QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 213)
EO 213 constitutes the National Enforcement Task Force on Coconut Tree Conservation (NETFORCE) to ensure that the cutting of coconut trees and related activities (processing, transport, sale, disposal/utilization) are strictly regulated under RA 8048 and its implementing rules.
The NETFORCE includes the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as Chairman (Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator as Co-Chairman), plus members from the Department of Agrarian Reform, DENR, DILG, Philippine National Police (Chief), Bureau of Internal Revenue (Commissioner), Philippine Coast Guard (Commandant), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Administrator), and invited representatives of accredited coconut farmer organizations and NGOs.
EO 213 authorizes the NETFORCE to invite representatives of accredited coconut farmer organizations and concerned NGOs, including deputized support groups, to assist or provide support.
They include formulating action plans to control illegal cutting under RA 8048; organizing Regional Composite Teams with the overall supervision of the PNP Chief, with DOJ investigators/prosecutors; and establishing detachment stations/roving inspectors/patrols to monitor, inspect, report, arrest violators, and seize/confiscate illegally cut coconut trees/lumber and implements/vehicles used.
EO 213 states that the Department of Justice shall designate investigators or prosecutors as members of the Regional Composite Teams to investigate reports and assist in filing the appropriate complaints for violations.
They must monitor and report cutting and movement/processing of coconut lumber by land, sea, or air; inspect sawmills, chain/power saws, lumberyards, dealers, and other entities involved; and determine compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
They may cause or effect the arrest of violators; pending investigation, seize/confiscate illegally cut coconut trees or processed lumber, as well as power/chain saws or implements used, and the vehicles used in transporting the coconut trees or lumber.
Yes. EO 213 emphasizes coordinated action among government agencies, LGUs, and the private sector, and Section 3 specifically grants LGUs authority to verify permits and apprehend and seize/confiscate.
LGUs in whose jurisdiction illegally cut/processed coconut trees are transported may verify the authenticity/validity of cutting permits and the type and volume of covered trees/lumber. Pursuant to RA 7160, LGUs may apprehend violators and seize/confiscate illegally cut/processed coconut trees and implements used in illegal cutting/processing, plus vehicles used in transport/movement.
It expressly invokes RA 7160 to recognize LGU power to apprehend violators and to seize/confiscate relevant illegal items and instruments, consistent with EO 213’s enforcement objectives.
If the responsible PCA official or barangay chairman/official is found to have permitted, allowed, tolerated, connived, conspired, or given special treatment to violations of RA 8048 or its IRR, the official shall be suspended or dismissed in accordance with the applicable disciplinary provisions and/or RA 8048 penal sanctions.
EO 213 refers to the Omnibus Rules implementing Book V, Subtitle A, of the Administrative Code of 1987, and/or the penal sanctions of RA 8048.
The PCA provincial manager, coconut development officer, and barangay chairman/official jointly must ensure that any area where coconut trees are cut is replanted with replacement seedlings within three (3) months from the date of cutting.
Failure constitutes prima facie evidence of violation and is sufficient to charge the responsible PCA and/or barangay officials under Section 4.
The PCA must allocate sufficient funds from its corporate operating budget, augmented by at least 10% from its share of fees collected from the issuance of cutting permits to support NETFORCE operations, regional composite teams, detachment stations, and inspector/patrol teams.
EO 213 requires the NETFORCE to adopt implementing guidelines as may be necessary to implement the Executive Order.
It shall take effect immediately.