Regulating Forestry Profession Practice

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Republic Act No. 6239: Regulating Forestry Profession Practice

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Title Source: Supreme Court: Regulating Forestry Profession Practice

Law: Republic Act No. 6239

Decision Date: Jun 19, 1971

The Forestry Profession Law regulates the practice of forestry in the Philippines, requiring individuals to have practical experience or completion of the Forestry Course under the supervision of a registered forester, with the law establishing a Board of Examiners for Foresters to oversee the profession and ensure adherence to ethical standards and educational qualifications.

Law Summary

Scope and Definition of Practice\n- Practice includes scientific conservation and management of forests\n- Encompasses consultation, planning, investigation, logging, scaling, wood identification, forest plantation supervision, wildlife protection, and reforestation efforts\n- Persons with 3 years experience or 2 years forestry course may work under supervision\n- "Forester" means registered individuals who passed the board exam or are qualified and exempt\n\n### Board of Examiners: Creation and Membership\n- Board of three foresters created within 30 days after law approval\n- Members appointed by President from nominees by Society of Filipino Foresters, with Commission on Appointments consent\n- Members' terms: one year, two years, three years initially; subsequent terms three years each\n- Chairman elected annually\n\n### Removal, Suspension, and Vacancies of Board Members\n- Removal grounds: neglect, incompetence, malpractice, unethical/unprofessional/moral misconduct\n- Due process required including administrative investigation\n- Suspension during investigation up to 60 days\n- Vacancies filled only for unexpired terms; no reappointment after full term\n\n### Powers and Duties of the Board\n- Administer oaths, issue/revoke registration certificates\n- Investigate malpractice/unethical cases, conduct hearings, issue subpoenas\n- Inspect forestry educational institutions for standards compliance\n- Endorse Code of Ethics and Code of Forestry Practices for approval\n- Supervise exam question formulation and rating by qualified area specialists\n\n### Qualifications and Disqualifications of Board Members\n- Must be natural-born citizens, good moral character\n- At least Bachelor of Science in Forestry or equivalent\n- Minimum 10 years forestry practice experience\n- No direct or indirect ties with forestry educational institutions during term and 6 months post-term\n\n### Secretariat and Support Services for the Board\n- Secretariat provided by Civil Service Commission under Board control\n- Chairman appoints Secretary of the Board from Secretariat\n- Adequate office space and support mandated\n\n### Fees and Compensation\n- Examination fee: at least ₱50; Registration certificate fee: at least ₱20\n- Board members: max ₱100 per meeting, max 24 meetings per year\n- Area specialists compensated (min ₱5 per applicant)\n- Government-employed Board members receive per diem plus salary\n- Expenses paid from Civil Service Commission funds\n\n### Record-Keeping and Reports\n- Board to maintain records and register of all applicants\n- Register includes applicant details, examination results, and actions taken\n- Official records are prima facie evidence in proceedings\n- Annual report of activities submitted to President and Congress\n\n### Registration and Examination Requirements\n- Practice of forestry requires valid registration certificate issued by Board\n- Certificate issued to exempt persons or those passing exam\n- Technical examination required except for those exempted\n- Exams held as scheduled by Board with prescribed subjects and methods\n- Examination applicants must be 21+, Filipino citizens, good moral character, forestry graduates or equivalent\n- Successful applicants must take a professional oath\n\n### Exemption from Examination\n- Holders of Forestry degrees with 10 years experience or passed civil service exam for foresters\n- Foreign forestry experts called by Philippine government with proper qualifications or diplomatic certification\n- Foreign forestry experts working for local private enterprises under contract similarly qualified\n\n### Violations and Penalties\n- Willful violations: fine up to ₱500\n- False testimony or falsified evidence punished under Revised Penal Code\n- Board may revoke registration for malpractice or unethical conduct subject to Civil Service procedures\n- Law does not preclude judicial remedies\n\n### Roster of Registered Foresters\n- Civil Service Commissioner to prepare initial and annual updated roster within six months after enactment\n- Certified copies filed with relevant government agencies and educational institutions\n- Rosters available to government officials and the public upon request\n\n### Separability and Effectivity\n- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect remainder of law\n- Law effective upon approval

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