs operating 
within Sablayan chosen from among themselves in a meeting duly called for the 
purpose; 
(7) At least two (2) representatives from accredited POs operating within 
Sablayan chosen from among themselves in a meeting duly called for the 
purpose. 
Every member of the PAMB shall serve for a term of five (5) years and 
shall be considered to represent his or her sector and deemed to carry the vote 
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of such sector in all matters. In case of members who are government official, the 
membership shall be attached to the office held. 
Each member of the ARNP shall serve for a term of five (5) years and 
shall be considered to represent his or her sector and deemed to carry the vote 
of such sector in all matters. In the case of members who are government 
officials, the term of office shall be attached to the office held. 
The members of the PAMB shall be appointed by the Secretary of the 
DENR in conformity with the provisions of the NlPAS Act. As a transitory 
provision, the initial members of the PAMB shall be nominated from the current 
members of the interim PAMB. Their nominations shall be conducted in a joint 
meeting of the current members of the interim PAMB duly called for the purpose: 
Provided, That at least one-third (1/3) of the members thereof shall be women. 
In the selection of the representatives of POs and NGOs, preference shall 
be accorded to those organizations that are involved in the conservation, 
protection and development of the ARNP. 
Representation shall be by institution and shall aim to achieve balance in 
representation by geographic location or areas. 
The representatives from the local government units (LGUs) and national 
agencies in the PAMB shall include among their duty, to inform their respective 
constituents, office or sector, of PAMB approved or other relevant policies, rules, 
regulations, programs and projects and ensure that the provisions of this Act are 
observed, complied with and used as reference and framework in their respective 
plans, policies, programs and projects. Failure to comply with the foregoing shall 
subject such representative to disciplinary action as the PAMB may provide. 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be 
entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in 
their attendance in meeting of the Board or in connection with other official 
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business authorized by a resolution of the Board, subject to existing rules and 
regulations. 
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall have 
the following powers and functions in addition to those provided under the 
NlPAS Act of 1992 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations: 
(a) Issue rules and regulations to prohibit acts that may be prejudicial to 
the ARNP and to the declaration of policy set forth under the NlPAS Act; 
(b) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through 
appropriate and effective means; 
(c) Issue rules and regulations for the discipline and removal of its officers 
and members; 
(d) Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, including the 
creation of committees to which its powers may be delegated; 
(e) Approve the management plan and oversee the office of the Protected 
Area Superintendent (PASu); 
(9 Establish criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits for activities 
regulated by this Act or the management plan; 
(9) Recommend the deputization of appropriate individuals for the 
enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the conduct or 
management of the ARNP; 
(h) 
Approve 
fees 
and 
charges 
in 
accordance with 
existing 
guidelines/policies and raise funds for the ARNP; 
(i) Manage the allocation of the ARNP and other funds for the ARNP, 
ensure their proper administration, and render accounting; and 
(j) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other 
government authorities. 
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The DENR, through the Regional Executive Director (RED), shall ensure 
that the PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions. In case of a 
conflict between administrative orders issued by the DENR pursuant to the 
NIPAS Act and the issued by PAMB, the Secretary of the DENR shall decide 
whether to apply the rule or withdraw its application. 
SEC. 9. Incentives of PAM6 members. - In addition to actual and 
necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of 
their duties, PAMB members may be granted allowances and insurance 
coverage in attending Board meetings. These expenses may be included in the 
budget for the ARNP. 
SEC. I O .  Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Office. - There is 
hereby established a PASu Office in charge of the implementation of the 
projects, programs and policies for the management, protection and 
administration of the ARNP. It will be headed by a Protected Area 
Superintendent (PASu) and shall be supported by the existing personnel of the 
DENR. The PASu shall be Chief Operating Officer of the ARNP and shall be 
accountable to the RED of the DENR and the PAMB. The PASu shall have the 
following duties and responsibilities in addition to those provided under existing 
laws and regulations: 
(a) Establish, operate and maintain a database management system as 
decision support tool; 
(b) Prepare and execute the management plan for the ARNP; 
(c) Provide a secretariat for the ARNP and supply the PAMB with all the 
information necessary to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of 
this Act; 
(d) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the ARNP and 
assist in the prosecution of offenses; 
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(e) Supervise all activities within the ARNP to ensure its conformity with 
the management plan; 
(9 Ensure the integration of the ARNP management policies, regulations, 
programs and projects at all the concerned national and local government unit 
levels; 
(9) Recommend to the DENR the issuance of permits based on terms, 
conditions and criteria established by the PAMB; and 
(h) Perform other functions as the PAMB may delegate. 
