Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 384)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 384 is to amend Section 2 of Republic Act No. 4073 to restore administrative control over the Culion reservation to the Secretary of Health through the Chief of the Culion Sanitarium, ensuring proper control, conservation, and utilization of the reservation's resources for the welfare of leprosy patients.
Presidential Decree No. 384 amended Republic Act No. 4073, entitled "An Act Further Liberalizing the Treatment of Leprosy by Amending and Repealing Certain Sections of the Revised Administrative Code."
Section 1066 of the Revised Administrative Code, which vested administrative control over the Culion Leper Colony to the Secretary of Health, was repealed by Republic Act No. 4073 but its effect was restored by Presidential Decree No. 384.
Administrative control over the Culion reservation, including lands, waters, forest, and forest products within the reservation, is exercised by the Secretary of Health through the Chief of the Culion Sanitarium.
It was necessary because the repeal of Section 1066 led to indiscriminate issuance of permits for cutting and gathering of natural resources by outsiders, causing depletion of resources that were previously conserved for the exclusive use and welfare of leprosy patients.
Bakawan (mangrove) and nipa leaves, as well as fishing resources, were being depleted due to indiscriminate permits issued to outsiders.
The Secretary of Health has administrative control, authority to make, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for the efficient control, protection, and management of the Culion Leper Colony.
It took effect immediately upon its issuance on January 30, 1974.
Sections 1060 to 1071 inclusive are repealed except for Section 1066, which is retained and restored as the basis for administrative control over Culion Reservation by the Secretary of Health.