EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 1959
December
PATE
TJME¥
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
CREATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENFORCEMENT 
BUREAU (EPEB) UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND 
NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR), PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2019, the Philippines was declared as the deadliest country for land and 
environmental defenders, averaging more than three deaths a week by an 
international non-profit organization. Global Witness1. For the year 2018, a total of 
164 activists were killed. In addition, many activists face death threats, intimidation 
and even arrests.
In July 2019, forest ranger Bienvinido Veguilla, Jr., was hacked to death in 
Palawan by alleged illegal loggers2. In November of the same year. Josh Peregrino, a 
special investigator with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office 
(CENRO) in the City of Bislig in Mindanao was gunned down.
1 2019, July 30. The World Staff. The Philippines identified as the deadliest country for environmental 
activists. Accessed: http$://www.pri.ore/stories/2019-07-30/philippines-identified-deadliest-countrv- 
environmental-activists
2 2019, December 10. Mongabay. Killings of environmental defenders on the rise in the Philippines. 
Accessed: https://news.mongabav.com/2019/12/killings-of-environmental-defenders-on-the-rise-in-the- 
philippines/
1


In light of increasing attacks on environmental defenders, this proposed 
measure seeks for the creation of an enforcement bureau within the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources that will train and arm enforcers. This wiii 
effectively give the Department stronger enforcement powers.
I urge my coileagues to urgentiy consider this proposed measure in our effort 
to protect our environmental defenders and show our appreciation to their labours 
and noble work for our environment and for the country, in general.
RAMON JSONG REVILLA, JR.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. *^959
,. T HE
i
) 
DATE* D®06171*361" ”*7 2020 1^1
l</5 
T'-p' 
'w/
sy:
INDEX.
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
CREATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENFORCEMENT 
BUREAU (EPEB) UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND 
NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR), PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
1 
SECTION 1. Short tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Environmental
2 
Protection and Enforcement Bureau (EPEB) Act".
3
4 
Sec. 2. Deciaration of Poiicy. - It is the policy of the State to:
5 
a) Maintain an effective, competent, modern current and highly-trained
6 
enforcement body to address violations of environment and natural
7 
resources laws, rules, and regulations in order to protect and advance
8 
the .right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord
9 
with the rhythm and harmony of nature;
10 
b) Strengthen and professionalize environment and natural resources
11 
protection and law enforcement with appropriate structure, science and
12 
technology, manpower, and capability;
13 
c) Formulate plans and programs relative to environment and natural
14 
resources protection to enhance and modernize capacities to address all
1


1 
types of environmental crimes, including transnational/transboundary
2 
violations, taking cognizance of the worsening global environmental
3 
situation;
4 
d) Promote shard duties and responsibilities, and capacitate other law
5 
enforcement agencies and local government units on environmental law
6 
enforcement; and
7 
e) Ensure fair, swift, and certain enforcement of environmental laws.
8
9 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used In this Act, the following terms and
10 
phrases shall mean as follows:
11 
a) Abatement- refers to a legal document issued by the Bureau, its officers
12 
and enforcers, ordering the suspension or cessation, in whole or in part,
13 
or removal of a problem or nuisances, which is against environment and
14 
natural resources laws committed in prohibited areas, and/or other
15 
public areas, where such act is prohibited.
16 
b) Bureau - refers to the Environmental Protection and Enforcement
17 
Bureau
18 
c) Cease and Desist Order (CDO) - refers to an order duly issued by the
19 
Secretary or the Bureau directing or enjoining any person, business or
20 
organization, or government agency, to stop or continue doing an act
21 
considered harmful or illegal and/or in order to protect, preserve or
22 
rehabilitate the environment. A CDO may be permanent, for specified
23 
period of time, or until a final administrative or judicial determination of
24 
its legality occurs.
25 
d) Confiscation - refers to the act of taking in favor of the government, real
26 
or personal property, from a person without payment or compensation
27 
in an administrative proceeding
28 
e) Custody- refers to temporary holding or safekeeping of any evidence
29 
obtained or seized in an enforcement operation conducted by, or with
30 
the- participation of the Bureau, while a case is pending before any
31 
administrative body or the courts


