THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } 
Third Regular Session 
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s . N ~ .  2527 
(In substitution of S. No. 2044) 
Prepared jointly by the Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and Finance, with 
Senator Cayetano and the members of the Committees as authors 
AN ACT 
TO ESTABLISH THE MALAMPAYA SOUND SITUATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
TAYTAY AND SAN VICENTE, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN, AS A PROTECTED AREA 
PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7586 (NIPAS ACT OF 1992) PROVIDING FOR 
ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
TITLE, POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 
SECTION I. Title. - This Act shall be known as the ‘Malampaya Sound Protected 
SEC. 2. Land Classification. - All lands of the public domain comprising the 
Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape shall fall under the classification 
of National Park as provided for in the Philippine Constitution. However, public lands 
already classified as agricultural and alienable or disposable prior to the passage of this 
Act shall remain as such and may be disposed of pursuant to the provisions of 
Commonwealth Act No. 141 or the Public Land Act, as amended. 
Landscape and Seascape Act of 2006”. 
SEC. 3. Definition ofTerms. - For purposes of this Act: 
(a) “Biodiversity” shall refer to the variety and variability among all living 
(b) ‘Bioprospecting” shall refer to the research, collection and utilization of 
biological and genetic resources for the purpose of applying the knowledge derived 
therefrom to make or modify products or processes and their derivatives for scientific, 
organisms and the ecological complex.in which they are found; 
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agricultural, industrial and other applications; 
(c) ‘By-producf‘ shall refer to any part taken from wild species such as, but not 
limited to, hides, antlers, feathers, fur, teeth, claws, internal organs, eggs, guano, root, 
trunk, branches, leaves, stems, flowers, and any other item produced out of utilizing 
wildlife or any of its parts; 
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(d) “CITES” shall refer to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered 
Species of wild flora and fauna including all its appendices referring to the lists of 
species differentially regulated therein; 
(e) “Derivatives” shall refer to anything extracted from wild species such as, but 
not limited to, blood, oils, saliva, musk, resin, gum, seeds, spores, pollen and the like; 
(f) “Endangered species”shal1 refer to species or subspecies whose population 
is in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue 
operating; 
geographical limits of the State which has limited distribution; 
(9) “Endemic species” shall refer to species or subspecies often within the 
(h) “Exotic species” shall refer to species or subspecies which is not naturally 
found within the biogeographic region of the MSPLAS; 
(i) ‘Exploration” shall refer to searching or prospecting for mineral resources, as 
defined by law, by geological, geochemical or geophysical surveys, remote sensing, 
test pitting, trenching, drilling, shaft sinking, tunneling or any other means for the 
purpose of determining the existence, extent, quantity and quality thereof and the 
feasibility of mining them for profit; 
(j) Exploitation” shall refer to any mode of use, extraction, development, 
utilization or disposition of resources, for whatever purpose, whether commercial or 
otherwise; 
(k) “Habitat” shall refer to an area inhabited by wildlife in the natural state; 
(I) “Indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples” shall refer to 
Indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples as defined in Republic Act No. 
