Law Summary
Lead Agency and Inter-Agency Cooperation
- PCA is the lead agency for controlling the scale insect infestation
- PCA to cooperate with OPAFSAM, DA, DOST, DILG, UPLB, NCPC, BPI, and local government units (LGUs)
Powers and Functions of PCA
- Formulate emergency treatment measures (mechanical, chemical, biological)
- Declare quarantine areas for infestation
- Establish checkpoints and quarantine stations
- Grant Permits to Transport for coconut materials
- Exercise powers under Presidential Decree 1468 for enforcement
Role of Cooperating Agencies
- BPI may deputize PCA personnel, PNP, and law enforcement to enforce quarantine and confiscate infested materials
- LGUs to assist with logistics, manpower, volunteer recruitment, and public dissemination
Prohibited Acts
- Transport of raw or unprocessed coconut products and seedlings from quarantined areas without PCA Permit to Transport is prohibited
Inspection of Coconut Farms
- PCA may inspect all coconut farms for infestation with landowner approval
- For absentee owners, PCA with barangay officials’ approval can enter farms for inspection and treatment
- No forced entries allowed
- Written reports must be submitted to PCA Administrator
Issuance of Permit to Transport
- Traders/growers must request inspection 2 days before transport
- Deputized Plant Quarantine Inspectors (DPQI) conduct onsite inspection and supervise cleaning/treatment
- Domestic Permit to Transport (PCA Form No. 1) issued by deputized PCA personnel or designated DA/MAO personnel
- Valid for 5 days, single-use; must be presented at checkpoints
- Only registered traders/growers and accredited nurseries allowed permits
- "No Domestic Permit, No Transport" policy strictly enforced
Checkpoints Protocol
- Must have clear signage indicating quarantine and infestation control
- Positioned in high traffic zones, well-lit, with traffic flow management
- DPQIs must wear IDs and carry deputation certificates
- Inspection includes random vehicle checks for abukoa and seedlings
- Permits verified and commodities visually inspected
- Infested or permit-less consignments confiscated or returned for cleaning
- Non-commercial transport allowed with inspection and treatment at owner's expense
Interception Protocol
- Violations explained to owner/carrier
- Prohibited materials must be returned to origin or confiscated and destroyed
- Confiscation requires owner’s signature on interception report
- Police assistance called if resistance encountered
Disposition of Intercepted/Abandoned Commodities
- Confiscated or abandoned materials to be destroyed by burning or burial by PCA DPQI
Recording and Reporting
- Bi-monthly reports on Permit to Transport applications, treated commodities, and interceptions submitted to PQS stations
- PQS stations consolidate reports and submit to PCA Central Office
Violations and Penalties
- Grounds: Transport without valid permit, permit falsification, misdeclaration
- Penalties:
- First Offense: Confiscation of materials
- Second Offense: Confiscation + Fine of PhP 1,000
- Third and subsequent offenses: Confiscation + Fine of PhP 5,000
- Responsible PCA personnel involved in violations face administrative proceedings
Support Funds
- PCA to allocate funds for nationwide enforcement and emergency control measures
Separability Clause
- Invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect remaining valid provisions
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent administrative orders, memoranda, circulars, and issuances are modified or repealed
Effectivity
- Rules take effect 5 days after complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation
Issued June 9, 2014, Quezon City, by PCA Administrator Romulo N. Arancon, Jr., and adopted by PCA Governing Board on July 11, 2014.