QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 766)
RA 766 aims to safeguard life and property against volcanic eruptions and volcanic-related dangers by creating a Commission on Volcanology, providing for prediction and preparedness measures, and granting relief to victims.
It is created under the Executive Board, National Research Council, as an office known as the Commission on Volcanology.
It includes: (1) the Director of Mines, (2) the Director of the Weather Bureau, (3) the Chairman of the Section on Geology, Seismology and Volcanology of the National Research Council, (4) the head of the Department of Geology, University of the Philippines, and (5) a representative of the Geological Society of the Philippines.
The members elect among themselves a Chairman who serves for a term of one year and until his/her successor is duly elected and qualified.
No. Under Section 2, all members serve without compensation.
The Commission may have personnel and other employees appointed by the Executive Board, National Research Council, upon recommendation of the Commission on Volcanology, as required to carry out the Act.
They include: (1) investigating and conducting studies of all active Philippine volcanoes; (2) establishing facilities to predict eruptions in advance, if possible; (3) formulating detailed plans of action and relief in case of eruptions; (4) recommending measures to protect life and property in affected areas, including closure/regulation of habitation; and (5) performing other duties necessary to carry out the Act.
The President of the Philippines, upon recommendation of the Commission on Volcanology.
When public interest and safety demand it—i.e., the area is affected by or exposed to volcanic eruptions and dangers.
Entry and residence are prohibited or otherwise regulated in the declared area.
Yes. Property owners living in a closed area due to constant extreme danger are compensated through grants of public lands. The area and extent are determined by the value of the property abandoned by them, subject to constitutional and legal limitations.
Persons removed who are indigent or without property have priority in the distribution of lands in government settlement projects.
The President, through agencies designated, must authorize extension of relief to victims of volcanic eruptions and adopt measures for their resettlement in safe areas.
It authorizes appropriation of one hundred fifty thousand pesos from funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
The President promulgates necessary rules and regulations. Any violation of Section 4 provisions or the rules/regulations issued thereunder is punishable by imprisonment of not more than 30 days or a fine not exceeding one thousand pesos.
The Act takes effect upon its approval (approved June 20, 1952).