Bill to make Chocolate Hills a heritage park

A congressman from Manila who is also a screen actor has thrown his support behind a move to declare the Chocolate Hills a National Patrimony Natural Heritage Park and Geological Monument.

Rep. John Marvin Nieto, whose screen name is Yul Servo, has joined Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado in pushing for the measure that will protect the 1,268 hills, which are actually naturally formed mounds of soil and limestone, in the towns of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan from destruction, pillage and vandalism.

The Chocolate Hills “are considered as the crown jewels of Bohol's tourism. It is recognized as one of the wonders of the world and also one of the country's major tourist attractions. Despite the various attempt to protect and preserve this national treasure, much more needs to be done, " Nieto said.

He has filed House Bill 6568 or the proposed Chocolate Hills Protection Act to ban the quarrying or hauling of limestone, rock, soil and road materials at the iconic hills.

The bill punishes the pillage of Chocolate Hills with a prison term of from eight to 12 years and a fine of as high as R120,000.

Those convicted for destruction face eight to 12 years in prison and a fine of as high as R120,000.

Those convicted for defacement face six to eight years in prison and a fine of R60,000 to R84,000.

Aumentado has filed a similar bill, which orders the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to issue the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed act.

He said the bill was approved by the House Committee on Ecology during the 16th Congress.