Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 330)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 330 is to penalize timber smuggling or illegal cutting of logs from public forests and forest reserves as qualified theft to protect and conserve these natural resources for future generations.
Any person who directly or indirectly cuts, gathers, removes, or smuggles timber or other forest products from public forests, forest reserves, or privately owned forest lands in violation of existing laws is penalized.
It classifies the act as qualified theft as defined and penalized under Articles 308, 309, and 310 of the Revised Penal Code.
Any natural or juridical person who commits the illegal acts described can be held liable. If the offender is a corporation, firm, partnership, or association, the guilty officer or officers are liable.
In addition to the penalties prescribed, alien officers found guilty shall be deported without further proceedings by the Commission on Immigration and Deportation.
Yes, it covers timber cutting or removal from privately owned forest lands if done in violation of existing laws, rules, and regulations.
It took effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the country.
All laws, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Penalties are defined under Articles 308, 309, and 310 of the Revised Penal Code.
The decree was signed by Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines.