Powers and Duties of the Commission on Volcanology
- Investigate and study all active Philippine volcanoes.
- Establish facilities to predict volcanic eruptions in advance where possible.
- Formulate detailed action and relief plans for volcanic eruptions.
- Recommend protective measures to the President, including restricting access to danger zones.
- Perform duties necessary to fulfill the Act’s objectives.
Presidential Authority to Declare Hazard Zones
- The President may declare areas affected by or exposed to volcanic dangers closed to habitation, upon recommendation by the Commission.
- Entry and residence in such areas may be prohibited or regulated.
- Property owners in closed areas are entitled to compensation through grants of public lands equivalent in value.
- Land grants are subject to constitutional and legal limitations.
- Indigent or property-less persons removed from hazard zones have priority in government settlement projects.
Relief and Resettlement of Victims
- The President shall designate agencies to extend relief to victims of volcanic eruptions.
- Measures for resettlement in safe areas shall be adopted.
Appropriation of Funds
- Authorization of a budget of 150,000 pesos from the National Treasury for implementing the Act.
Regulatory Powers and Penalties
- The President shall promulgate rules and regulations for carrying out the Act.
- Violations of the closure orders or regulations under Section 4 are punishable by:
- Imprisonment of up to thirty days.
- A fine not exceeding one thousand pesos.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on June 20, 1952.