Law Summary
Definition of Key Terms
- Defines important terms such as captive-bred, charges, CITES permits, commercial purposes, conservation breeding, director, economically important species, and wildlife, among others.
- Clarifies types of permits (Wildlife Farm Permit, Wildlife Collector's Permit, Gratuitous Permit, Local Transport Permit, Special Use Permit).
- Explains entities involved like National and Regional Wildlife Management Committees (NWMC and RWMC), Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB), and relevant certificates like Phytosanitary and Quarantine/Veterinary Certificates.
Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources
- Establishes NWMC for technical and scientific advice, composed of DENR representatives, EMB, FMB, local scientists, and invited stakeholders.
- Establishes RWMCs chaired by regional DENR technical directors to provide regional assistance.
Scientific Research on Wildlife
- Scientific research allowed via Affidavit of Undertaking (AU), Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), and Gratuitous Permit (GP).
- Requirements vary depending on researcher affiliation (foreign or local), research nature, and conservation breeding projects.
- Procedures involve quick evaluation timelines (one to three working days), site visits, and coordination among regional offices.
Commercial Breeding or Propagation of Wildlife
- Permits issued include Wildlife Farm Permit (WFP), Wildlife Collector's Permit (WCP), and Wildlife Special Use Permit (WSUP).
- Permit validity is five years, renewable.
- Requirements differ for small-scale (capital ≤ Php 1,500,000) and large-scale farming.
- Application procedures include document submissions, initial and final evaluations, and site inspections.
- Acquisition of breeding stock from the wild requires a WCP.
Other Uses of Wildlife
- Allows wildlife use in shows, exhibitions, education, and documentation for commercial purposes.
- Requires application forms, clearances including from Animal Welfare Division, indigenous peoples, LGUs, or PAMB.
- Imposes restrictions on importation requiring bond deposits.
Local Transport of Wildlife
- Issuance of Local Transport Permits requires completed application forms, inspection reports, proof of legal possession, fees, and relevant health certificates.
- CENRO or RED NCR issues permits depending on location.
Exportation and Importation of Wildlife
- Export/import allowed only with prior permits (CITES and non-CITES) issued by DENR.
- Re-export requires re-export permits.
- Permits valid up to six months.
- Detailed documentary requirements for issuance include applications, inspections, legal possession proofs, export declarations, and health certificates.
Schedule of Fees and Charges
- Fees categorized into application, processing, inspection, and permit fees, varying by permit type and scale.
- Charges for collection under permits vary by species (mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, plants).
- Government conservation projects exempt from fees.
Wildlife Management Fund
- Creation of Wildlife Management Fund administered by DENR regional offices and PAWB.
- Requires special bodies and designated collecting officers for fund allocation and disbursement.
Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO)
- Deputation by DENR RED following defined application, orientation, training, and evaluation procedures.
- Deputation valid for one year, renewable.
- Training covers wildlife laws, identification, handling, law enforcement techniques, and prosecution.
- Revocation possible for ineffectiveness, violations, or failure to attend training.
- Performance evaluated prior to renewal.
Deputation Order Processing
- Multi-level review starting from community offices (CENRO) to provincial (PENRO) then regional level (RED).
- RED grants final approval.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Funding allocated from General Appropriations Act.
- The Order may be amended, is separable, and repeals inconsistent issuances.
- Effective 15 days after publication and official acknowledgment.
This summary encapsulates the administrative guidelines for conservation, management, use, and enforcement of wildlife resources pursuant to the Republic Act No. 9147, enforced through DENR DAO No. 2004-55.