V , 
J
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of ll’-.’ 'ft - vv
*22 JUL 13 P2 53
SENATE
S. No. 518
RECEIVED tiV.
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DECLARING THE VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE IN THE PROVINCES OF 
BATANGAS, MARINDUQUE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, ORIENTAL MINDORO, 
ROMBLON AND QUEZON, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF 
PROTECTED SEASCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED 
AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE VERDE ISLAND 
PASSAGE PROTECTED SEASCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is a declared policy that the State 
"shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful 
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."1 In line with 
safeguarding a healthful ecology, the Constitution likewise provides that Congress 
shall determine the national parks, which shall be conserved and may not be 
increased nor diminished, except by law.2
Pursuant to the said constitutional provisions, the National Integrated 
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) was established by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 
7586, as amended by RA No. 11038, otherwise known as the "Expanded NIPAS Act 
of 2018". Cognizant of the exacting impact of diverse human activities on ail 
components of the natural environment, the NIPAS Act declared it the policy of the 
State "to secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations the 
perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a
1 Article II, Section 16, 1987 Philippine Constitution
2 Article XII, Sec. 3, 1987 Philippine Constitution


comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the classification of 
national park as provided for in the Constitution." The system shall' encompass 
ecologically rich, unique and biologically important areas that arev°habitats of 
threatened species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones :^nd related 
ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which shall be'designated 
as 'protected areas'.3 
„.
■V.
Presently, there are already 113 protectea areas in the Philippines that have 
been so declared through legislation. And yet, based on the records^and various 
suitability assessments by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there are still numerous 
sites in the country that have to be given 'protected area' status, by legislative 
action, in order to ensure its conservation. One of these sites is the Verde Island 
Passage.
Verde Island Passage is recognized globally as the center of the center of 
marine shorefish biodiversity. It is surrounded by 5 provinces, namely - Batangas, 
Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, and Marinduque. In 2016, a connectivity 
study by Villanoy, C.L., et. al. establishes Verde Island Passage (VIP) as a source 
and sink of fish and coral larvae important in providing fish to local communities and 
seeding other areas of the country. Aside from this, Verde Island Passage (VIP) is 
one of the busiest sea lanes in the country because it is the main shipping route 
between the Port of Manila and the Visayas and Mindanao in the south and connects 
the surrounding provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental 
Mindoro and Romblon.
Policies, plans, and programs were previously launched previously In order to 
protect and conserve Verde Island Passage. These include the adoption of Executive 
Order No. 578 in 2006 that establishes a national policy on biological biodiversity 
and its implementation throughout the country, particularly including Verde Island 
Passage as well as the Verde Island Passage Framework Plan that identifies the 
extent of the Verde Passage corridor wherein 1.4 million hectares of coasts and
Section 2, RA No. 7586, as amended by RA 11P38


waters are appropriately managed.
As one of the busiest shipping corridors and with the increasing number of 
industries surrounding this body of water, the Verde Island Passage is increasingly 
under threat from the encroachment of human activities such as fishing, tourism, 
and navigation. Marine life is suffering from habitat destruction, marine, and land- 
based pollution, unsustainable fishing, and climate change.
This proposed measure seeks to declare the Verde Island Passage with the 
inclusion of a portion of Quezon province, due to its extensive mangrove area, as a 
protected area under the National Integrated Protected Area System, and at the 
same time establish a mechanism that would ensure that measures towards this 
objective are enforced and implemented.
The protection of Verde Island Passage protection shall contribute to the well­
being, livelihood, and food security of two (2) million Filipinos and ensures that 
Verde Island Passage remains the backbone of the local economy on coastal 
tourism, fisheries, and shipping routes to international ports of Batangas Bay, Manila 
Bay, and Subic Bay.
The legislation of the Verde Island Passage will not only institutionalize and 
provide funds for its management, but wili also draw collective efforts from various 
agencies involved, such as the DENR, DA-BFAR, enforcement agencies, non­
government organizations, the private sector, and the academe, and mobilize their 
respective resources. With the wide wealth of experience in managing nationally 
managed protected areas, its institutionalization can make the PA earn and pay for 
its management costs over the long term from environmental user fees, licenses, 
permits, and other fees, regulate activities inside PAs addressing problems in 
overfishing, implement the Go and No Go areas for development, and implement 
management strategies.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Ajr^
CYNTHIA An VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 518
.,:/<S>fiirr of tl
*22 JUL 13 P2 53
Rl'CEIVcD EJ
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DECLARING THE VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE IN THE PROVINCES OF 
BATANGAS, MARINDUQUE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, ORIENTAL MINDORO, 
ROMBLON AND QUEZON, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF 
PROTECTED SEASCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED 
AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE VERDE ISLAND 
PASSAGE PROTECTED SEASCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
DECLARATION OF POLICY AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION
Section 1. Short Title. - This Bill shall be known and referred to as the 
"Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape (VIPPS) Bill of 2022".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the declared policy of the State to 
secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations, the perpetual 
existence of all plants and animals through the declaration of protected areas under 
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) within the classification of 
protected landscape/seascape as provided for in the Constitution.
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In acknowledgement of the global recognition of the area as the "center of
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the center of marine shore fish biodiversity" and cognizant of the profound impact of 
10 human activities on all components of the natural environment, the Verde Island


