Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 213)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 213 is to constitute the National Enforcement Task Force on Coconut Tree Conservation (NETFORCE) to ensure effective and timely coordination among government agencies, local government units, and the private sector in regulating and conserving coconut trees pursuant to RA 8048.
Republic Act No. 8048, also known as the Coconut Tree Preservation Act of 1995, mandates the regulation of cutting coconut trees and the conduct of a sustainable and efficient replanting program.
NETFORCE is composed of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as Chairman, the Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority as Co-Chairman, Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Chief of the Philippine National Police, Commissioner of Bureau of Internal Revenue, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Administrator of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.
NETFORCE is tasked to formulate plans of action to control the cutting of coconut trees, organize Regional Composite Teams to enforce these plans, investigate violations, assist in filing complaints, establish detachment stations, designate roving inspectors and patrols to monitor the cutting, processing, transport, and sale of coconut lumber, inspect sawmills and lumber dealers, and cause the arrest of violators with seizure of illegally cut coconut trees and related equipment.
LGUs have the authority to verify the authenticity of cutting permits, apprehend violators, and seize or confiscate illegally cut or processed coconut trees, including implements and vehicles used in illegal cutting or transport, pursuant to the Local Government Code (RA 7160).
Responsible Philippine Coconut Authority officials or barangay officials who permit, tolerate, or connive in violations may be suspended or dismissed from office in accordance with the disciplinary provisions of the Omnibus Rules implementing the Administrative Code of 1987 and/or the penal sanctions of RA 8048.
The Philippine Coconut Authority provincial manager, coconut development officer, and barangay officials must ensure that coconut trees cut in any barangay area are replanted with replacement seedlings within three months from the date of cutting. Failure to do so constitutes prima facie evidence of violation and grounds for administrative or penal action.
The Philippine Coconut Authority shall allocate sufficient funds from its corporate operating budget, augmented by at least ten percent from fees collected from the issuance of cutting permits, to support NETFORCE's operations, including regional teams and local detachments.
The Department of Justice designates investigators or prosecutors as members of the Regional Composite Teams to investigate reports and assist in filing appropriate complaints for violations of Philippine Coconut Authority rules, RA 8048, and its implementing rules.
Yes, NETFORCE is authorized to invite representatives of accredited coconut farmer organizations and non-government organizations concerned as deputized support groups to assist in coconut tree conservation activities.