Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _ 3720

Introduced by Representative Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to prohibit the exploration of coal and the installation of
any coal power plant in the Second Legislative District of Bohol.

Bohol is a first-class province known as the “Jewel of the Philippines.”
It is endowed with stunning landscape made up of hills, rivers and beaches.
Bohol prides itself with beautiful scenery that is enjoyed by both local and
foreign tourists.

Some of the top and popular tourist destinations in Bohol are located in
the Second Legislative District which is composed of the municipalities of Bien
Unido, Buenavista, Clarin, Dagohoy, Danao, Getafe, Inabanga, Pres. Carlos P.
Garcia, San Isidro, San Miguel, Talibon, Sagbayan, Trinidad and Ubay. Most
of the hills of the famous Chocolate Hills are situated in the Municipality of
Sagbayan, while the popular nature park, the Danao Adventure Park, is in the
Municipality of Danao. At present, all local government units in the Second
Legislative District are taking concrete actions to make it the first “Green
District” in the province by promoting the use of renewable and efficient
energy and by implementing measures for sustainable development.

Recently, it was reported that there is a plan to establish coal power plants
in Bohol which is strongly opposed by citizens groups, faith-based
organizations and environmental advocates in the province, citing the negative
impacts of the plan in the environment and health of the people. Coal fired
power plants emit harmful substances to the environment such as mercury,
sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, mercury, selenium and arsenic. These
chemicals cause acid rain and produce toxic substances that are hazardous to


health. Of all energy resources, coal is one of the most injurious to the
environment and health. Further, coal by-products cause a lot of pollution which
contributes to global warming and climate change.

This bill aims to prohibit the exploration of coal and the installation of
any coal power plants in the Second Legislative District of Bohol, to protect its
environment and people from the negative effects of these activities.

This measure is a move towards the attainment by Bohol province of its
vision to be “a prime eco-cultural tourism destination and a strong, balanced
agro-industrial province, with a well-educated, God-loving and law-abiding
citizenry, proud of their cultural heritage, enjoying a state of well-being and
committed to sound environmental management.”

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.



auewne

x

10

u

2

13

14

15

16

17

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no? 10

Introduced by Representative Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado

AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE EXPLORATION OF COAL AND THE
INSTALLATION OF ANY COAL POWER PLANT IN THE SECOND
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF BOHOL, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. It is hereby prohibited to explore coal or install any coal
power plant in all municipalities of the Second Legislative District of Bohol
which includes the municipalities of Bien Unido, Buenavista, Clarin, Dagohoy,
Danao, Getafe, Inabanga, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, San, Isidro, San Miguel,
Talibon, Sagbayan, Trinidad and Ubay.

SEC. 2. Any person, natural or juridical, who violates this Act shall
suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more
than six (6) years and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos

(P500,000.00) but not more than Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00).


A

If the offender is a juridical entity, the highest ranking official and the
members of its board of directors or trustees who authorized the violation shall
suffer the penalty imposed under this Act.

SEC. 3. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter
of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with any provision of this Act is hereby amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,