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
f) Department - refers to the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR)
g) Emergency - as used in this Act emergency occurs when there is a 
demonstrated Impending .threat to human life, biodiversity, or 
irreparable damage to the integrity and stability of the ecosystem
h) Enforcement areas - refers to any geographic area in the Philippines 
where priority enforcement response is needed
i) Forensic - refers to the application scientific methods of analyzing 
evidence and samples for purposes of criminal, civil, or administrative 
procedure
j) Impoundment- the taking Into custody of private property, such as a 
vehicle, facility or implements, by government action with custody 
documentation pending the outcome of a criminal prosecution under this 
Act
k) Prohibited area - refers to areas explicitly prohibited or deemed by law 
to be free from human habitation or interference such as, but not limited 
to, water easements, areas identified as geo-hazard zones, or In any 
other prohibited zones within protected areas Including strict protection 
zones, multiple use zones, and buffer zones, or areas designated under 
disaster risk reduction and management plan of LGUs as hazard prone 
areas
l) Reguiated Community - refers to all persons, businesses or 
organizations, or government agencies or instrumentalities of the 
government whose use, utilization, exploitation, development, 
management, conservation and protection of environment and natural 
resources are governed under the administrative authority of the 
Department
m) Secretary- refers to the Secretary of the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources (DENR)
n) Seizure^ as used in this Act, seizure refers to the taking by enforcement 
officers of potential evidence from a person who is suspected of violating 
environmental laws, rules and regulation. Seizure of evidence may be


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
done by virtue of a search warrant, or on the occasion of a warrantless 
arrest or warrantless search
o) Strategic Lamuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) - as used In this 
Act the defense of SLAPP shall be available to Bureau enforcers and 
those they have deputized, complainants, and witnesses charged with 
SLAPP suits.
p) Transnational or transboundary violations - refers to a continuing 
offense in contravention of both environmental laws and international 
treaties and conventions on environment to which the Philippines Is a 
signatory. An act Is deemed a continuing offense when the act may be 
prosecuted and tried not only in the court or administrative bodies of the 
place where it began, but also in the court or administrative bodies of 
the place where part of the offense was continued or consummated.
q) Wildlife Trafficking - refers to transportation and/or transshipment of 
wildlife, wildlife by-products or derivatives, from, to or through the 
Philippines
Sec. 4. Creation. - There is hereby created the Environmental Protection and 
Enforcement Bureau (EPEB) which shall be uniformed service and a line agency under 
the Department.
This Act shall transfer and consolidate all enforcement functions performed by 
different Bureaus and attached agencies of the Department and those that may be 
created hereafter.
The Bureau shall exercise concurrent enforcement authority with agencies 
having jurisdiction under other laws.
Sec. 5. Jurisdiction. - The Bureau shall carry out environmental law 
enforcement functions In the entire Philippine archipelago including air space, 
territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, continental shelf, and other areas where 
the Philippines exercises sovereignty and sovereign rights, or jurisdiction, in


1 
accordance with Philippine and International laws. It shall be under the control and
2 
supervision of the Secretary.
■3 
■
4 
Sec. 6; Powers and Functions. - The Bureau has the power and authority to;
5 
a) Enforce, Interdict ongoing violations, arrest. Investigate, and prosecute
6 
all violations of environmental and natural resources laws, rules and
7 
regulations, including those over which other agencies exercise
8 
jurisdiction;
9 
b) Take custody of all seized and confiscated items, implements,
10 
conveyances, tools, and equipment;
11 
c) Initiate the filing of appropriate cases and/or proceedings;
12 
d) Rle the appropriate cases in court in consultation with the National
13 
Prosecution Service when necessary, and in coordination with the Office
14 
of the Ombudsman in cases involving government officials and
15 
employees;
16 
e) Execute decisions and dispose of confiscated items in administrative
17 
cases pertaining to environment and natural resources violations, and in
18 
court cases as may be directed by the court;
19 
f) Call on the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP),
20 
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of
21 
Investigation (NBI), other government law enforcement agencies,
22 
including government-owned and/or controlled corporations, to aid in
23 
the enforcement of laws against environmental crimes;
24 
g) Conduct intelligence operations and forensics investigation in
25 
furtherance of the foregoing powers and functions;
26 
h) Issue subpoena for the appearance of any person for investigation or
27 
production of any docunrients, through its officers from the ranks of
28 
Director-General, Deputy 
Director, 
Directors 
for Enforcement,
29 
Investigation and/or Legal Services, and Regional Director, and cite in
30 
contempt any person who violates or disobeys orders and processes duly
31 
issued by the Bureau;