The PASu shall be supported by a sufficient number of personnel who 
shall be performing day to day management, protection and administration of the 
ARNP. All position titles and items of the DENR employees detailed with the 
ARNP at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall be transferred to form part of 
the PASu Office. 
SEC. 11. Seasonal Fishing Privileges. - Fishers who migrate to ARNP 
seasonally for traditional fishing and other activities that have benign impact on 
the sustainability and biodiversity of the reef shall be allowed to continue such 
activities: Provided, That commission of any of the prohibited acts herein or 
failure to report such acts when observed shall cause the cancellation of such 
rights. 
The PAMB may retain the services of a competent lawyer to prosecute 
and/or assist in the prosecution of cases under the direct control and supervision 
of the regular or special prosecutor and to defend the members of the PAMB and 
the PASu, or person assisting in the protection, conservation and sustainable 
development of the ARNP, against any legal action related to their powers, 
functions and responsibilities as provided in this Act or as delegated or tasked by 
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the PAMB, 
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SEC. 12. Special Prosecutors and Counsels. - The Department of 
Justice, upon recommendation of the PAMB, shall designate special prosecutors 
from among state and public prosecutors to do preliminary investigation and 
prosecute violations of this Act, other laws, rules and regulations within the 
ARNP. Such special prosecutors shall coordinate with the PAMB and the PASu 
in the performance of hislher duties and assist in the training of wardens and 
rangers in arrest and criminal procedure. The PAMB shall periodically submit an 
evaluation of the performance of the designated special prosecutors to the DOJ. 
SEC. 13. Unauthorized Entry, Enjoyment or Use. - No person or entity 
shall enter, enjoy or utilize any portion of the ARNP and the resources therein for 
whatever purpose without prior permission from the PAMB as herein provided. 
The ARNP shall be off limits to navigation, except for activities that are 
sanctioned by the PAMB such as, but not limited to, tourism and research. 
Except in emergency situations, it shall be unlawful to enter ARNP without prior 
permission from the PAMB or the PASu as herein provided. It shall also be 
unlawful to enter, enjoy or use for any purpose any prohibited management zone. 
This rule shall similarly apply to the use of vessels, gears and equipment in 
management zones where such are not allowed. 
Violation of this Section shall subject the responsible person or entity to an 
administrative fine of from Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to One Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00), as may be determined by the PAMB. If the 
violator is a commercial fisher/fisherfolk, the fine shall be Five Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P500,OOO.OO). 
SEC. 14. Damages to the Reef. - Damages to the reef shall subject the 
responsible person or entity to the payment of administrative fines set by the 
PAMB based on current valuation standards and to the payment of the cost of 
restoration. 
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SEC. 15. Non-payment of Users’ Fees. - It shall be unlawful for any 
person or entity to enjoy or utilize the ARNP and the resources therein without 
payment of conservation fees as may be imposed by the PAMB. 
Violators of this Section shall, in addition to the payment of the 
conservation fee, pay the administrative fine of double the amount of the 
conservation fee set by the PAMB for the activity undertaken. 
SEC. 16. Anchoring. - It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to hold 
fast or secure a vessel in place either by using an anchor or by tying on to any 
part of the reef. All vessels shall utilize the mooring buoys provided by the ARNP. 
Violation of this Section shall be penalized with an administrative fine of not less 
than Ten Thousand Pesos (Pl0,OOO.OO) and not more than Fifty Thousand 
Pesos (P50,OOO.OO). 
