Title
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 223
Date
Jul 16, 1987
Executive Order No. 223 grants the Philippine National Oil Company jurisdiction over watershed areas surrounding geothermal reservations, with the aim of protecting and managing these areas to ensure a steady supply of geothermal steam for government power plants and contribute to the country's economy.
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Law Summary

Introduction

Executive Order No. 223, issued by President Corazon C. Aquino on July 16, 1987, vests jurisdiction, control, management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of watershed areas of geothermal reservations with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). This order aims to enhance the management of geothermal resources, vital for the country's energy supply and economic development.

Background and Justification

  • Energy Resource: Indigenous geothermal resources are recognized as a crucial energy alternative for the Philippines.
  • Government Control: Prior to this order, geothermal reservations were managed by the Office of Energy Affairs (OEA) through the National Power Corporation (NPC) as per Presidential Decrees 1515 and 1749.
  • PNOC Investment: PNOC has significantly invested in geothermal projects, specifically in the Tongonan, Palinpinon, and Bacon-Manito geothermal fields, essential for supplying steam to power plants.
  • Responsibility: As a major developer, PNOC is tasked with managing and protecting watershed areas to ensure a steady supply of geothermal steam.

Section 1: Jurisdiction and Control

  • Authority Granted: PNOC is granted jurisdiction and control over the following geothermal reservations:
    • Tongonan Geothermal Reservation (Presidential Proclamation No. 112)
    • Palinpinon Geothermal Reservation (Presidential Proclamation No. 1413)
    • Bacon-Manito Geothermal Reservation (Presidential Proclamation No. 2036-A)
    • Future geothermal reservations developed and proclaimed by the President.

Section 2: Responsibilities and Powers

  • Mandated Actions: PNOC is responsible for:
    • Enforcement: Upholding forestry laws within the watershed areas.
    • Assessment: Identifying areas needing rehabilitation and development.
    • Planning: Developing programs for optimal use of watershed resources.
    • Conservation: Implementing measures to prevent denudation of watershed cover.
    • Public Awareness: Educating the public on the importance of forests and watersheds.
    • Vegetative Development: Promoting conservation and development of vegetative cover.
    • Resettlement Planning: Formulating resettlement and relocation programs.
    • Inter-agency Coordination: Collaborating with government bodies and civic groups for conservation efforts.
    • Reforestation: Conducting afforestation, reforestation, and rehabilitation activities in degraded areas.

Section 3: Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

  • Legal Supremacy: Any existing laws, decrees, orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 4: Effectivity

  • Immediate Effect: The Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

Key Takeaways

  • PNOC is entrusted with the management and protection of specific geothermal watershed areas to ensure sustainable energy supply.
  • The Order outlines detailed responsibilities for PNOC, emphasizing conservation, public education, and inter-agency cooperation.
  • Existing inconsistent regulations are repealed, reinforcing the authority of this Executive Order.
  • The Order is effective immediately, reflecting the urgency of managing the country's geothermal resources.

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