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Passage in the Provinces of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro,
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Marinduque, Romblon and Quezon is hereby declared a protected area with the
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category of Protected Seascape and shall hereinafter be referred to as the Verde
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Island Passage Protected Seascape. As such, the State shall ensure the
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conservation, protection, management and rehabilitation of this globally significant
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area. It is likewise recognized that effective administration of this area is possible
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only through cooperation and collaboration among national government agencies,
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local government units (LGUs), concerned non-government organizations (NGOs),
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private entities and local communities. The use and enjoyment of this area must be
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consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development
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taking into consideration all applicable laws and international conventions to which
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the Philippines is a signatory.
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Towards this end, the State shall promote the Verde Island Passage fostering
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widespread awareness and concern for the marine environment, and engaging
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Filipinos in conservation for the same. As such, the State shall undertake
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comprehensive and holistic capacity building, ard communication, education, and
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public awareness campaigns for the benefit of the general public, pursuant of the
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duty of the State to protect, conserve, and promote the biodiversity, ecosystems,
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and resources therein.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms
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shall be defined as follow:
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a) 
Conservation refers to any act or acts of preservation and sustainable 
utilization of wildlife or maintenance, restoration and enhancement of 
habitats;
b) 
Ecosystems refers to dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro­
organism communities, and their non-living environment, interacting as 
a functional unit;
c) 
Buffer Zone refers to the identified area outside the boundaries of and 
immediately adjacent to the VIPPS that needs special development 
control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area;


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d) 
Collecting refers to the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife and its 
by-products or derivatives;
e) 
Conveyance refers to every kind of vessel, including motorized or non- 
motorized vehicles, non-displacement crafts and seaplanes that are 
used or may be used as a means of transportation on land or water. It 
shall include everything found therein, except personal effects;
f) 
Commercial Fishers refers to persons who catch fish and other fisheries 
products using fishing vessels of more than three (3) gross tons;
g) 
Cora!refers to either of the following:
i. 
the sessile marine invertebrates under Class Anthozoa of Phylum 
Cnidaria, whose individual units are called polyps. This includes 
stony or hard corals, and soft corals; or
ii. 
the hard calcareous ^substance made up of the skeleton of 
marine anthozoan polyps which compose reefs, shelves and 
atolls, or anv of the other stony masses formed by the skeletons 
of colonies of polyps. This includes: (a) skeletons of anthozoans 
characterized as having a rigid axis of compact calcareous or 
horny spicules, belonging to the genus Corallium as represented 
by the red, oink and white corals which are considered precious 
corals; (b) skeletons of anthozoans characterized by thorny, 
horny axis such as the antipatharians represented by the black 
corals which are considered semi-precious corals; and (c) 
ordinary corals which are any kind of corals that are not 
precious nor semi-precious.
h) 
Cora! Reef refers to a natural aggregation of coral skeleton, with or 
without living coral polyps, occurring in intertidal, subtidal marine 
waters, or mesophotic zones;
i) 
Delineation refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of the 
protected area, its buffer zones, and management zones using the


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global positioning system (GPS) or other applicable survey instruments 
and technologies, with the intention of producing a map of the area;
j) 
Demarcation refers to the establishment of the boundaries of protected 
areas and their burfer zones using visible markers, monuments, buoys, 
or GPS markers, as a result of actual ground delineation;
k) 
Ecosystems goods and services refer to the multitude of material and 
nonmaterial provisions and benefits from healthy ecosystems 
necessary for human sustenance, well-being, and survival including 
support processes, provisioning and environment regulating services, 
and cultural resource preservation services;
l) 
Expioration refers to the act of searching or prospecting for mineral or 
energy 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 of resources in 
an area, and the feasibility of utilizing these resources for profit;
m) 
Fishery/Fisheries Management Area refers to a bay, gulf, lake or any 
other fishery area which may be delineated for fishery resource 
management purposes, as defined in Republic Act No. 10654 amending 
Republic Act No. 8550;
n) 
Gear refers to any instrument or device and its accessories utilized in 
taking, catching, gathering, killing, hunting, destroying, disturbing, 
removing, or possessing resources within the protected area;
o) 
Geneticaiiy Modified Organism (GMO) refers to any living organism that 
possesses a novel combination of genetic material through the use of 
modern biotechnology;
p) 
Hunting refers to the killing or catching of wild fauna for food and 
recreational purposes, with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and 
arrow, spears, traps and snares, and the like;