SEC. 17. Dumping of Waste and Littering. - It shall be unlawful for any 
person or entity to dump waste inside the ARNP. It shall likewise be unlawful to 
clean and change oil of vessels within the ARNP. 
Violation of this provision shall be punishable by imprisonment of six (6) 
months to one (I) year, and fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos 
(P5,OOO.OO). The PAMB shall impose an administrative fine of not less than Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO) and not more than One Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P100,000.00), and order the violator to clean up the waste or pay for the 
clean-up thereof. 
It shall likewise be unlawful to litter within the ARNP. 
Violation of this provision shall be penalized by the PAMB with 
administrative fine of from Five Thousand Pesos (P5,OOO.OO) to Ten Thousand 
Pesos (PI 0,000.00). 
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SEC. 18. Bioprospecting without Permit. - It shall be unlawful to 
conduct bioprospecting within the ARNP without prior permit from the PAMB and 
other concerned agencies. 
Violation of this Section shall be punished with imprisonment of six (6) 
months to six (6) years; fine of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,OOO.OO) to 
One Mlllion Pesos (PI ,000,000.00); and forfeiture of the resources subject of the 
offense, equipment, gears and vessels. The PAMB shall also impose 
administrative fine ranging from Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,OOO.OO) to 
One Million Pesos (PI ,000,000.00); and confiscation and forfeiture of the 
resources subject of the offense, equipment, gears and vessels. 
SEC. 19. Introduction of Exotic Species. - It shall be unlawful to 
introduce exotic species of plants or animals into the ARNP. 
Violation of this Section shall be punished with imprisonment of six (6) 
months to six (6) years; fine of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO) to 
One Million Pesos (PI ,000,000.00); and forfeiture of forfeiture of the resources 
subject of the offense, equipment, gears and vessels. The PAMB shall also 
impose administrative fine ranging from Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P200,OOO.OO) to One Million Pesos (PI ,000,000.00); and confiscation and 
forfeiture of the resources subject of the offense, equipment, gears and vessels. 
SEC. 20. Hunting, catching, fishing, killing, taking, gathering, 
removing, destroying, disturbing, or possessing resources. Hunting, 
catching, fishing, killing, taking, gathering, 
removing, destroying, 
disturbing, or possessing resources. - Except in cases of emergency and 
safety, it shall be unlawful for any person to actually or attempt to hunt, catch, 
fish, kill, take gather, remove, destroy, disturb, or possess any resource, whether 
living or non-living, or products derived therefrom, without a permit from the 
PAMB and such other permits as may be required by law, rules and regulations. 
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The unauthorized entry of a vessel in the ARNP shall be prima facie evidence of 
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violation of this Section. 
Violation of this Section shall be punished as follows: 
(1) Where the offender uses explosives, noxious or poisonous 
substances, the penalty shall be imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and 
one day to twelve (12) years without prejudice to the filing of separate criminal 
cases when the use of the same result to physical injury or loss of human life; 
fine ranging from One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO) to Three 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300,OOO.OO); forfeiture of the resources subject of 
the offense, equipment, gears and vessels. The PAME shall also impose 
administrative fine ranging from Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,OOO.OO) to One 
Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (Pl50,OOO.OO); and confiscation and forfeiture of 
the resources subject of the offense, equipment, gears and vessels. 
The discovery of dynamite, other explosives and chemical compounds 
which contain combustible elements, or noxious or poisonous substances in any 
vessel or in the possession of any person within the ARNP shall constitute prima 
facie evidence that the same was used in violation of this Act. The discovery in 
any vessel or in the possession of any person within the ARNP of resources 
caught, taken, killed, removed, gathered or destroyed with the use of explosives, 
noxious or poisonous substances shall constitute prima facie evidence of 
violation of this Act. 
(2) Where the offender merely possesses explosive, noxious or poisonous 
substances, within the ARNP, the punishment shall be imprisonment ranging 
from six (6) years and one day to twelve (12) years: fine ranging from Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO); 
forfeiture of fish catch, fishing equipment and vessels. The PAMB shall also 
impose administrative fine ranging from Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,OOO.OO) to 
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One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P150,OOO.OO); and confiscation and 
forfeiture of the resources subject of the offense, equipment, gears and vessels. 
