Question & AnswerQ&A (PCSD Resolution NO. 12-432)
The State policy, under Section 2 of R.A. 7611, is to protect, develop, and conserve its natural resources by assisting and supporting plans, programs, and projects that preserve and enhance the environment, while pursuing the country's socio-economic development goals and promoting sustainable development through proper conservation and utilization of natural resources.
The general philosophy of the SEP is the sustainable development of Palawan, which aims to improve the quality of life for present and future generations through complementary development and conservation activities that protect ecosystems and rehabilitate exploited areas.
ECAN is a graded system of protection and development control covering all of Palawan, including tribal lands, forests, mines, agricultural areas, islands, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and surrounding seas, ensuring forest conservation, watershed protection, biodiversity preservation, tribal culture protection, sustainable yield maintenance, endangered species protection, and areas for education, research, and recreation.
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) is vested with the governance, implementation, and policy direction of the SEP, as provided under Section 16 of R.A. 7611.
Under Section 19, the PCSD has powers to adopt, amend, and rescind rules and regulations; impose penalties; enforce the Act and related laws; perform functions promoting natural resource development, conservation, management, protection, and utilization; and perform other necessary powers.
The Chainsaw Act of 2002 (R.A. 9175) aims to conserve, develop, and protect forest resources through sustainable forest management by aggressively curbing illegal logging and forest destruction facilitated by the use of chainsaws.
As stipulated in Section 9 of R.A. 9175, the PCSD is the lead implementing agency for the Chainsaw Act in Palawan, pursuant to R.A. 7611, and promulgated Administrative Order No. 07, series of 2006 to enforce the law.
The revision was needed due to procedural gaps, unclear rules regarding chainsaw manufacture, dealership, possession, sale, importation, repair, and transportation, and insufficient prohibitions and penalties to effectively enforce the Chainsaw Act in Palawan.
The revised rules provide detailed regulations on the proceedings of chainsaw cases before the Provincial Adjudication Board (PAB), including clearer procedures addressing manufacture, sale, ownership, transport, special use, importation, repair of chainsaws, and corresponding penalties.
The Resolution allows amendments or additions to the revised rules until the February 2012 Regular Council Meeting; after this date, with or without amendments, the Revised Rules shall be fully approved and will be subject to publication for effectivity.