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q) 
Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) refers to the special account 
established for the purpose of financing projects of the NIPAS and 
individual protected areas;
r) 
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) refers to species introduced deliberately or 
unintentionally outside their natural habitats where they have the 
ability to establish themselves, invade, outcompete native species, and 
take over the new environment;
s) 
Littering refers to the disposal of small amounts of non-biodegradable 
solid waste materials such as, but not limited to, cigarette butts, candy 
wrappers, plastic materials, bottles and glasses;
t) 
Multiple-use Zone (MUZ) refers to the area where settlement,
traditional and sus^:ainable land use including agriculture, agroforestry, 
extraction activities, and income generating or livelihood activities may 
be allowed to the extent prescribed in the protected area management 
plan;
u) 
Municipal Fishers/Fisherfoik refers to persons who catch fish and other 
fisheries products using fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less, 
or whose fishing does not require the use of fishing vessels;
v) 
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) refers to
classification and administration of all designated protected areas to 
maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems, 
preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources 
found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest 
extent possible;
w) 
Non-government Organization (NGO) refers 
to any civic,
developmental, environmental or philanthropic non-stock, non-profit 
organization, duly registered, having bylaws, democratically-elected 
representatives, with qualifications, expertise and objectivity in 
activities concerning community organizing and development, or


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resource and environmental conservation, management and protection 
related to the protected area;
x) 
Non-renewable Resources refer to those resources that cannot be 
remade, regrown or regenerated on a scale comparative to its 
consumption;
y) 
Noxious or Poisonous Substances refers to any substance, plant 
extracts or juice thereof, sodium cyanide and/or cyanide compounds 
or, other chemicals either in raw or processed form, harmful or 
harmless to human beings, which will kill, stupefy, disable or render 
unconscious any marine organism and capable of damaging or altering 
the natural habitat;
z) 
Occupying refers to a continuous stay of individuals or groups within a 
protected area, whether residing or engaging in the cultivation of land 
or fishing for more than twenty-four (24) hours;
aa) People's Organization (PO) refers to a group of people which may be 
an association, cooperative, federation, aggrupation of individuals or 
groups with an identifiable structure of decision-making and 
accountability, established to undertake collective action to address 
community concerns and needs in relation to the protected area;
bb) Poaching refers to gathering, collecting, or possessing products or 
natural resources from the protected area by any individual person, 
corporation or entity whether local or foreign; in the case of marine 
protected areas, operating any foreign fishing vessels by any person, 
corporation, or entity without a permit;
cc) VIPPS refers to the Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape;
dd) 
VIPPS PAMB refers to the VIPPS Protected Area Management Board;
ee) 
Protected Area refers to identified portions of land and/or water set
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, 
managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against 
destructive human exploitation;
6


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ff) Protected landscapes and/or seascapes refers to areas of national 
significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of 
man and land and water while providing opportunities for public 
enjoyment through recreation, tourism and other economic activities;
gg) 
"‘'Protected Area Retained Income Account (PA-RIAJ' refers to the trust
fund maintained by any protected area and administered by the 
respective Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB) created 
pursuant to this Act representing the seventy-five percent (75%) of 
revenues generated from the protected area to support its operation 
and management;
hh) Protected Species refers to plants or animals 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 and all its Annexes, the Convention of 
Migratory Species (CMS), those specified under the red-list categories 
of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural 
Resources (lUCN), or any plant or animal which the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PAMB or any government 
agency may deem necessary for conservation and preservation in the 
protected area;
ii) Quarrying refers to the process of extracting, removing, and disposing 
sand, gravel, guano, limestone, and all other resources used as 
building and construction materials that are found within the protected 
area;
jj) Special Account in the Genera! Fund (SAGF) refers to the trust fund 
deposited in the national treasury representing the twenty-five percent 
(25%) of the revenues generated from the operation of individual 
protected area and earmarked to support the NIPAS;
kk) Fisheries Management Area (FMA) refers to any Fishery/Fisheries 
Management Area, as defined in RA No. 10654 amending RA No. 8550,


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designated through a Presidential Proclamation or any other form of 
policy issuance;
II) Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) refers to a binding 
instrument between the DENR, as the first party, and the project 
proponent as the second party, relating to the use and/or development 
of land, resources or facilities within protected areas, pursuant to the 
ENIPAS Act;
mm) Strict Protection Zone (SPZ) refers to portions within protected areas 
that are closed to human activities by virtue of their significant 
biodiversity value, high susceptibility to geo-hazard, and identification 
as permanently dangerous. These areas may also include habitats of 
threatened species, or degraded areas that are designated for 
restoration and suosequent protection, regardless of th^jr stages of 
regeneration; 
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nn) Special Uses refers to activities or development interventions that may 
be allowed in designated portions of protected areas subject to the 
payment of user fee. This may include but not limited to: hotels, 
resorts and other tourism facilities, communication facilities and 
transmission lines, large scale power generation lines, large scale 
power generation projects, large scale agriculture and aquaculture 
projects. Excluded from the coverage are activities and development 
interventions in titled properties, areas already covered by foreshore 
and miscellaneous leases as well as Forest Land Use 
Agreements/Forestland Use Agreements for Tourism issued by the 
DENR, and other regular uses of protected areas as indicated in the 
protected area management plan;
oo) Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA) refers to a binding 
instrument between the DENR, as the first party, and the project 
proponent as the second party, relating to the use and/or development 
of land, resources or facilities within protected areas, pursuant to the 
NIPAS Act as amended;
8