(3) Where the offender takes, removes, fishes, gathers, kills, destroys or 
possesses corals, except for scientific or research purposes authorized by the 
PAMB, the penalty shall be imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one day 
to twelve (12) years; fine ranging from Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to 
Eighty Thousand Pesos (P80,OOO.OO); forfeiture of the corals, equipment, gears 
and vessels. The PAM6 shall also impose administrative fine ranging from Thirty 
Thousand Pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PI 00,000.00); 
and confiscation and forfeiture of the corals subject of the offense, equipment, 
gears and vessels. 
(4) Where the offender uses any fishing gear or method that destroys 
coral reefs, seagrass beds, or other marine life habitats as may be determined by 
this Act, the PAMB, other laws, the Department of Agriculture, or the DENR, the 
operator, boat captain, master fisherman, and recruiter or organizer of 
fishworkers involved shall suffer a penalty of six (6) years and one day to twelve 
(12) years imprisonment; fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P100,OOO.OO) to Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,OOO.OO); forfeiture of 
catch, fishing equipment, gears and vessels. The PAMB shall also impose 
administrative fine ranging from Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,OOO.OO) to 
One Million Pesos (PI ,000,000.00); and confiscation and forfeiture of catch, 
fishing equipment, gears and vessels. 
(5) Where the offender gathers or removes pebbles, stones, rocks, sand 
or other materials or otherwise engages in the quarrying or dredging of any 
portion of the ARNP, the penalty shall be six (6) years and one day to twelve (12) 
years imprisonment; fine of not less than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to 
Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (500,000.00); and forfeiture of the substance 
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taken from the habitat, and the equipment and vessels used to commit such 
violation. The PAMB shall also impose administrative fines ranging from Thirty 
Thousand 
Pesos 
(P30,OOO.OO) 
to 
Seven 
Hundred Thousand 
Pesos 
(P700,OOO.OO); and confiscation and forfeiture of the substance taken, and 
equipment and vessels used in the commission of the violation. 
Muro-Ami, pa-aling, all kinds of trawls (galadgad, Norway), purse seine 
(pangulong), Danish seine (hulbot-hulbot, pahulbot-hulbot, likisan, liba-liba, 
palisot, patungko, bira-biru, buli-buli, hulahoop, zipper, lampornas, etc.), ring net 
(kubkob, pangulong, kalansisi), drive-in net (kayaltas), round haul seine (sapyaw, 
lawag), motorized push net (sudsad), bagnet (basnig, saklit), or any of their 
variations, are hereby declared destructive fishing methods or gears under this 
provision. 
(6) Where the offender gathers or removes pebbles, stones, rocks, sand 
or other materials that form part of the habitat, or otherwise engages in the 
quarrying or dredging of any portion of the ARNP, the penalty shall be six (6) 
years and one day to twelve (12) years imprisonment; fine of not less than Thirty 
Thousand Pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (500,000.00); 
and forfeiture of the substance taken from the habitat, and the equipment and 
vessels used to commit such violation. The PAMB shall also impose 
administrative fines ranging from Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,OOO.OO) to Seven 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P700,OOO.OO); and confiscation and forfeiture of the 
substance taken, and equipment and vessels used in the commission of the 
violation. 
(7) Where the subject of the offense are protected species as defined in 
this Act, the penalty shall be imprisonment of twelve (12) years to twenty (20) 
years; fine of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Pesos (120,000.00) to One Million 
Pesos (PI ,000,000.00) for every threatened or endangered organism subject of 
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the offense; forfeiture of the catch, equipment, gears and vessels; and 
cancellation of fishing permit. The PAMB shall also impose administrative fine 
ranging from One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (Pl50,OOO.OO) to One Million 
Pesos (PI ,000,000.00) for every threatened or endangered organism subject of 
the offense; and confiscation and forfeiture of catch, equipment, gears and 
vessels. 
