Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 274)
Act No. 274 prohibits the unauthorized destruction of timber on public lands, specifically the making of 'caingins' or clearings by felling or burning trees on public lands.
'Caingins' refers to clearings on public lands made by felling or burning trees.
Violators may be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred US dollars, imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, at the court's discretion, for each offense.
Yes, in addition to fines and imprisonment, violators must pay charges on timber unlawfully cut or burned based on rates fixed in General Order Number 92. If payment is not made, the violator suffers one day's imprisonment for each dollar of unpaid charges.
The civil governors of provinces, the Philippine Constabulary, and municipal presidents have the duty to arrest and turn over violators within their jurisdiction to the proper authorities for trial.
Yes, municipal presidents are empowered to use the municipal police in making arrests under this Act.
Non-Christian tribe members or those ignorant of the law found making 'caingins' shall be dismissed with a warning for the first offense but will be punished as provided for upon a second offense.
This Act took effect immediately upon its passage on October 21, 1901.
The passage was expedited in accordance with Section 2 of 'An Act prescribing the order of procedure by the Commission in the enactment of laws,' passed September 26, 1900.
The Act requires the payment of charges on timber unlawfully cut or burned, in accordance with rates fixed in General Order Number 92 issued by the U.S. Military Governor in the Philippines.