Section 13Sec./Art. 13

Powers and Functions of the TPAMB. - The TPAMB shall have the following powers and functions:

(a)Decide matters relating to planning, resource use and protection, and general administration of the area in accordance with the management plan;

(b)Approve budget allocations, proposals, work plans, action plans, guidelines for management of the TRNP in accordance with the management plan and its policies;

(c)Establish productive partnership, with national and local agencies, local government units, local communities, the academe, nongovernmental organizations, and such other institutions to ensure the conservation and management of the TRNP; coordinate and implement;

(d)Initiate the implementation of the delineation of the boundaries of the TRNP;

(e)Promulgate rules and regulations and impose penalties for violations thereof;

(f)Ensure the implementation and enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, policies, programs and projects within the TRNP;

(g)Control and regulate construction, operation and maintenance of structure and utilities within the TRNP;

(h)Monitor and evaluate the performance of the TMO and all those implementing activities and projects in the TRNP;

(i)Appoint the TRNP PASu, and, upon recommendation of the PASu, appoint management personnel based on internal selection criteria and decide on their compensation and benefits;

(j)Generate funds and accept donations, grants; appropriate and disburse the same, and exercise accountability over all funds that may accrue to the TRNP;

(k)Manage the TRNP Trust Fund, as herein provided;

(l)Exercise quasi-judicial functions for adjudicating cases of violations of this Act and impose penalties for violations of guidelines, rules and regulations within the TRNP;

(m)Deputize individuals for the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations governing conduct within the TRNP, and prescribe the necessary qualifications therefore;

(n)Retain legal counsel to defend cases against the TPAMB and the Office of the PASu whenever they are sued in connection with the performance of their duties under this Act, guidelines, and rules and regulations pertaining to the TRNP;

(o)Provide adequate measures to ensure consultation and participation of stakeholders;

(p)Possess authority to issue permits and conditions thereto, and determine and collect fees, for the utilization and enjoyment of the TRNP and the resources therein: Provided, That the TPAMB may delegate to the PASu the authority to issue permits and collect fees for temporary access to the TRNP such as, visiting or diving, subject to the limits as may be determined by the TPAMB: Provided, however, That entry into the TRNP for emergency reasons shall not be subject to permit and users' fees;

(q)Determine, based on existing scientific evidence, laws, rules and regulations, international instruments, traditional resource utilization, management modalities in the area, carrying capacity, and observing precautionary principle, the modes of utilization of the TRNP and all the resources found therein. Permits shall only be issued for such modes of utilization and enjoyment as the TPAMB and this Act shall allow; and

(r)Perform such other functions necessary for the fulfillment of the provisions of this Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, and as may be required.