QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 172)
The cancellations were affirmed under the authority of Article XVII, Section 12 of the 1973 Philippine Constitution.
The cancellations were primarily due to violations of forest laws, rules, and regulations by the concessionaires or their failure to establish processing plants as required.
The recipient is the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, directed to implement immediately the cancellation or termination of the thirty-three timber licenses as affirmed by the President.
It instructs the phasing out of all log exports by 1976 to promote the establishment of wood processing centers and encourage more value-added wood products to increase foreign exchange earnings and employment.
To prevent despoilment or exploitation of the forests and to ensure sustainable development of forest resources that balances economic benefits with ecological preservation.
Processing plants are essential for adding value to wood products, increasing foreign exchange earnings, creating employment, and are a requirement for timber licensees.
Thirty-three timber licenses were cancelled or terminated as listed in the letter.
Examples include Catanduanes Mahogany, Inc., Mindanao Plywood Corp., and San Mariano Timber Resources Corp.
It underscores the seriousness of enforcing forest laws and policies at the highest level of government and ensures that cancellations made by the Department are supported and upheld constitutionally.