8371 within the MSPLAS; 
(m) ‘Indigenous species” shall refer to native Philippine species or subspecies 
(n) “Large-scale infrastructure projects” shall refer to major port facilities, major 
(0) Multiple-use zones” shall refer to areas where settlement, traditional or 
sustainable land use, including agriculture, agro-forestry, extraction activities and 
other income generating or livelihood activities, may be allowed to the extent 
prescribed in the Management Plan; 
(p) “Protected area”shal1 refer to identified portions of land and water set aside 
by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance 
biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. Unless 
otherwise provided, it shall refer to the MSPLAS; 
with an existing or historical natural occurrence and distribution within the MSPLAS; 
highways, tall edifices, major dams and the like; 
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(4) “Protected landscapelseascape” shall refer to an area of national 
significance which is characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land 
while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism 
within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of the area; 
(r) “Protected species” shall refer to any plant or animal declared protected 
under Philippine laws, rules and regulations. This shall also include plants and 
animals under CITES, the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species, species under the 
red-list categories of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and 
species which may not be considered threatened elsewhere but are in danger of 
extinction within the MSPLAS as determined by the Protected Area Management 
Board (PAMB); 
(s) “Quarrying” shall refer to the process of extracting, removing and disposing 
quarry resources, as defined by law, found on or underneath the surface of private or 
public land; 
(t) ‘Recreational zones” shall refer to areas of high recreational, tourism, 
educational or environmental awareness values where sustainable eco-tourism, 
recreational, conservation education or public awareness activities may be allowed as 
prescribed in the Management Plan; 
(u) “Secretary” shall refer to the Secretary of the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources; 
(v) “Special use zones” shall refer to areas containing existing installations of 
national significance such as telecommunication facilities, irrigation canals or electric 
power lines; 
(w) “Sustainable” shall refer to the use of components of biological diversity in a 
manner and at a rate that does not lead to the decline of the species used nor cause 
permanent or long-term diminishment or qualitative degradation of biological species, 
ecological functions or of other resources extracted or disturbed. It shall not pertain to 
the exploitation of non-renewable resources in commercial quantities which will 
significantly alter the ecosystem or contribute to the extinction of species; 
(x) “Strict protection zones” shall refer to areas with high biodiversity value 
(y) Tenured migrants” shall refer to individuals and households within the 
MSPLAS who have actually and continuously occupied such areas on or before July 
12, 1995 and are substantially dependent therein for subsistence; 
which shall be closed to all human activity except for scientific studies; 
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(z) ”Wildlife” shall refer to wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, including 
captive-bred or propagated individuals, parts, derivatives and by-products thereof; 
and 
(aa) “Management zones” shall refer to the divisions within the MSPLAS into levels 
of protection and permitted use of natural resources, such as strict protection zone, 
sustainable use zone, restoration zone, habitat management zone, multiple-use zone, 
cultural zone, recreational zone and special use zone, as provided under existing rules 
and regulations. 
SEC. 4. Declaration and Scope. - Pursuant to and in accordance with Republic Act 
No. 7586, the Malampaya Sound situated in the municipalities of Taytay and San Vicente, 
Province of Palawan, is hereby declared and established as a protected area and part of 
the National Integrated Protected Area System under the category of Protected 
Landscape and Seascape as defined herein. It shall be referred to as the Malampaya 
Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (or MSPLAS) and its boundaries shall be as 
follows: 
Beginning at point marked “1” on DENR NIPAS Map No. - at S 7’33’4.11, E 
3058.150 meters more or less, from BLLM No. 2 at IO”4946.616 latitude and 
119’31’0.383” longitude, Taytay Cadastre, Province of Palawan thence: 
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1,283.91 m 
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64.32 m 
70.53 m 
80.49 m 
145.51 m 
168.25 m 
88.53 m 
206.56 m 
155.58 m 
695.72 m 
3,950.97 m 
4,517.09 m 
581.85 m 
348.64 m 
290.04 m 
225.91 m 
413.73 m 
326.77 m 
311.42 m 
350.11 m 
422.11 m 
7.660.05 m 
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containing an approximate area of two hundred thousand one hundred fifty-five (200,155) 
hectares, subject to actual ground survey. 
All existing land-use and resource-use permits within the MSPLAS shall be 
reviewed and shall not be renewed upon their expiration unless consistent with the 
Management Plan as provided herein and upon approval by the PAMB. Extractive 
resource use within the MSPLAS shall not be deemed to include sustainable extraction 
by indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples and tenured migrants. 
SEC. 5. Management of fhe MSPLAS. - The management and administration of 
the MSPLAS shall be vested with the PAMB. The management of zones to be 
established within the MSPLAS shall be consultative and participatory. 
SEC. 6. Zoning. - Zones shall be established within the MSPLAS giviqg primary 
consideration to the preservation and conservation of all life forms while according 
respect to the traditional areas used and recognized by the indigenous cultural 
communities or indigenous peoples. Zoning shall also take into account the tenurial and 
livelihood concerns of other communities and must ensure the efficient protection of 
habitats, fragile ecosystems and unique areas. 
All primary (old growth) forests within the MSPLAS, including portions which have 
been previously declared as alienable and disposable, shall be classified as strict 
protection zones and shall be free from all forms of logging or exploitation, whether 
commercial or otherwise. However, portions of primary forests may be classified as 
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sustainable use zones. Strict protection zones shall also be established where necessary 
for the preservation of biodiversity including, but not limited to, the survival of rare and 
endangered species. 