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pp) Wildlife refers to the wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all
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developmental stages, including those which are in captivity or are
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being bred, fed, or propagated.
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Sec. 4. Scope and Coverage. - The boundary of the Verde Island Passage
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Protected Seascape are more particularly described as the area beginning at a point
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marked "1" on the map being N 65-28-19 W ,2247.547 meters from PRS'92
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Control Monument MMRW-46" with geographic coordinates of 13-53-28.86533" N,
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120-2-47.07852" E, located at Brgy. Cabra (Cabra Island), Lubang, Occidental
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Mindoro.
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the point of beginning containing an area of one million seven hundred
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thousand one hundred eighty (1,700,180) hectares more or less.
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Sec. 5. Management Zoning. - The DENR Secretary, upon the
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recommendation of the PAMB, shall designate Strict Protection Zones (SPZ) within
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the VIPPS in areas with significant biodiversity values or habitats of threatened
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species, based on a comprehensive biodiversity inventory and assessments.
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The areas outside of the strict protection zone but within the VIPPS shall
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automatically be designated as the Multiple-Use Zone and will be managed in close
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coordination with the Fisheries Management Area No. 12, pursuant to Republic Act
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No. 11038, or the "Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018,,, amending Republic Act No. 7586,
20 
and Republic Act No. 10654 amending Republic osAct No. 8550, or the "Philippine
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Fisheries Code of 1998."
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The DENR Secretary, also upon recommendation of the PAMB, may designate
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areas surrounding the VIPPS as Buffer Zones for the purpose of providing extra layer
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of protection where restrictions may be applied: Provided, That, in cases where the
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designated buffer zone would cover private lands, he owners thereof shall be
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required to design their development with due consideration to the protected area
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management plan


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Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the DENR, with the assistance of other 
government agencies, shall delineate and demarcate the VIPPS and its management 
zones.
Sec. 6. Management Plan. - The management plan shall, at the minimum, 
promote the adoption and implementation of innovative management techniques 
including, when necessary, zoning, buffer zone management, habitat conservation 
and rehabilitation, diversity management, community organizing and development, 
socioeconomic and scientific researches, site-specific policy development, climate 
change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction and management, and 
gender and development, among others.
The updating of the Management Plan shall be as prescribed in the ENIPAS
Act.
CHAPTER II
THE VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE PROTECTED SEASCAPE MANAGEMENT BOARD
(VIPPS PAMB)
Sec. 7. Creation and Composition of the Verde Island Passage Protected 
Seascape Management Board. - There shall be a Verde Island Passage Protected 
Seascape Management Board (VIPPS PAMB), which shall be the sole policy-making 
body of the VIPPS. The management and administration of the VIPPS shall be 
vested in the VIPPS PAMB, as herein provided, and shall be consultative and 
participatory. It shall be composed of, with reference to the ENIPAS Act, the 
following:
a) 
DENR Regional Executive Director for Region 4B, to serve as 
Chairperson;
b) 
DENR Regional Executive Director for Region 4A;
c) 
The Governors of Provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental 
Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and Quezon or their duly 
authorized representative;
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d) 
Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who are duly registered 
residents of the Provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental 
Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and Quezon or their duly 
authorized representative, unless the Senators decline the membership 
in the PAMB;
e) 
District Representatives of the Congressional District of the Provinces 
of the VIPPS unless the District Representative/s decline the 
membership in the PAMB;
f) 
Mayors of the Municipality/ies/City/es with territorial jusrisdiction over 
VIPPS or their duly representative/s;
g) 
Chairpersons of all the barangays with territorial jurisdiction over VIPPS 
or their duly representative/s;
h) 
Regional Executive Directors of Department of Agriculture Bureau of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA BFAR), the Department of Science 
and Technology (DOST), the Department of National Defense (DND), 
the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, the Department of 
Tourism (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of 
Communication and and technology (DICT), representatives from the 
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine 
Coast Guard (PCG);
i) 
Four (4) representatives from NGOs or POs duly accredited by the 
DENR. The NGOs or POs should have been in existence for at least five 
(5) years and with track record in or related to protected area 
management;
j) 
Up to four (4) Representatives from Academic Institutions, preferably 
from universities or colleges with proven track records in protected 
area management and research;
k) 
One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably from the 
commercial fishing sector and a member of the National Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Management Council.
11