(8) Where the violations of this Section are not covered by the preceding 
paragraphs, the penalty shall be imprisonment of one (1) year to three (3) years; 
fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) but not more than One 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO); and forfeiture of the catch, equipment, 
gears and vessels; and cancellation of permit that makes it possible for the 
offender to commit the offense. The PAMB shall also impose administrative fine 
ranging from Fifteen Thousand Pesos (P15,OOO.OO) to One Million Pesos 
(PI ,000,000.00); and confiscation and forfeiture of catch, equipment, gears and 
vessels. 
SEC. 21. Poaching by Foreigners. - It shall be unlawful for any foreign 
person, corporation or entity to fish or operate any fishing vessel in the ARNP. 
The entry of any foreign fishing vessel in the ARNP shall constitute prima facie 
evidence that the vessel is engaged in fishing in the area. The presence of any 
foreign national in a fishing vessel of either Philippine or foreign registry in ARNP 
shall be prima facie evidence that the vessel is engaged in fishing in the Park. 
Violation of the above shall be punished by imprisonment of six years and 
one day to twelve years (12) years and a fine of One Hundred Thousand US. 
Dollars (US$100,000.00), in addition to the forfeiture of its catch, fishing 
equipment and fishing vessel: Provided, That in case of non-payment of fine, 
subsidiary imprisonment shall be imposed: Provided, further, That the PAMB is 
empowered to impose an administrative fine of not less than Fifty Thousand US. 
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Dollars (US$SO,OOO.OO), but not more than Two Hundred Thousand US. Dollar 
(US$200,000.00) or its equivalent in Philippine Currency, in addition to the 
confiscation and forfeiture of the fish catch, fishing equipment and fishing vessel: 
Provided, finally, That a bond may be posted for the vessels which shall not be 
less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$100,000.00). 
A Hold Departure Order shall be issued as a condition for the grant of bail 
to any foreign offender. All passports and documents which may be used by the 
accused to flee the country must be surrendered to the court. 
SEC. 22. Violation of Environmental Impact Assessment System. - 
The PAMB shall prosecute violations of laws and rules on Environmental Impact 
Assessment System. Such violations shall be punished by imprisonment of three 
(3) years to five (5) years; fine of One Hundred Thousand (P100,OOO.OO) for 
every day each violation subsists; rehabilitation of the affected area or the 
amount equivalent thereto; and forfeiture of the vessels, structures, effects, 
materials and equipment used, and the products of such violation. If the offender 
is a corporation, the directors and officers shall suffer the imprisonment. The 
PAMB shall also impose administrative fine of One Hundred Thousand 
(plOO,OOO.OO) for every day each violation subsists; rehabilitation of the affected 
area or the amount equivalent thereto; and confiscation and forfeiture of the 
vessels, structures, effects, materials and equipment used, and the products of 
such violation. 
SEC. 23. Violation of Standards. -The owner, operator and top three (3) 
officers of any vessel violating the standards set by the PAMB, such as, but not 
limited to, safety and sanitation standards, shall suffer administrative penalty of 
fine ranging from Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,OOO.OO) to Fifty Thousand Pesos 
(P50,OOO.OO) for every day each violation subsists, and from suspension of three 
(3) months to cancellation of permit to operate in ARNP. 
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SEC. 24. Obstruction fo Law Enforcement Officer. - The boat owner, 
master, operator, officer, or any person acting on hislher behalf, of any vessel 
who evades, obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the ARNP to 
perform his/her duty, shall be administratively fined Fifty Thousand Pesos 
(P50,OOO.OO). In addition, the registration, permit and/or license of the vessel 
including the license of the officers thereof shall be canceled. 
SEC. 25. Subsidiary lmprisonmenf. - Non-payment of judicial fines 
imposed under this Act shall be subject to subsidiary imprisonment as provided 
for by existing laws. 
SEC. 26. Fines and Fotfeifures. - All administrative fines and forfeitures 
that may be imposed by the PAME under this Act, and the rules and regulations 
that may be promulgated in pursuit of the goals and objectives of this Act shall 
form part of the funds and assets of ARNP. 