The establishment and management of zones must involve the community 
concerned by undertaking such steps as dialogue, community-based management 
approach, land and resource-use mapping. 
Multiple-use zones shall be validated on the ground, demarcated on maps and 
monumented in the field with the assistance of communities and agencies concerned. 
ARTICLE II 
THE PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT BOARD 
SEC. 7. The Protected Area Management Board. - There is hereby created a 
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) which shall be the sole policy-making and 
permit-granting body of the MSPLAS. 
In addition to the powers enumerated in Republic act No. 7586, the PAMB shall 
decide by a majority vote and shall have the following powers and functions: 
(a) Promulgate rules and regulations to promote development programs and 
projects on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development consistent with the 
Management Manual of the MSPLAS; 
(b) Decide matters relating to ' planning, resource protection and general 
administration of the MSPLAS in accordance with the approved Management Plan; 
(c) Approve proposals, work plans, action plans, and guidelines for management of 
(d) Delineate and demarcate MSPLAS boundaries and ancestral domains, and 
recognize the rights and privileges of indigenous cultural communities or indigenous 
peoples; 
(e) Ensure the implementation of projects and programs as prescribed in the 
Management Plan; 
(f) Control and regulate the construction, operation and maintenance of roads, 
trails, waterworks, sewerage, fire protection and sanitation systems and other public 
utilities within the MSPLAS; 
(9) Issue' land and resource-use permits and all the necessary permits within the 
MSPLAS in accordance with the Management Plan and consistent with the nature of the 
MSPLAS; 
the MSPLAS in accordance with the approved Management Plan; 
(h) Recommend criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits for the activities 
regulated by this Act or the Management Plan. The PAMB shall only issue permits taking 
into consideration ecological and sustainability factors based on the policies provided in 
this Act; 
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(i) Adopt rules and procedure for the conduct of business, including the creation of 
(j) Control and supervise the Office of the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu); 
(k) Deputize, through the Protected Area Superintendent, individuals for the 
enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing conduct within the MSPLAS, 
and prescribe the necessary qualifications therefore; 
(I) Accept donations, approve proposals for funding, budget allocations and 
exercise accountability over all funds that may accrue to the MSPLAS; 
(m) Coordinate with the appropriate agencies of the government; and 
(n) Retain legal counsel to defend cases against the PAMB and the Office of the 
Protected Area Superintendent whenever they are sued in connection with the 
performance of their duties under this Act. 
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through the Regional 
Executive Director, shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and 
functions. In case of conflict between administrative orders issued by the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 and resolutions 
issued by the PAMB, the Secretary shall decide whether to apply the rule or withdraw its 
application to the MSPLAS. 
committees to which the PAMB powers may be delegated; 
SEC. 8. Composifion. - The Board shall be composed of: 
(a) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR-Region IV, as chairperson; 
(b) One (1) representative from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 
(PCSD) as member; 
(c) The mayors of the municipalities ofTaytay and San Vicente as members. 
Each mayor may appoint a regular duly authorized representative whenever helshe 
cannot personally attend any of the PAMB meetings; 
within the boundaries of the MSPLAS as members. 
(d) The Barangay Captains of barangays whose territory, in whole or in part, is 
(e) The Provincial Planning and Development Officer of Palawan as member; 
(f) The Provincial Tourism Officer of Palawan as member; 
(9) Three (3) representatives from the non-governmental organizations operating 
(h) Three (3) representatives from the people's organizations within the MSPLAS, 
(i) Three (3) representatives from the indigenous cultural communities or 
(j) The Protected Area Superintendent as ex officio member. 
In the selection of peoples' and non-government organizations' representatives, 
preference shall be accorded to those organizations involved in the conservation and 
within the MSPLAS, chosen from among themselves as members; 
chosen from among themselves, as members; 
indigenous peoples residing within the MSPLAS as member; and 
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protection of the MSPLAS and engaged in the field of developmental work. The 
representation of peoples and non-government organizations shall be institutional and 
shall endeavor to achieve geographic balance. 
