Section 48. Gross Violations.

 - In case of gross violation of this Act or its

implementing rules and regulations, the PAB shall recommend to the proper
government agencies to file the appropriate criminal charges against the violators.
The PAB shall assist the public prosecutor in the litigation of the case. Gross
violation shall mean:

(a) three (3) or more specific offenses within a period of one (1) year;

(b) three (3) or more specific offenses with three (3) consecutive years;

(c) blatant disregard of the orders of the PAB, such s but not limited to the
breaking of seal, padlocks and other similar devices, or operation despite the
existence of an order for closure, discontinuance or cessation of operation;
and

(d) irreparable or grave damage to the environment as a consequence of any

violation of the provisions of this Act.

Offenders shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) years but
not more than ten (10) years at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a
juridical person, the president, manager, directors, trustees, the pollution control
officer or the officials directly in charge of the operations shall suffer the penalty
herein provided.