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Ex officio members or members of the PAMB by virtue of their elective or
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appointive government positions as specified in the immediately preceding
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subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) shall serve for the duration of their respective
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terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government positions.
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On the other hand, the members of the PAMB specified under subparagraphs
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(e), (f), and (g) of this section shall be appointed by the DENR Secretary after the
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conduct of a transparent and fair selection process. They shall each serve a term of
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three (3) years and may be reappointed for another term.
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The members of the PAMB shall serve without compensation, except for the
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actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the
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performance of their duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the PAMB or in
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connection with other official business authorized, through a resolution, by the
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PAMB, subject to existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full
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capacity and accountability for decisions binding to the member's sector.
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The PAMB members duly appointed prior to the effectivity of this Act shall
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continue their term until the expiration of their appointment. Thereafter, members of
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the management board shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this
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Act: Provided, That, the Regional Director of the DENR shall ensure that the relevant
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members of the PAMB are duly appointed by the DENR Secretary: Provided, further,
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That, at least forty percent (40%) of the PAMB members shall be women pursuant
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to Republic Act No. 9710 or The Magna Carta of Women'.
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A member of the PAMB may be removed for any of the following grounds:
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a) 
More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular
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meetings of the management board;
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b) 
Commission of acts prejudicial to the management of protected areas
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as embodied in Section 20 hereof and/or other existing rules and
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regulations governing protected areas;
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c) 
Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;
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d) 
Termination of relationship with the office or organization being
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represented; or
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e) 
Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
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The processes for facilitating applications, appointments, and creation of
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committees of the VIPPS PAMB and its members, as well as the resolution of issues,
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shall be pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018.
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Sec. 7-A. Powers and Functions of the VIPPS PAMB. - The VIPPS PAMB shall
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have the same powers and functions as defined in Section 11-A. Powers and
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Functions of the PAMB of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, as follow:
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a) 
Oversee the management of the protected area;
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b) 
Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and
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other related documents for the management of the protected areas;
13 
c) 
Approve the management plan of the protected area and ensure its
14 
harmonization and integration with national and other development
15 
plans, such as the FMA plan, public or private, and its implementation;
16 
d) 
Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedures in the
17 
conduct of business, and the creation of committees and their
18 
respective terms of reference;
19 
e) 
Recommend the deputation of appropriate agencies and individuals for
20 
the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the
21 
management of the protected area;
22 
f) 
Allocate financial resources for the implementation of the management
23 
plan and manage the Protected Area Retention Income Account and
24 
other funds in accordance with the accounting and budgeting rules and
25 
regulations;
26 
g) 
Set fees and charges in accordance with existing guidelines;
27 
h) 
Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through
28 
appropriate and effective means;
13


1 
i) 
Recommend appropriate policy changes 
to the DENR and other
2 
government authorities;
3 
j) 
Monitor and assess the performance 
of the Protected Area
4 
Superintendent (PASu) and other protected area personnel and
5 
compliance of partners with the terms and conditions of any
6 
undertaking, contract or agreement;
7 
k) 
Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the
8 
designation or appointment of the PASu; and
9 
I) 
Assess the effectiveness of the management of the protected area.
10 
Provided, That the members of the management board representing national
11 
agencies in the PAMB shall inform their respective constituents, offices or sectors, of
12 
PAMB-approved or other relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects
13 
and shall ensure that the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and
14 
regulations are complied with, and used as reference and framework in their
15 
respective plans, policies, programs, and projects. Failure to comply with the
16 
foregoing shall be the basis for disciplinary action against such member according to
17 
administrative rules and regulations and such penalties as the PAMB may provide:
18 
Provided, further, That the DENR, through the Undersecretary, shall ensure that the
19 
PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between
20 
the resolutions issued by the PAMB and the existing administrative orders of national
21 
application, the latter shall prevail.
22 
Sec. 7-B. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - With reference
23 
and pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, there is hereby established a VIPPS
24 
Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a Protected Area
25 
Superintendent (PASu) with a permanent plantilla position who shall supervise the
26 
day-to-day management, protection, and administration of the VIPPS. A sufficient
27 
number of support staff with permanent plantilla position shall be appointed by the
28 
DENR to assist the PASu in the management of the VIPPS.
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The PASu shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the
2 
management and operations of the protected area. Pursuant thereto, the PASu shall
3 
have the following duties and responsibilities:
4 
a) 
Prepare the management plan, in consultation with the stakeholders,
5 
including the annual work and financial plans and ensure its
6 
implementation;
7 
b) 
Ensure the integration of the protected area management plans,
8 
programs, projects, and policies with relevant national plans and
9 
programs;
10 
c) 
Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees and
11 
ensure the availability of relevant and timely information for decision-
12 
making;
13 
d) 
Formulate and recommend to the PAMB proposed policies, rules,
14 
regulations, and programs;
15 
e) 
Establish, operate, and maintain a database management system
16 
which shall be an important basis for decision-making;
17 
f) 
Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the protected area,
18 
commence and institute administrative and legal actions in
19 
collaboration with other government agencies or organizations, and
20 
assist in the prosecution of offenses committed in violation of this Act;
21 
g) 
Monitor, evaluate, and report the implementation of management
22 
activities of the protected area;
23 
h) 
Request for and receive any technical assistance, support or advice
24 
from any agency or instrumentality of the government as well as
25 
academic institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, as may be
26 
necessary for the effective management, protection and administration
27 
of the protected area;
28 
i) 
Issue permits and clearances for activities that implement the
29 
management plan and other permitted activities in accordance with
15


