Republic Act No. 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act is an act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats
The provisions of this Act shall be enforceable for all wildlife species found in all areas of the country, including protected areas under Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, and critical habitats.
[RA 9147] Section 28. Penalties for Violations of this Act “For any person who undertakes illegal acts under paragraph (a) of the immediately preceding section to any species as may be categorized pursuant to this Act, the following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed:”
“(a) imprisonment of a minimum of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve(12) years and/or a fine of one hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) to one million pesos (P 1,000,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as critical;”
“(b) imprisonment of four (4) years and one (1) day to six (6) years and/or a fine of fifty thousand pesos (P 50,000.00) to five hundred thousand pesos (P 500,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against endangered species;”
“(c) imprisonment of two (2) years and one (1) day to four (4) years and/or a fine of thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) to three hundred thousand pesos (P 300,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against vulnerable species;”
“(d) imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to two (2) years and/or a fine of twenty thousand pesos (P 20,000.00) to two hundred thousand pesos (200,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against other threatened species; and”
“(e) imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year and/or a fine of ten thousand pesos (P 10,000.00) to one hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against other wildlife species.”
“All wildlife, its derivatives or by-products, and all paraphernalia, tools and conveyances used in connection with violations of this Act, shall be ipso facto forfeited in favor of the government: Provided, That where the ownership of the aforesaid conveyances belong to third persons who has no participation in or knowledge of the illegal acts, the same may be released to said owner. The apprehending agency shall immediately cause the transfer of all wildlife that have been seized or recovered to the nearest Wildlife Rescue Center of the Department in the area.”
“IF THE OFFENDER IS AN ALIEN, HE SHALL BE DEPORTED AFTER SERVICE OF SENTENCE AND PAYMENT OF FINES, WITHOUT ANY FURTHER PROCEEDINGS.”
“The fines herein prescribed shall be increased by at least ten percent (10%) every three (3) years to compensate for inflation and maintain the deterrent function of such fines.
RA 9147 regulates the collection and trade of wildlife, especially protecting threatened or exotic species under domestic law pursuant to international conventions. RA 11038 aims to establish a legal basis for local communities and other stakeholders to participate in the management and protection of protected areas.