In addition to actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in 
the performance of their duties, PAMB members shall be entitled to honorarium and 
insurance coverage in attending PAME or other PAMB committee meetings. These 
expenses shall be included in the budget for the MSPLAS. 
SEC. 9. The Executive Committee. - There shall be an Executive Committee 
within the PAMB to which the PAMB may delegate some of its powers and functions. 
It shall be composed of: 
(a) The Regional Executive director as chairperson; 
(b) The representative from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development 
(c) One (1) mayor to be chosen from among the mayors of the municipalities 
(d) One (1) Barangay Captain to be chosen from among the barangay captains 
of barangays whose territory, in whole or in part, is within the boundaries of the 
MSPLAS, as member; 
(e) Either one (1) between the Provincial Planning and Development Officer or 
the Provincial Tourism Officer as designated by the Provincial Governor, as member; 
(f) One of the representatives from the peoples' organizations as member; 
(9) One of the representatives from the non-governmental organizations as 
(h) One representative from the indigenous cultural communities or indigenous 
(i) The Protected Area Superintendent as ex officio member. 
Membership in the Executive Committee shall be co-terminous with 
The PAMB may create other committees within the Board. 
The PAMB en banc shall hold meetings at least twice a year. However, the 
Executive Committee may meet on a regular basis to discuss day-to-day affairs and 
other matters delegated by the PAMB. 
(PCSD) as member; 
comprising the MSPLAS as member; 
member; 
peoples; and 
membership in the PAMB. 
SEC. IO. Terms of Ofice. - Every member of the PAMB shall serve for a term of 
five 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. 
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and upon majority vote on the following grounds: 
(a) More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences in regular PAMB en 
banc meetings; 
(b) Commission of any of the prohibited acts a provided in this Act, Republic Act 
No. 7586 or other rules and regulations governing protected areas and protected species; 
(c) Graft and corruption; and 
(d) Conviction of any criminal offense. 
SEC. 12. The Protected Area superintendent Ofice. - There shall be a Protected 
Area Superintendent (PASu) Office within the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources to be headed by the Protected Area Superintendent who shall serve as Chief 
Operating DENR Officer of the entire MSPLAS. The Protected Area Superintendent and 
hislher staff shall reside within the protected area and establish office therein. 
The Protected Area Superintendent shall have full responsibility for the protection 
of land, water, wildlife and other resources within the MSPLAS. As such, he/she shall 
have the following duties and responsibilities in addition to those provided under existing 
rules and regulations: 
(a) Prepare the Management Plan as herein provided; 
(b) Serve as Secretariat to the PAMB with the duty to provide the PAMB with all 
the information necessary to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of this 
Act; 
(c) Hire and supervise the necessary personnel to support operations as the 
(d) Establish a productive partnership with local communities including groups 
(e) Develop and implement a MSPLAS information, education and visitor 
(f) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations and PAME resolutions relevant to the 
(9) Monitor all activities within the MSPLAS in conformity with the Management 
budget may allow; 
supporting the achievement of the goals and objectives of this Act; 
programs; 
MSPLAS, and assist in the prosecution of offenses; 
Plan; and 
(h) Perform such other function as the PAMB may assign. 
ARTICLE 111 
ANCESTRAL LANDS AND DOMAINS AND TENURED MIGRANTS 
SEC. 13. Tenured Migranfs. - Whenever practicable, tenured migrants shall be 
provided tenurial rights over their current habitation sites. However, if these areas are 
subsequently identified as crucial for conservation, tenured migrants shall, after due 
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consultation, be offered by the Department alternative sites within the appropriate zones 
with preference over non-tenured migrants. Provisions for their transfer shall be 
undertaken by the Department in coordination with PAMB and relevant government 
agencies using humanitarian considerations including payment of compensation, 
providing tenure to alternative land and facilities of equivalent standard, and other 
measures to reach agreement with the affected tenured migrants. 
The grant of tenurial rights must take into account the need to promote clustering 
and to avoid unnecessary displacement. In areas where tenurial instruments are granted, 
appropriate use zones shall be established for the purpose of maintaining noncommercial 
livelihood activities. 
Lands used as homelots or farmlots shall preferably be held by individual 
household. Lands currently used on a communal basis shall not be held individually. 