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terms, conditions, and criteria established by the PAMB: Provided, 
That, all permits for extraction activities, including collection for 
research purposes, shall also continue to be issued by relevant 
authorities, subject to prior clearance from the PAMB, through the 
PASu, in accordance with the specific acts to be covered;
j) 
Collect and/or receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other 
income for the protected area: Provided, That, such fees, charges, 
donations, and other income coliected/received shall be reported 
regularly to the PAMB and the DENR in accordance with existing 
guidelines;
k) 
Prepaf*e and recommend to the PAMB approval of the annual work and 
financial plans of the protected area based on the management plan;
l) 
Directly report to the DENR Regional Executive Director; and
m) 
Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.
Sec. 8. Role of the DENR. - The DENR shall perform all the functions as 
stipulated in the ENIPAS Act of 2018, as well as coordinate and collaborate closely 
with other concerned government agencies to ensure the sound management and 
conservation of the VIPPS. It shall also provide technical and financial assistance to 
the VIPPS as may be needed.
Sec. 9. Reporting Responsibility. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the 
PASu, through the PAMB, shall submit an annual accomplishment report of the 
protected area to the Secretary of the DENR through the BMB. A report on the 
conditions and benefits of the biological resources and ecosystem services of the 
protected area shall also be submitted by the PASu, through channels, to the 
Secretary of the DENR every five (5) years. Further, the PASu shall coordinate with 
and provide the necessary documents needed by the BMB for the preparation of the 
National State of Protected Areas (NSPAs) report every five (5) years, to be 
submitted to the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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CHAPTER III
DEVELOPMENT, FISHING, EXPLORATION, AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AT THE
VIPPS
Sec. 10. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). - Considering that 
protected areas are environmentally critical areas, the proponent of development 
projects and activities with potentially significant adverse impacts as determined by 
the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), whether or not these projects or 
activities are included in the management plan, shall secure an Environmental 
Compliance Certificate (ECC) in accordance with the Philippine Environment Impact 
Statement (EIS) System: Provided, That, for development projects and activities that 
are not environmentally critical, an initial environmental examination (lEE) shall be 
undertaken instead of a full-blown EIA. No project or activity may be undertaken by 
any project proponent without prior clearance from the PAMB. The DENR shall 
require the submission of the PAMB clearance, among others, before issuing an ECC 
to a project proponent.
No actual implementation of such activities shall be allowed without the 
required ECC under the Philippine EIA System. Violations of environmental laws, 
rules and regulations, including those under the EIA System, shall be penalized 
accordingly.
Sec. 11. Energy Resources. - Consistent with Section 14 of the ENIPAS Act of 
2018, the exploration for energy resources may be allowed in protected areas only 
for the purpose of gathering data and information and only if such activity is carried 
out with the least damage to surrounding areas.
Surveys for non-renewable energy projects shall be conducted only in 
accordance with a program approved by the DENR, and the result of such surveys 
shall be made available to the public and submitted to the President who shall make 
the appropriate recommendations to Congress.
Renewable energy projects may be allowed within the protected area by the 
PAMB with the concurrence of the DENR Secretary: Provided, That, renewable 
energy projects, which shall be located outside the strict protection zones, shall
17


