Law Summary
Deregulation of Tree Harvesting on Private Lands
- Ministry Administrative Order (MAO) No. 04, Series of 1987, alongside related issuances, promotes tree planting by private landowners by deregulating harvest permits.
- Private landowners with titled or tax-declared A&D lands and approved application for title can harvest, transport, and sell tree products without securing PLTPCP or PLTCP.
- A Certificate of Verification issued by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) suffices as authorization.
Rationale Against Requiring Permits Before Tree Cutting
- Requiring permits like PLTPCP or PLTCP before cutting and transporting harvested trees on private lands deters tree planting incentives.
- The DENR issuances intend to encourage tree farming by simplifying regulatory requirements.
Reference to Specific Departmental Administrative Orders (DAOs)
- DAO No. 86, Series of 1988: Deregulates harvesting, transporting, and sale of firewood, pulpwood, or timber on private lands.
- DAO No. 26, Series of 1990: Amends DAO 86-88 prescribing further rules on deregulation.
- DAO No. 79, Series of 1990: Further amendments enhancing deregulation rules.
Data Reporting and Monitoring Requirements
- CENRO must report the issuance of Certificates of Verification and related statistical data (species, volume, etc.)
- Reporting must be done using prescribed forestry statistical forms:
- FS1: Log Production
- FS2: Fuelwood/Charcoal Production
- FS11: Issuance of Forestry Licenses/Permits
- This is pursuant to DAO No. 94-10.
Immediate Compliance Directive
- All DENR field offices are directed to cease issuing PLTPCP and PLTCP.
- Compliance with MAO No. 87-04 and the series of DAO deregulating tree harvesting activities on private lands is mandatory.
Legal Authority and Date
- Memorandum circular issued on November 27, 1997.
- Signed by Virgelio Q. Marcelo, emphasizing enforcement and administrative adherence.