Tenurial instruments shall not be issued solely on the basis of tax declaration 
receipts. The PAMB shall consider the following as evidence in support of tenured 
migrant status: 
(a) Cultivated trees at their fruit-bearing stage; 
(b) Physical structure in the area indicating prolonged occupancy; 
(c) Certification from the Barangay Captain or any two (2) respected members of 
(d) Other relevant data (e.g. previous census reports) that may be accepted by the 
Existing land title instruments shall be reviewed by the Protected Area 
the nearest community attesting to occupancy; and 
PAMB. 
Superintendent and endorsed by the PAMB to the DENR Regional Office for validation or 
reversion. 
All persons who fail to qualify as tenured migrants including transient farmers shall 
be allowed to gather and collect whatever they have planted within five (5) years from the 
effectivity of this Act. Any transfer of non-tenured migrants from the MSPLAS shall be 
undertaken using humanitarian considerations. 
In the event of termination of a tenure instrument for cause or by voluntary 
surrender of rights, the Protected Area Superintendent shall take immediate steps to 
rehabilitate the area in order to return it to its natural state prior to the cultivation or other 
act by the tenured migrant. 
SEC. 14. Contract Involving Lands Within the MSPLAS. - Any purchase, sale, 
encumbrance, mortgage, usufruct, or any form of disposition, alienation or transfer of 
rights involving lands within the MSPLAS shall be restricted among tenured migrants or 
indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples, otherwise, it shall be null and 
void ab initio. 
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Lease of lands to persons not otherwise qualified to hold lands within the MSPLAS 
may only take place in Multiple Use, Recreation and Special Use Zones: Provided, That 
the use thereof is consistent with Section 2 of this Act and in accordance with the 
Management Plan: Provided, further, That persons not otherwise prohibited to hold lands 
within the MSPLAS may enter into joint venture agreements with the government. 
ARTICLE iV 
UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES AND FACILITIES 
SEC. 15. Utilization of Resources. - Any exploitation of or utilization of nonrenewable 
resources within the PA shall not be allowed. Energy projects, whether renewable or 
otherwise, shall be permitted only through an Act of Congress, Provided, that the 
exploitation of renewable energy up to three megawatts capacity shall be exempt from 
such requirement. 
SEC. 16, Existing Facibfies Within the MSPLAS. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, major existing facilities such as roads, buildings, water systems, 
transmission lines, communication facilities, heavy equipment, and irrigation facilities 
existing within the boundaries of the PA shall submit project description to the PAMB 
through the PASu. 
The PAMB, with the assistance of the DENR, shall determine whether the existence 
of such facility and its future plan and operations will be detrimental to the PA or whether 
conditions for its operation shall be imposed. If any such conditions are violated, the 
owner of the facility shall be liable to pay a fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) for 
every violation. Upon reaching a total fine of Five hundred thousand pesos 
(P500,000.00), the PAMB through the PASu and deputizing other government entities, 
shall cause the cessation and demolition of the facility at the cost of its owner. 
Existing facilities allowed to remain within the PA may be charged a reasonable 
royalty by the DENR. All income from such royalty shall accrue to the Mt. Hilong-Hilong 
Protected Area Fund. 
ARTICLE V 
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES 
SEC. 17. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts shall be prohibited within the 
MSPLAS without prejudice to the application of pertinent laws and regulations: 
(a) Hunting, collecting, catching, capturing, wounding, killing, destroying or 
possessing anywhere within the MSPLAS any protected species of plant or animal or 
their by-products or derivatives without prior PAMB approval; 
(b) Hunting, collecting, catching, capturing, wounding, killing or destroying 
anywhere within the MSPLAS any other species of plant and animal or their by-products 
or derivatives the trade of which is regulated by the PAMB; 
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(c) Bioprospecting without prior PAM6 approval; 
(d) The disturbance of protected species or their habitats, reproductive cycle, 
roosting and feeding grounds and migratory paths: 
(e) Unauthorized cutting, gathering, collecting or removal of timber or other forest 
products: Provided, That any authorization issued shall only be valid for one (1) year at a 
time and given to (i) tenured migrants within sustainable, monitored and controlled 
quotas, and (ii) for scientific purposes necessary for protected area management in 
accordance with existing guidelines; 
(9 Establishment or introduction of exotic species within the MSPLAS with 
allelophatic effect or those detrimental to endemic species, without prior PAM6 approval; 
resources or engage in quarrying within the MSPLAS; 
(h) Destroying, excavating, vandalizing or in any manner damaging any natural 
formation on land or sea, burial or religious/spiritual rites, artifacts, objects belonging to 
indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples and other objects of natural and 
scenic value; 
(i) Unauthorized possession or use of blasting caps, explosives, or cyanide 
anywhere within the MSPLAS; 
(j) Unauthorized possession or use of chain saws or band saws; 
(k) Unauthorized use of motorized equipment anywhere within the Strict Protection 
(I) Unauthorized construction or maintenance of any kind of road, edifice, facility or 
(m) Unauthorized occupation of any portion of land inside the MSPLAS. 