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undergo the EIA as provided by law, and shall adopt reduced impact technologies so
2 
as not to be detrimental to ecosystem functions, biodiversity, cultural practices and
3 
traditions: Provided, further. That, sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent
4 
to the DENR. The amount of which will be based on damage estimation upon
5 
decommissioning and projected cost of rehabilitation. It shall be released to the
6 
depositor upon the satisfactory decommissioning of all equipment, structures and
7 
improvements and the rehabilitation of the site according to the zones and
8 
objectives of the management plan as attested to by the PAMB.
9 
Sec. 12. Special Uses Within Protected Areas. - Consistent with Section 25 of
10 
the ENIPAS Act of 2018, special uses may be allowed within the VIPPS except in the
11 
strict protection zone.
12 
A sufficient bond shall be remitted by the proponent to the DENR to be
13 
released to the depository bank in the event of damage by or closure of the
14 
establishment after satisfactory rehabilitation according to the zones and objectives of
15 
the management plan as attested to by the PAMB.
16 
CHAPTER IV
17 
ENFORCEMENT, PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES
18 
Sec. 13. Persons and Deputies Authorized to Enforce this Act and Other
19 
Environmental Rules and Regulations. - The law enforcement officers of the
20 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as the
21 
Department of Agriculture (DA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine
22 
Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP MG) are
23 
hereby authorized to enforce this Act and other marine environmental laws, rules
24 
and regulations. Further, the PAMO may also be augmented by the deputized
25 
environment and natural resources, law enforcement officers upon the
26 
recommendation of the PAMB and approval of the DENR.
27 
Nothing herein mentioned shall be construed as preventing regular enforcers
28 
and police officers from arresting any person in the act of violating said laws and
29 
regulations.
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Sec. 14. Prohibited Acts. - Pursuant to rules and regulations governing the
2 
same and to Section 20 of the ENIPAS Act of 2018, the following acts are prohibited
3 
within the VIPPS:
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a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife within the 
protected area;
Hunting, taking, collecting, gathering or possessing of any wildlife or 
by-products derived therefrom, or resources, whether living or 
nonliving within the protected area without the necessary permit, 
authorization or exemption: Provided, That the PASu as authorized by 
the PAMB shall issue a permit, authorization or exemption only for 
culling, scientific research, the exceptions provided under Section 27(a) 
of Republic Act No. 9147, or the 'Wildlife Resources Conservation and 
Protection Act', or harvests of nonprotected species in multiple-use 
zones by fishers who are traditionally operating in the area as may be 
determined by BEAR;
Possessing or transporting outside the protected area any wildlife, or 
by-products derived therefrom, which are ascertained to have been 
taken from the protected area, except as may be allowed by this Act 
and authorized through obtaining of the appropriate permit/s;
Using any fishing or harvesting gear or employing any practices, or any 
of their variations, that is unsustainable, that are unsustainable, or 
detrimental to coral reefs, seagrass or seaweed beds or other marine 
life and their associated habitats; Provided, That, mere possession of 
such gears within the protected area shall be prima facie evidence of 
their use;
Holding fast or securing a vessel in place either by using an anchor or 
tying onto any part of the reef: Provided, That, all vessels permitted to 
enter shall utilize the mooring buoys provided by the VIPPS;
Dumping, throwing, using, or causing to be dumped into or placed in 
the protected area of any toxic chemical, noxious or poisonous
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substance or non-biodegradable material, untreated sewage or animal 
waste products or products whether in liquid, solid or gas state, 
including pesticides and other hazardous substances as defined under 
Republic Act No. 6969, otherwise known as the 'Toxic Substances and 
Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990' detrimental to the 
protected area, or to the plants, animals, inhabitants or habitats 
therein;
g) 
Operating any motorized conveyance within the protected area without 
permit from the PAMB;
h) 
Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary marks, buoys, or 
signs;
i) 
Mutilating, defacing, destroying, excavating, vandalizing or, in any
manner, damaging any natural formation, religious, spiritual, historical 
sites, artifacts and other objects of natural beauty, scenic value or 
objects of interest;
j) 
Littering or depositing refuse or debris within the protected area;
k) 
Possessing or using blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the
protected area;
l) 
Occupying or dwelling within the protected area without clearance 
from the PAMB;
m) 
Entering, enjoying or utilizing any portion of the VIPPS and the
resources therein, for whatever purpose without the prior permission 
from the VIPPS-PAMB;
n) 
Obstructing, evading, or hindering Law Enforcement Officers from 
performing their duties within the Protected Area;
o) 
Constructing, erecting, or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or 
enclosures, conducting any business enterprise within the protected 
area without prior clearance from the PAMB and permit from the
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DENR, or conducting these activities in a manner that is inconsistent 
with the management plan duly approved by the PAMB;
p) 
Undertaking mineral exploration or extraction within the protected 
area, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942, or the 'Philippine Mining Act 
of 1995';
q) 
Engaging in commercial or large-scale quarrying within the protected 
area;
r) 
Establishing or introducing exotic species, including GMOs or invasive 
alien species within the protected area;
s) 
Conducting bioprospecting within the protected area without prior 
PAMB clearance in accordance with existing guidelines: Provided, That 
in addition to the penalty provided herein, any commercial use of any 
substance derived from non-permitted bioprospecting within a 
protected area will not be allowed and all revenue earned from illegal 
commercialization thereof shall be forfeited and deposited as part of 
the IPAF;
t) 
Prospecting, hunting or otherwise locating hidden treasures within the 
protected area;
19 
Sec. 15. Penalties, - Pursuant to Section 21. Penalties of the ENIPAS Act of
20 
2018, violations under this Act shall be subject to the following penalties:
a) 
A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but 
not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000) or imprisonment from 
one (1) year but not more than six (6) years, or both, plus damages of 
triple the value of the said resources, or both, shall be imposed upon 
any person who violates paragraphs (a) to (e) of Section 13 herein;
b) 
A fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but 
not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000) or imprisonment from 
one (1) year but not more than six (6) years, or both, shall be imposed
21


