Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 54)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 54 is to impose penalties for illegal logging in order to protect Philippine forest reserves and vital industries related to logging from being indiscriminately denuded or destroyed.
Illegal logging includes any natural or juridical person who directly or indirectly cuts, declares, classifies, possesses, or exports logs in violation of existing laws, rules, and regulations.
For the first offense, the penalties include confiscation of the logs in question, payment of a fine according to existing laws, rules and regulations, and suspension of the license and permit to operate for six months during the cutting period.
For the second offense, penalties include confiscation of the logs, payment of fines, immediate cancellation of the license and permit to operate, and arrest and detention of the offenders until ordered released by the President or his authorized representative.
Yes, it states that all laws, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this decree are hereby amended or modified accordingly.
This decree took effect immediately upon its promulgation on November 16, 1972.
The decree empowers the duly constituted authorities and every citizen to protect forests, with penalties administered and offenders arrested and detained under orders of the President or his authorized representatives.
Licenses and permits to operate in logging activities are subject to suspension for six months upon the first offense, and immediate cancellation upon the second offense.
Martial law declared by Proclamation No. 1081 provides the legal basis and context for the President to issue this decree to restore peace, order, and protect vital national resources including forest reserves.