Republic of the Philippines
‘HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH (16™) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No__2816

Introduced by Hon. Joseph Gilbert F. Violago

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Nueva Ecija has always been proud of its historical role in our nation's struggle for freedom and
independence from our colonizers and its nationalist patriots namely Mamerto Natividad, Mariano
Lianera, Pantalion Valmonte and Manuel Tinio, and more, of its current tag as the "rice granary" of the
country and as one of the top leading producers of onions, garlic, mango, calamansi and vegetables.

In June 2008, it has also received the title: "Milk Capital of the Philippines" as Nueva Ecija, the
largest province of Central Luzon, gathers more milk from both cows and carabaos or water buffaloes
than any other place in the Philippines.

Aside from its premiere educational and research institutions, it also prides itself with many
historical and tourism spots and colorful festivals (Taong Putik, Licab, Baybayanting, Tanduyong,
Araquio, rice festivals, Tsinelas, etc.), it is a giant waiting to be crowned as the next industrial,
investments and transport hub in Central and Northern Luzon because of its sterling human resources,
vast land resources and its strategic location and proximity to Clark, Pampanga and Manila.

Mineral deposits like copper and manganese in General Tinio, Carranglan, and Pantabangan,
and stories that the hills and mountains of Carranglan and Palayan City have gold, unfortunately, had
lured many scrupulous and irresponsible miners in the province, with their operations threatening to
destroy more of the province's natural resources, its two big watersheds, the land's fertility and the
integrity of its forests, wildlife, rivers, streams and ricefields.

To protect and save lives and the environment and the immensely huge potentials of Nueva
Ecija, amidst its fast increasing role in the economic growth of the country and of the nation's food
security, itis necessary to declare the entire province as a mining-free zone.

In view of these considerations, approval of this proposed measure is earnestly sought.
Cc ateeH*
HON. JOSEPH F. VIOLAGO

Representative
2°? District, Nueva Ecija


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH (16™) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__ 2816

Introduced by Hon, Joseph Gilbert F. Violago

AN ACT.
DECLARING THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA
A MINING-FREE ZONE

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

SECTION 1. Statement of Policy. - Ibis the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
Towards this end, the State shall protect the people and the environment in entire Province of Nueva
Ecija from the adverse effects of mining,

SEC, 2. Declaration od the Entire Province of Nueva Koja as a Mining-Free Zone. - The whole
Province of Nueva Ecija is hereby declared a mining-free zone and all mining operations in the Province
‘of Nueva Ecija are hereby prohibited.

For the purpose of this Act, mining shall refer to the extraction of valuable minerals or other
geological materials from the earth and shall include such mining activities as exploration, feasibility,
development, utilization and processing and large-scale quarry operations involving cement raw
materials, marble, granite, sand and gravel construction aggregates: Provided, however, That the
quarrying of gravel and sand for projects directly undertaken by agencies of the national government or
by the provincial government for basic services such as, but not limited to, roads and bridges, school
buildings, water and energy utilities and similar public works, is exempted from the coverage of this
‘Act, subject, however, to the requirements of existing mining and environment laws.

SEC. 3. Penal Provisions, - Any person, employee or employment agency who shall violate the
provisions of this Act shall be penalized with imprisonment of at least six (6) years but not more than
twelve (12) years and a fine of at least One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Five
hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00). If the violator is a corporation or association, the president and
the manager/s of said corporation or association, or its agent or representative in the Philippines, in case
of a foreign corporation or association, shall be held liable.

SEC. 4, Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within three (3) months following the effectivity
of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SEC. 5, Separability Clause, - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 6, Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,