Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1219)
The title is "THE CORAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION DECREE."
The State's policy is to promote and regulate the exploration, exploitation, utilization, and conservation of coral resources in the Philippines, ensuring their protection as provided by existing laws.
A 'person' includes both natural persons and juridical persons.
(i) Precious coral, (ii) Semi-precious coral, and (iii) Ordinary coral.
The Secretary of Natural Resources is the implementing agency with jurisdiction and responsibility over coral resources.
No, such activities are prohibited except for certain species in selected areas which may be exempted under specific conditions imposed by the Secretary of Natural Resources.
Special permits may be issued by the Secretary of Natural Resources to persons or institutions for gathering limited quantities of coral for scientific or educational purposes.
A concession awarded by the Secretary of Natural Resources is required to legally engage in these activities.
A concessionaire must be a Filipino citizen or a corporation/partnership with at least 70% of its capital stock owned or controlled by Filipinos.
Yes, concessionaires may enter into service contracts with foreigners or foreign-owned entities to conduct operations under a duly awarded concession, with vessels usually of Philippine registry or with required permits for foreign vessels.
Export is prohibited unless the corals are first processed and manufactured into finished products within the Philippines.
Conviction results in imprisonment from 60 days to 6 years, a fine of at least PHP 6,000, or both, at the court's discretion.
Imprisonment from 30 days to 3 years, a fine of at least PHP 3,000, or both, with confiscation of corals, vessels, and equipment used in the offense.
They must submit a sworn statement within one month indicating the quantity, kind, state, and location of their coral stocks, subject to verification by the Secretary of Natural Resources.
It took effect upon its approval on October 14, 1977.