Law Summary
Permit to Cut Coconut Trees
- No coconut tree may be cut without a permit issued by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
- Application requires payment of fees: P100/tree split as P40 to PCA, P40 to municipal government, P20 to barangay.
- PCA fees fund replanting; local government fees support road repair.
- Fees must be deposited in government depository banks and remitted timely.
- Permit requires certification from barangay captain that replanting equivalent number of trees has been done, except for converted lands.
- PCA, with local governments, verifies replanting and regulates care of newly planted trees through inspections.
Police Powers of the Philippine Coconut Authority
- PCA is empowered to exercise police powers:
- Investigate violations of the Act.
- Arrest those committing or attempting offenses under the Act.
- Apprehend possessors of coconut lumber without proper permits.
- Search and seize vehicles carrying illegally cut coconut lumber with probable cause.
- Stop transportation or shipment of unauthorized coconut lumber.
- Confiscate and forfeit illegally cut coconut lumber and related equipment.
- Seek assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
Implementation and Monitoring
- PCA is the lead implementing agency for the Act.
- It must promulgate implementing rules and regulations.
- PCA may enlist local government units to monitor compliance.
- PCA may deputize Philippine National Police and other agencies for enforcement.
- Immediate disposition of confiscated lumber ordered by PCA to prevent waste.
- Registration of sawmills, lumberyards, and coconut wood dealers is mandatory.
Penalties for Violations
- Violators face:
- Imprisonment from 2 to 6 years and/or fines from P100,000 to P500,000.
- For corporations/juridical entities, offending officials face penalties.
- Government employees face dismissal in addition to penalties.
- Barangay captains issuing false certifications face 3 to 7 years imprisonment, fines from P100,000 to P1,000,000, and perpetual disqualification from public office.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Sections renumbered for consistency.
- Separability clause ensures remainder of the law remains valid if any part is declared invalid.
- Repealing clause revokes inconsistent laws or issuances.
- Effectivity clause states the law takes effect 15 days after publication in official or general circulation media.