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Upon any person who violates paragraphs (f) to (n) of Section 13 
herein;
g) a fine of not less than One million pesos (P1,000,000) but not more 
than Five million pesos (P5,000/000) or imprisonment from six (6) 
years but not more than twelve (12) years, or both, shall be imposed 
upon any person who violates paragraphs (o) to (t) of Section 13 
herein;
d) Administrative fines of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000), 
but not exceeding Five million pesos (P5,000,000), shall be imposed by 
the DENR Secretary for the violation of any rule, regulation, or 
provision of any agreement reached with the PAMB: Provided, That if 
an area which has sustained damage from any activity conducted 
therein requires rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the 
court, the offender shall be required to restore or pay compensation 
for such damages, which payment shall accrue to the IPAF.
On the basis of a court order, the DENR shall cause the eviction of an 
offender from the protected area: Provided, that, in cases of emergency, the DENR 
Secretary may order the immediate exit or departure of the offender from the 
protected area. The DENR Secretary may call on other enforcement agencies to 
assist in executing the order to vacate.
An emergency occurs when there is a demonstrated impending threat to 
human life and biodiversity or to species found within the ecosystem of the 
protected area.
All minerals, wildlife, or ether resources, whether living or nonliving, illegally 
collected or removed from the protected area, including all equipment, devices, 
conveyances, and firearms used in connection therewith, shall be forfeited in favor 
of the government, and any construction or improvement made thereon by the 
offender shall be subject to confiscation by the PAMO, subject to the application of 
due process.
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The conveyances, vessels, equipment, paraphernalia, implements, gears, 
tools, and similar devices used in the commission of the crime shall be dealt with in 
accordance with Part 4, Rule 12 (Custody and Disposition of Seized Items, 
Equipment, Paraphernalia, Conveyances and Instruments) of Administrative Matter 
No. 09-6-8-SC (Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases) issued by the Supreme 
Court. However, 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 
PAMO for rehabilitation and release to its natural habitat, subject to existing 
regulations.
Valuation of the damage shall take into account biodiversity and conservation 
considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. The valuation and assessment 
by the DENR, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, shall be 
presumed regular, unless otherwise proven by preponderance of evidence.
If the offender is an association or corporation, the president or manager, 
who is proven to have participated in or have actual knowledge of any violation 
against the provisions of this Act shall be directly liable for the act of the employees 
and laborers: Provided, finally, That the DENR may impose administrative fines and 
penalties consistent with this Act.
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the acts 
prohibited in this Act, or force their workers to commit any of the same, shall be 
liable as principal.
The penalties specified in this section shall be in addition to the penalties 
provided in the ENIPAS Act, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, 
Republic Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, and other 
related laws.
The conviction of a public officer or officer of the law whether from any LGU 
or any national government agency for any violation of the provisions of this Act 
shall carry the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office.
23


1 
CHAPTER V
2 
INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREA FUND (IPAF)
3 
Sec. 16. Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act
4 
of 2018, income generated from the operation and management of the VIPPS shall
5 
accrue to the Integrated Protect;ed Area Fund (IPAF). The income shall be derived
6 
from fees and charges from the use of resources and facilities of the VIPPS;
7 
contributions from industries and facilities directly benefitting from the protected
8 
area; and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the VIPPS.
9 
The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised
10 
through the above means, which shall be deposited in the Protected Area-Retained
11 
Income Account (PA-RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within the
12 
locality: Provided, that disbursements out of such deposits shall be used solely for
13 
the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the protected area
14 
and implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB.
15 
Grants, donations and endowments from various sources, domestic or
16 
foreign, shall be deposited in full in a special account in the National Treasury to be
17 
used for the purpose specified in the deeds and instruments covering them.
18 
Voluntary or legislated payments for ecosystem goods and services, including
19 
fines, penalties, and compensation for damages from protected area offenses shall
20 
accrue fully to the PA-RIA and shall be managed by the PAMB.
21 
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a
22 
special account in the General Fund in the National Treasury for purposes of
23 
financing the projects of the System.
24 
The use of the IPAF shall be in accordance with existing accounting,
25 
budgeting, and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further. That the IPAF shall
26 
not be used to cover personal services expenditures.
27 
The DENR shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
28 
and the Department of Finance (DOF) quarterly reports on the financial and physical
24


1 
accomplishments on the utilizahon of the IPAF and other documents as may be
2 
required by the DBM, and shall furnish a copy of the same to the House Committee
3 
on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance.
4 
Sec. 17. Tax Exemption. - Ail grants, bequests and endowments, donations
5 
and contributions made to the protected area fund to be used actually, directly, and
6 
exclusively by the protected area, shall be exempted from donor's tax and shall be
7 
considered as allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor for the
8 
purpose of computing the taxable income of the donor in accordance with the
9 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, (n)
10 
Sec. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) months
11 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR shall prepare the IRR of this Act.
12 
Sec. 19. Transitory Provision. - Pursuant to the ENIPAS Act of 2018, in order
13 
to enhance biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for
14 
tenured migrants, the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses,
15 
permits, clearances, compliance documents or other instruments that allow
16 
utilization of resources within the protected area until the management plan shall
17 
have been put into effect. All existing resource use permits issued for purposes
18 
which are authorized within the protected area shall be reviewed and shall not be
19 
renewed upon their expiration unless consistent with the management plan and
20 
approved by the PAMB.
21 
Sec. 20. Appropriations. - The Congress of the Philippines shall provide for
22 
the appropriations for the concerned government agencies implementing provisions
23 
of this Act for the succeeding years to be included in the annual General
24 
Appropriations Act (GAA).
25 
Sec. 21. Construction and Suppietory Application of Existing Laws. - The
26 
provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving biodiversity
27 
conservation, protection and sustainable development. Provisions of the ENIPAS Act
28 
of 2018, Republic Act No. 10654 amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the
29 
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and existing environmental laws
25


1 
and their corresponding rules and regulations not inconsistent hereto shall have
2 
suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act.
3 
Sec. 22. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
4 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall
5 
continue to be in full force and effect.
6 
Sec. 23. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
7 
regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Act area
8 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
9 
Sec. 24. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
10 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
11 
circulation.
Approved,
26