1 
i) Accept in the name of the Philippine Government, funds or financial
2 
assistance for immediate disbursements of other property in the interest
3 
of, or as may be necessary to carry out its functions, and which shall be
4 
properly allocated and utilized directly and exclusively for environmental
5 
protection and enforcement;
6 
j) Establish and maintain coordination mechanisms with ither law
7 
enforcement agencies locally and internationally;
8 
k) Develop enforcement systems and strategies based on best practices
9 
and using the most advanced and reliable technologies;
10 
I) Impose administrative fines/citations for in-flagrate violations of
11 
environment and natural resource laws, rules and regulations pursuant
12 
to schedule of fines to be issued by the Office of the Secretary;
13 
m) Maintain database of all relevant information such as, but not limited to,
14 
environmental cases, environment-related incidents, permittees;
15 
licensees, park and forest occupants, tenured migrants, and scientific
16 
research data and Information;
17 
n) Issue and Implement Cease and Desist Order, Closure Order, Notice of
18 
Violation, and Abatement Order in the exercise of its administrative
19 
powers pursuant to pertinent rules and regulations issued by the
20 
Department;
21 
o) Formulate and implement policies, guidelines, and programs necessary
22 
to effectively carry out its mandate; and
23 
p) Perform other related functions as the Secretary of the Department may
24 
assign.
25
26 
Nothing herein shall prevent other law enforcement agencies from
27 
exercising jurisdiction over violations of environmental laws, rules and regulations.
28 
Provided that, once the Bureau takes cognizance of the aforementioned violations, the
29 
Bureau shall take the lead and other law enforcement agencies shall collaborate and
30 
render assistance.
31


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
See. 7. Organizationarstructure. - The Bureau shall be organized into the 
Office of the Director-General, Deputy Director-Generals for Operations and for 
Administration, Division Chiefs for Enforcement, Investigation and Legal, Finance and 
Logistics, Administrative and Human Resource, Planning and Knowledge Information 
Service, and Forensic Laboratory. Each service shall be composed of the necessary 
divisions and sections. The Bureau shall establish regional offices composed of district 
offices to cover designated enforcement areas. Field units may be established as 
needed to work with the PENR and/or CENR offices, or clusters thereof.
The Bureau's personnel and their respective positions and rank shall have 
appropriate staffing complement, as follows:
Job Title
Career Level
Salary Grade
Director-General
Director VI
SG 30
Deputy Director General
for Operations
Director V
SG 29
Deputy Director General
for Administration
Director V
SG 29
Regional Director
Director III
SG 27
Chief for Enforcement
Division
Director I
SG 25
Chief for Investigation and 
Legal Divisiori
Director I
SG 25
Chief for Finance and
Logistics Division
Director I
SG 25
Chief for Administrative
and Human Resource
Division
Director I
SG 25
Chief for Planning and
Knowledge Information
Division
Director I
SG 25


Director for Forensic
Laboratory
Director I
SG 25
Regional Level Division
Chief
Attorney V
SG 25
Supervising Environmental
Prosecutor
Attorney IV
SG 23
Environmental Prosecutor
Attorney III
SG 21
Regional 
Enforcement
Division Chief
Division Chief
SG 24
Regional 
Management
Division Chief
Division Chief
SG 24
Supervising Enforcement
Officer
Senior Officer V
SG 22
Enforcement Officer IV
Officer IV
SG 19
Enforcement Officer III
Officer III
SG 16
Enforcement Officer II
Officer II
SG 13
Enforcement Officer I
Officer I
SG 11
Ranger Technician
Ranger III
SG 9
Ranger
Ranger II
SG 7
Ranger
Ranger I
SG 5
1
2
3
4
5
6 
7
Sec. 8. Forensic Laboratory. - The Bureau shall establish and maintain an up- 
to-date forensic laboratory to be headed by a Director and supported by as many 
sections as may be deemed necessary, which may include chemical and toxicology, 
genetics, criminalistics, veterinary, morphology, and digital. The Forensic Laboratory 
may be composed of the following staffing complement:
Job Title
Career Level
Salary Grade
Director for Forensic
Laboratory
Director I
SG 25