(9) Exploration, exploitation or extraction, drilling or extracting for minerals or 
Zone of the MSPLAS; 
any infrastructure project within the MSPLAS; 
Clearing, construction of residence or any introduction of improvements shall constitute 
prima facie evidence of occupation or settlement; 
(n) Alteration, removal, willful destruction of boundary marks or interpretative 
(0) 
Engaging in kaingin or in any manner causing a forest fire inside the MSPLAS; 
(p) Unauthorized fishing anywhere within the MSPLAS; 
(q) Fishing within the MSPLAS using spear and submerged underwater breathing 
apparatus, trawling equipment or gillnets of more than 100 meters in total length or any 
other equipment prohibited under Republic Act No. 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998; 
(r) Destruction or in any manner damaging coral reefs except in cases of 
signals; 
emergency 
(s) Introduction, disposal, dumping or causing to be dumped in the MSPLAS any 
waste material, including but not limited to, non-biodegradable, toxic, nuclear, hazardous 
and other prohibited substances; and 
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(t) Violation of any rules and regulations provided in the Management Plan or any 
resolution reached by the PAMB in the exercise of its adjudicative functions. 
SEC. 18. Penalties. - (a) For any violation of the provisions of Section 20 hereof, a 
fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) but not more than Five hundred 
thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO) and/or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not 
more than six (6) years shall be imposed. 
(b) Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding, the commission of any unlawful 
act as provided under the immediately preceding section shall carry the penalty of 
imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years, and a minimum fine of 
One million pesos (Pl,OOO,OOO.OO) 
in case the species involved is listed under CITES 
Appendix I, Seven hundred fifty thousand pesos (P750,OOO.OO) for the species listed 
under CITES Appendix 11, and Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO 00) for all 
threatened species, in addition to the accessory penalties provided in the immediately 
succeeding paragraph. 
(c) The commission of any of the foregoing acts shall likewise carry the accessory 
penalties of eviction from the MSPLAS, payment of damages for rehabilitation and 
restoration, and the forfeiture of all equipment, devices, weapons or any other instrument 
or tool used in the commission of the offense. Any resource found in the possession of 
the offender shall also be forfeited. Pending the outcome of the case, any resource 
confiscated shall be immediately turned over to the PAMB for proper disposal and the 
proceeds thereof deposited in a trust fund. In no case shall any confiscated or rescued 
protected animal species be sold or in any manner disposed of 
but shall be immediately turned over to the Protected Area Superintendent Office for 
release in its natural habitat. Valuation of the damage to the MSPLAS shall take into 
account biodiversity and conservation considerations as well as aesthetic, socio 
economic values and rehabilitation and restoration costs. Failure to comply with this 
provision shall constitute an offense under this sub-section. 
(d) A fine of not less than One hundred twenty thousand pesos (P120,OOO.OO) but 
not more than Six hundred thousand pesos (P600,OOO.OO) and/or imprisonment of not 
less than one (1) year but not more than six (6) years shall be imposed upon forest 
rangers or deputized personnel of the PAMB who shall unjustifiably refuse or refrain from 
instituting prosecution or shall tolerate the commission of the above mentioned offenses. 
Conviction of this offense shall carry penalty of perpetual disqualification from public 
OfFiCe. 