In case of administrative confiscation or forfeiture of vessels, structures, 
effects, materials and equipment and the same is not necessary for the proper 
prosecution of the offense charged, the PAMB may sell the forfeited vessels, 
structures, effects, materials and equipment in a public auction. Proceeds of the 
said sale shall accrue to the ARNP created under this Act. 
In case the confiscated vessels, structures, effects, materials and 
equipment are in custodia legis, the PAMB or its counsel, after proper 
proceedings may move for the sale of the confiscated or forfeited vessels, 
structures, effects, materials and equipment pendente lite: Provided, That the 
said vessels, structures, effects, materials and equipment is no longer necessary 
for the proper prosecution of the offense or if the same is necessary but 
substitute evidence is accepted by the court. The proceeds of the said sale shall 
likewise accrue to the ARNP Fund created under this Act. 
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SEC. 27. Violation of Other Laws. - Prosecution for violation of this Act 
shall be without prejudice to the prosecution of the offender for violation of other 
laws, rule and regulations. 
SEC. 28. The ARNP Trust Fund. - There is hereby established a trust 
fund to be known as ARNP Trust Fund for purposes of financing projects of the 
ARNP. All income generated from the operation of the ARNP or management of 
wild flora and fauna therein shall accrue to said fund. These income shall be 
derived from visitor/tourist fees, fees from permitted sale and export of flora and 
fauna and other resources from the ARNP, proceeds from registration and lease 
of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, contributions from 
industries and facilities directly benefiting from the ARNP; and such other fees 
and income derived from the operation of the ARNP. 
The ARNP Trust Fund may be augmented by grants, donations, 
endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes related to 
their functions: Provided, That seventy-five percent (75%) of all such collections 
shall be set aside and retained by the PAMB of ARNP, which shall appropriate 
the same exclusively for the management and operation of the ARNP: Provided, 
further, That the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) shall be remitted to the 
National Treasury. 
The PAMB shall have the sole power to decide on the use of its funds 
from whatever source. 
Donations, grants and endowments to ARNP shall be exempt from the 
donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions from the 
gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor. 
SEC. 29. Utilization of Resources. - Any exploitation or utilization of 
non-renewable resources within the ARNP shall not be allowed. Energy projects 
within the ARNP shall be allowed only through an act of Congress, except energy 
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from wind, sun, and water sources and not more than one (1) megawatt capacity 
for mini-hydro power: Provided, That these renewable energy projects are 
established outside the strict protection zone, adopt reduced impact technologies 
and undergo the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system as provided by 
law: Provided, further, That the endorsement of the PAMB has been obtained. 
SEC. 30. Appropriations. - The Secretary shall immediately include in 
the DENR's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 31. Construction and Suppletory Application of Existing Laws. 
- The provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving 
biodiversity conservation, protection and sustainable development. Provisions of 
Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected 
Areas Management Act of 1992 and existing forestry laws, and their 
corresponding rules and regulations not inconsistent hereto shall have the 
suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act 
SEC. 32. Repealing Clause. - For the purpose of this Act. Sections 11, 
15, 20 and 21 of Republic Act No. 7586 are hereby modified. All other laws, rules 
and regulations inconsistent with the act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. The prohibition and penalties under Republic Act No. 7586 are 
hereby superseded for the entire area covered by this Act. 
SEC. 33. Separability Clause. - The provisions of this Act are hereby 
declared to be separable, and in the event one or more of such provisions are 
held unconstitutional, the validity of other provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
SEC. 34. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall be translated in English and 
Filipino, within thirty (30) days from the date of approval hereof. It shall be 
published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of 
general circulation readily available in the areas in and around the score 
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Approved, 
specified herein. It shall likewise be conspicuously posted simultaneously in the 
provincial, municipal and barangay halls within the area as well as in three (3) 
other places frequented by the public. Fifteen (15) days after the last publication 
and posting, this Act shall have full force and effect. 
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