Amendments on Coral Resources PD 1219

Gathering, harvesting, collecting, transporting, possessing, selling, and exporting ordinary corals in any form or quantity is strictly prohibited.
Use of corals as construction materials in buildings, piers, dams, dikes, or similar man-made structures is forbidden.

The Minister of Natural Resources may issue gratuitous permits for limited coral collection.
Permits are granted exclusively to duly established and recognized research or educational institutions.
Purpose is strictly scientific or educational.

Special permits may be issued by the Minister of Natural Resources to one person or corporation for experimental collection of precious and semi-precious corals.
Requirements include Filipino citizenship or 70% Filipino ownership/control in case of corporations.
Vessels used must be Philippine-registered; foreign vessels require prior government clearance.
Permit duration is limited and exclusive to the applicant.

Illegal gathering of precious or semi-precious corals without permits carries imprisonment from 60 days to 6 years and/or fines of not less than PHP 6,000.
Illegal handling of ordinary corals or exportation of precious/semi-precious corals without proper authorization results in imprisonment of 30 days to 3 years and/or fines of not less than PHP 3,000.
Confiscation of illegally obtained corals, vessels, gear, and paraphernalia is mandatory.
Confiscation applies also to attempted illegal exportation.

All possessors of coral stock gathered before the decree’s effectivity must dispose of them within 15 days of the decree’s enforcement.

The Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police (PC/INP), Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Customs are mandated to assist the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in enforcement efforts.

The decree is effective immediately upon issuance, highlighting the urgency in conserving and regulating coral resources for environmental and economic reasons.