Palawan Papilionidae Smuggling as malum prohibitum: A biogeography Approach on Endemic Butterflies and Review of Philippine Penal Jurisprudence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67669/facci0011Keywords:
malum prohibitum, endemic butterflies, Philippine jurisprudence, biogeographyAbstract
Six species and subspecies of Papilionidae (birdwings and swallowtails) were classified as native and endemic to Palawan. By introspection on the generated maps, it can be observed how the main species range of the following Palawan Papilionidae, (i) Papilio helenus palawanicus, (ii) Achillides karna irauna, and (iii) Papilio palinurus angustatus. is within the Sundaic archipelago. It is critical to recognize that the heterogenous topography of Palawan has led to the conception of microhabitats which may facilitate in the process of speciation. Such terrains have conceptualized Palawan as a cradle of endemism and biodiversity within the Indo-Malayan biogeographic realm. The following study is anchored on Thomas Huxley’s argument how Palawan exists as a northward extension of the Wallace Line resulting to species divergence. The high endemicity rate of Palawan has framed its vicinity as a potential target for wildlife smugglers--- particularly for individuals who sought advantage in the growing hobby of butterfly collection whose value is based on rarity. Under Philippine jurisprudence, smuggling has been understood as malum prohibitum--- mere possession of an unlicensed good is already punishable regardless the presence or absence of criminal intent. Seven Supreme Court decisions were pooled using convenience sampling during the time periods of the American colonial government, the Marcos Sr. Administration, and post- EDSA 1 arrangements. Results suggest how smuggling during the American colonial government and early years of the Marcos Sr. administration geared on illegal opium orientation while post-EDSA 1 decisions
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Mr. Jericho A. Trio is a stud