(e) A fine of not less than One hundred pesos (P100.00) 
but not more than One 
thousand pesos (PI ,OOO.OO), or community service form one (1) day to one (1) week, or 
both, shall be imposed on anyone who enters into the Strict Protection Zone of the 
MSPLAS without prior PAMB permit. 
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SEC. 19. Special Prosecutor and Retained Counsel. -Within thirty (30) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint a special 
prosecutor to whom all cases of violation of laws, rules and regulations in the PA shall be 
assigned. Such Special Prosecutor shall coordinate with the PAM6 and the PASu in the 
performance of hislher duties and assist in the training of wardens and rangers in arrest 
and criminal procedures. The PAM6 may retain the services of a counsel 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, the PASu and the 
staff, or any person assisting in the protection, conservation and sustainable 
development of the PA, against any legal action related to their powers, functions and 
responsibilities as provided in this Act or as delegated or tasked by the PAMB. 
ARTICLE VI 
PROCEEDS, FEES AND APPROPRIATIONS 
SEC. 20. Megrated Protected Area Fund. - The Integrated Protected Area Fund 
(IPAF) is hereby established for the purpose of promoting the sustained financing the 
System. The fund may receive revenues generated within protected areas, donor support 
and other funds as provided by law, and disburse the same to finance projects of the 
National Integrated Protected Area System. 
IPAF income shall, among others, be derived from the following sources: 
(a) Fees or taxes derived from permitted collection of flora and fauna and other 
resources within the MSPLAS other than protected species as may be set by the DENR 
and the PAMB; 
(b) Proceeds from the lease of land and foreshore areas within multiple-use and 
recreational zones and permitted resource utilizations including commercially operated 
facilities within the MSPLAS; 
(c) Fees, royalties and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting 
from resources originating from the MSPLAS; 
(d) Fines and fees, including protected area entry and visitor’s fees, as may be 
collected from the operation of the MSPLAS and set by the PAMB; 
(e) Donations, endowments, grants and other gratuitous sums received from legal 
sources for the purposes of the management and conservation of the MSPLAS: Provided, 
That lawful onerous conditions attached to the donations shall be respected: Provided, 
further, That these conditions shall be subject to review by the DENR Secretary; and 
(f) Such other revenues as may be derived from the operation of the protected 
Current sources of revenue of the local government units shall be excluded from 
areas. 
the IPAF. 
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The PAMB shall have the power to disburse the IPAF. Twenty-five percent (25%) 
of the IPAF shall be for the use of the National Government for the support of the National 
integrated Protected Areas System: Provided, That twenty-five percent (25%) thereof, 
excluding item (e) above, shall be allocated to the local government units comprising 
the MSPLAS. 
SEC. 21Appropriations. - There is hereby appropriated the amount of Twenty 
million pesos (P20,000,000.00) for the first five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act to 
be included in the annual appropriations of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the implementation of this 
Act shall be sourced from the IPAF. It shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act if not sufficient. 
ARTICLE VI1 
TRANSITORY AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SEC. 22. Reporting Responsibility. - The PASu, through the PAMB, shall submit an 
annual accomplishment report to the Secretary of the DENR on the activities undertaken 
in the PA. 
SEC. 23. 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 suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 24. Transitory Provisions. - In order to ensure the sustainability and recovery 
of biodiversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for tenured migrants, 
the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses, permits, clearances, 
compliance documents or any other instrument that allows exploitation of resources 
within the MSPLAS until the Management Plan shall have been put into effect. 
Pending the organization of a new PAMB in accordance with this Act, the 
incumbent PAMB members shall continue to hold office until a new PAMB has been 
convened. 
SEC. 25. Separability Clause. - If any part or section of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, such other parts or sections not affected thereby shall remain 
in full force and effect. 
SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations, executive orders, 
rules and regulations inconsistent with any provisions of this Act shall be deemed 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 27. Effectivity Clause. - This Act: shall be translated in Filipino by the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources within thirty (30) days from the date 
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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 
MSPLAS. It shall likewise be conspicuously posted simultaneously in the provincial, 
municipal and barangay halls within the MSPLAS as well as in three other places 
frequented by the public. Fifteen (15) days after the last publication and posting, this Act 
shall have full force and effect.