Scope and Coverage of the Protected Landscape
- Declares specific boundaries covering areas in municipalities in provinces of Laguna and Quezon.
- Total protected area comprises approximately 10,900.59 hectares divided into two parcels.
- Technical description and ground markings to be made by DENR.
- Changes to coverage require an act of Congress after public consultation.
Land Classification
- Entire area classified as National Park under the Philippine Constitution.
Buffer Zones
- Establishment of buffer zones around the protected landscape to provide additional protection.
- Management of buffer zones in accordance with the management plan.
Definitions
- Provides comprehensive definitions of key terms such as biodiversity, biological resources, bioprospecting, buffer zones, by-products, conservation, ecosystem, endangered species, endemic species, exotic species, habitat, hunting, management board, management plan, MBSCPL Fund, mineral, multiple-use zone, NIPAS, national park, NGO, PO, protected area, PAMB, PASu, protected landscape, quarrying, special use zone, strict protection zone, tenured migrants, and wildlife.
Management Plan
- Mandates formulation of a Management Plan for the MBSCPL as a long-term framework.
- Plan must be prepared by the PASu with input from DENR offices, local communities, and NGOs.
- Approval by PAMB and certification by DENR Secretary required.
- Public consultation process mandated before plan adoption or revision.
Management Board (PAMB)
- Creation of a multi-sectoral Protected Area Management Board with representation from DENR, LGUs, NGOs, academic institutions, and religious groups.
- Members serve five-year terms; government officials serve coterminous terms.
- Responsibilities include policy-making, enforcement, coordination, and fund management.
- Members reimbursed for expenses but receive no salaries.
Powers and Functions of PAMB
- Issue and enforce rules and regulations.
- Resolve conflicts and adopt procedural rules.
- Approve management plan and oversee PASu office.
- Set fees and issue permits.
- Deputize individuals for enforcement.
- Manage MBSCPL Fund and recommend policy changes.
- DENR oversees PAMB's compliance with law.
Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Office
- Established within DENR Regional Office to manage, protect, and administer MBSCPL.
- PASu is chief operating officer, accountable to PAMB.
- Duties include data management, plan preparation, enforcement, monitoring, permit recommendations, coordination, and other delegated functions.
- Can deputize community leaders and officers for enforcement.
Regulation of Pilgrimage
- Cultural and religious activities allowed in designated parts of the protected landscape.
- Such activities regulated by PAMB with terms and conditions.
MBSCPL Fund
- Creation of a revolving fund from fees, proceeds, and contributions.
- 75% of income to be retained by PAMB for management; 25% remitted to central Integrated Protected Areas Fund.
- Fund can be augmented by grants and donations.
- Use restricted to protection, maintenance, administration, and projects; excluding personal services.
- LGUs may impose additional fees but not property taxes on covered lands.
Tenured Migrants and Stakeholders
- Tenured migrants eligible to be stewards in allowed zones.
- PAMB to verify and issue tenure instruments consistent with zoning.
- Provision for humane transfer if zones prohibit occupation.
- PASu to submit list of tenured migrants within three months of enactment.
Existing Facilities Within the MBSCPL
- Existing facilities must submit documentation to PAMB within 60 days.
- PAMB to assess and impose conditions; violation leads to fines and possible demolition.
- Facilities allowed to remain may be subject to royalties benefiting the MBSCPL Fund.
Resource Utilization
- Mining and exploitation of nonrenewable resources within MBSCPL prohibited.
- Renewable energy projects permitted only by Congress, except small-scale wind, solar, and mini-hydro power with conditions.
Legal Prosecution and Counsel
- DOJ to appoint a special prosecutor for MBSCPL-related violations.
- PAMB may retain counsel for prosecution and defense related to MBSCPL activities.
Role of Local Government Units (LGUs)
- LGUs participate via representation in PAMB.
- May allocate internal revenue and income for MBSCPL use.
- LGU funds exempt from remittance to central fund.
Prohibited Acts and Penalties
- Illegal taking, destruction, or possession of resources without permits strictly penalized with fines and imprisonment.
- Prohibition of hunting except for scientific research.
- Various destructive acts including quarrying, introduction of exotic species, forest fires, illegal occupancy, and damage to sites penalized.
- Chainsaw possession without permit prohibited.
- Violators subject to administrative confiscation of equipment and fines.
- Penalties are cumulative with other Philippine environmental laws.
- Public officers convicted face perpetual disqualification.
Reporting and Appropriations
- PASu to report annually to DENR Secretary via PAMB.
- DENR Secretary to allocate funds for Act implementation in General Appropriations.
Construction and Supplementary Application
- Act to be liberally construed in favor of protection and rehabilitation of MBSCPL.
- NIPAS Act serves as supplementary law.
Transitory Provision
- DENR to halt issuance of new resource use permits until management plan is effective.
- Existing permits reviewed and not renewed if inconsistent.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Modifies provisions of NIPAS Act as applicable to MBSCPL.
- Inconsistencies with existing laws repealed or modified.
- Court rulings that declare parts unconstitutional do not affect remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect upon publication in national newspaper accessible in MBSCPL area.