Section 
Chief 
on
Chemistry and Toxicology
Section Chief
SG 22
Section Chief on Genetics
and Forensic Biology
Section Chief
SG 22
Section 
Chief 
on
Criminalistics
Section Chief
SG 22
Section 
Chief 
on
Veterinary
Section Chief
SG 22
Section 
Chief 
on
Taxonomy 
and
Morphology
Section Chief
SG 22
Section Chief on Geology
Section Chief
SG 22
Senior 
Computer
Programmer 
and
Information Technology
Officer
ENRE Officer IV
1
t
SG 19
Analyst III
ENRE Officer III
SG 16
Analyst II
ENRE Officer II
SG 13
Analyst I
ENRE Officer I
SG 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
Sec. 9. Environment and Natural Resources Law Enforcement Academy. - The 
DENR shall establish an Environmental and Natural Resources Law Enforcement 
Academy which shall be responsible for the recruitment, development and conduct of 
basic and advance-level environmental law enforcement training course, and 
continuing skills enhancement of all Bureau enforcers and personnel. The Academy 
shall provide other Philippine law enforcement agencies and Institutions high-quality 
standardized trainings on environmental law enforcement. Including local 
governments.
Sec. 10. Powers and Functions of the Director General. - The Director General 
shall have access to all official records of the Government and the regulated


1 
communities of the Department in the furtherance of his/her duties and
2 
responsibiiities, and shaii performs the foiiowing powers and functions:
3 
a) Direct, controi and administer the operations of the Bureau, and deploy
4 
any of its officiais and operatives for missions;
5 
b) Formuiate poiicies, guidelines, programs and projects to implement this
6 
law and recommend policies that would enable the Bureau to take
7 
additional necessary measures in exercising its powers;
8 
c) Develop a system and allocate funds for informant's rewards and
9 
whistle blower protection;
10 
d) Recommend and/or direct appropriate agencies to effect emergency
11 
containment and remediation measures In relation to violations of
12 
environment and natural resources laws, rules, and regulations;
13 
e) Initiate and strategize training and deputation of environmental law
14 
enforcement officers and, whenever practicable their consolidation and
15 
organization in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations;
16 
f) Designate and/or authorize the use of informants for investigative
17 
purposes including the hiring of consultants, subject to pertinent laws,
18 
rules and regulations, as may be required;
19 
g) Issue mission orders and permits to carry duly-issued agency firearms
20 
of its organic personnel or other duly deputized officers who are
21 
conducting or assisting in Investigation and enforcement operations;
22 
h) Ensure ‘proper inventory. Identification and impoundment of
23 
confiscated and/or forfeited objects, implements, and conveyances;
24 
i) Create and/or abolish divisions/units and positions within the Bureau
25 
that ay be required for the expeditious, effective and efficient discharge
26 
of its duties and responsibilities; and remove, suspend, or otherwise
27 
discipline Bureau officials, enforcers and suspend, or otherwise
28 
discipline Bureau officials, enforcers and personnel for causes provided
29 
under the Civil Service Rules and Regulations and other pertinent laws,
30 
rules and regulations, subject to the approval by the Secretary; and
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
j) Perform other acts that are necessary/ proper or incidental to the 
performance of his duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by 
the Secretary.
Sec. 11. Powers and Functions of Bureau Officers and Enforcers. - The 
members of the Bureau shall be peace officers, and as law enforcers, shall have the 
following additional powers and functions:
a) To detect. Interdict, and investigate any environmental violations and 
to make arrests, searches and seizures In accordance with existing 
laws, rules and regulations;
b) To seize and initiate confiscation proceedings for prohibited Items 
including objects, implements, and conveyances used in the violation 
of environmental law, as provided for by applicable laws, rules and 
regulations, and to Inventory said items;
c) To take and require sworn affidavits of person or persons summoned 
in connection with cases under investigation and to administer oaths in 
cases under investigation, subject to limitations imposed by the 
Constitution and laws, rules and regulations;
d) To carry suitable and adequate agency-issued firearms for enforcement 
operations and personal security;
e) To have access to all official records of the government and the 
regulated community, where such records relate to their official 
functions under this law; and
f) To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Bureau.
Sec. 12. Benefits and Privileges. - The Bureau shall provide its personnel with 
the following benefits:
a) Health care services or insurance for all its regular personnel;
b) Accident Insurance for all its employees and deputized officers;
c) Hazard pay, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; and
d) Access to a legal assistance and support fund.
11


