Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2000-21)
A Private Land Timber Permit (PLTP) is a permit issued to a landowner for the cutting, gathering, and utilization of naturally-grown trees in private lands.
The SPLTP is issued specifically for the cutting, gathering, and utilization of premium hardwood species including Benguet pine, whether planted or naturally-grown.
Private lands are lands covered by administrative or juridical titles such as Free Patent, Homestead, Sales Patent, Torrens Titles, or Cloas under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Realty tax declarations alone are not acceptable proof of ownership.
Only the owner of a private land, as defined under the Order, may qualify to apply for and be granted a PLTP/SPLTP.
Applicants must submit a letter of application, authenticated copy of land title or CLOA with an approved sketch map, a development plan if over 10 hectares, endorsements from appropriate local government officials, endorsement by a local agrarian reform officer if applicable, and pay the inventory fee.
Yes, applicants must submit an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) to the concerned DENR office, which serves as the basis for the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
A 100% inventory by registered forester(s) must be conducted, including preparation of a detailed map, measurement of trees, numbering and charting trees, volume computation, and submission of a sworn timber inventory report with required attachments.
For SPLTP volume not exceeding 10 cubic meters, the Regional Executive Director (RED) issues the permit; over 10 cubic meters, the Secretary of DENR issues it. For PLTP, RED approves up to 50 cubic meters, and the Secretary approves volumes exceeding 50 cubic meters.
The tenure depends on the allowable cut volume, ranging from 50 days for 1-50 cubic meters to one year for volumes over 1001 cubic meters, with only one permit per titled property within a year, and possible extensions for a similar period.
Yes, cutting naturally grown trees inside private lands under PLTP/SPLTP is subject to forest charges as per R.A. 7161 and its implementing rules.
Transport of logs/lumber must be accompanied by original Certificate of Origin, tally sheets, auxiliary invoice, and official receipt for forest charges; finished products require delivery receipts or sales invoices accompanied by tally sheets.
Cutting is prohibited within 20 meters of roads and waterways unless trees pose danger; selective cutting is required on slopes 18% or greater; and logs/lumber transport outside the province is restricted in areas under logging ban unless authorized.
Monitoring is conducted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and representatives of Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee and/or Local Government Unit concerned.
Any wood products transported without the prescribed documents are considered illegal and subject to confiscation by the government. DENR officials issuing defective certificates may face suspension and other penalties under civil service laws.
The Order took effect immediately upon acknowledgment by the UP Law Center and 15 days after publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.