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 13. Inter-agency Environmental Enforcement Coordination. - The Bureau 
shall establish and maintain close coordination, cooperation and linkages with national 
and international coordinative bodies, multi-lateral agencies, and organizations that 
address environmental crimes.
Sec. 14. Stakeholder's Engagement/People's Participation. - Active and direct 
participation of national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), 
academe, media, people's organization (POs), non-government organizations (NGOs), 
including the citizenry, shall be encouraged. The Bureau shall take measures to ensure 
responsiveness and feedback mechanisms for maximum participation, engagement 
and transparency.
Sec. 15. Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) in the 
Enforcement of this Act. - The defense of SLAPP as defined by existing laws shall be 
available to Bureau enforcers and those they have deputized, complainants, and 
witnesses. This remedy is available even during preliminary investigation and relevant 
administrative cases. The Bureau shall provide sufficient assistance for those 
enforcers, deputies, complainants, and witnesses charged with SLAPP suits.
The Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases shall govern the procedure 
in civil, criminal, and special civil actions involving the enforcement or violations of this 
Act, including actions treated as a SLAPP as provided in this section.
Sec. 16. Prohibition on the Issuance of Temporary Restraining Orders, 
Preliminary Injunctions, and Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions. - No court, other than 
the Supreme Court, shall issue Injunction or restraining order against the Department 
and Bureau in the lawful enforcement of environmental and natural resources laws.
Sec. 17. Assaults against Environment and Natural Resources Enforcement 
Officers and Deputies. - Any person, and persons whether natural or juridical, who 
shall attack, employ force or seriously intimidates any environment and natural 
resources enforcement officer or his deputies, while engaged In the performance of
12


1
2
3
4 
•5 
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
official duties, or on the occasion of the performance of such duties shall be charged 
with direct assault under the Revised Penal Code.
The penalties of indirect assauit as defined under the Revised Penal Code shall 
be Imposed upon any person coming to the aid of the environment and natural 
resources enforcement or his deputy in the enforcement of his duties.
Sec. 18. Administrative Adjudication. -The Secretary is authorized to organize 
and standardize administrative adjudication mechanisms to impose fines and other 
penalties provided for under existing laws, rules and regulations and cause the 
issuance of procedural rules and regulations as may be appropriate.
Sec. 19. Power to Issue Cease and Desist Orders and to Summariiy Abate 
Without the Necessity of Judiciai Order. - The Bureau may, subject to the 
requirements of administrative due process, issue cease and desist order/s, and to 
summarily eject any person and/or Issue abatement order, rerrroval, dismantling, or 
demolition of any illegal structures from a prohibited area, without the necessity of 
judicial order.
Provided, that in cases of emergency, the Bureau may order the Immediate 
exit or departure of the offender from the prohibited area. The Bureau may call on 
other enforcement agencies to assist in executing the order to vacate.
Sec. 20. Autiiority of the Director-Generai of tile Bureau or the DuiyAutiiorized 
Representative to Issue Notice of Vioiation and Seizure Order. - In all cases of 
violations of environmental laws, rules and regulations, the Director-General or his 
duly authorized representative, may, in appropriate cases, issue notices of violation 
and order the seizure of any property subject of the offense, including conveyances. 
Implements, tools and equipment used in the commission of the offense.
Sec. 21. Funding Source and Appropriation. - The funds required for the 
Implementation of this Act shall be taken from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 
and may be augmented from the following:
13


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
a) Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF);
b) Environmental and user fees;
c) EPIRA;
d) Road users' tax; and
e) Administrative fines and penalties.
Provided, that, all funds collected shall be pooled together as a single account 
that will cover all operational expenses.
Sec. 22. Transitory Provisions. - All unexpended appropriations, real and 
personal properties, documents, records and other papers related to enforcement 
which are kept and/or managed by enforcement divisions, sections and units of the 
Department and attached agencies shall be transferred to the Bureau.
AH incumbent officials and personnel currently assigned and/or designated at 
the regional enforcement divisions, PENR enforcement sections, or CENR enforcement 
units who have undergone the mandatory training on enforcement as provided under 
this Act may continue to serve as an officer or enforcer of the Bureau, or choose to 
be reassigned In non-enforcement officer or Bureau of the Department.
All incumbent enforcement officials, enforcers and personnel of the 
Department, Bureaus, and attached agencies who have undergone the mandatory 
training on enforcement as provided under this Act may serve as officer or enforcer 
of the Bureau, or choose to be reassigned in non-enforcement functions or offices of 
the said agencies.
All incumbent enforcement officials, enforcers and personnel of the Palawan 
Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and BARMM shall be trained under the 
Bureau as part of the one-system approach.
Sec. 23. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - The Department, in 
consultation with concerned government agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate
14


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
the implementing ruies and regulations of this Act, within six (6) months from the 
effectivity of this Act. ' 
^
Sec. 24. Separability Clause. If any portion of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or Invalid,’the portions or provisions which are not affected shall 
continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 25. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders and rules and 
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly.
Sec. 26. Effectivity Clause. Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the 
Implementing rules and regulations, this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation;
Approved.
15