SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No._ 7567

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill originally introduced as House Bill No. 2731

during the 15” Congress where it was approved by the Committee on Civil
service and Professional Regulation and substituted with House Bill No. 6342. It was
‘subsequently approved on 2” reading, approved on 3% reading and was transmitted to the
Senate where it was not acted upon. Further, during this 16” Congress, the undersigned
filed a similar bill which unfortunately, the Committee has yet to act upon. As such, the
undersigned is filing this version of the bill, as approved by the Senate last September 8,
2014.

Republic Act 6239, otherwise known as the Forestry Profession Law, was enacted
into law on June 19, 1971, or some 37 years ago. Expectedly, some of its provisions have
outgrown its relevance to the forest policies of the Philippines, the program development
thrusts of the goverment, the new knowledge in forestry and the practices of some of the
8,000 professional Filipino Forester’s today.

Forestry is a dynamic profession. Changes in the physical environment and
conditions of natural resources as well as global and national policies and laws concerning
them, scientific concepts, methodologists and technologies, and even ethical issues affect
the practice of the forestry profession. The new competence standards developed for
foresters show the specific knowledge and skills foresters should have today.

In the 70s, when the law regulating the forestry profession in the country was
enacted, issues on global environment, sustainable forest management, community-based
resource management, integrated protected areas systems, climate change and biodiversity
conservation were barely heard. Today, these national and global legal and social concepts
dictate how resources management in the country will be pursued and implemented side by
side with economic considerations.

Thus, today's forestry graduates who intend to practice the art and craft of the
forestry profession must show proof of their capability and preparedness by way of meeting
the requirement provided for in an updated law that would allow only the deserving ones to
practice the profession.

Among the critical revisions of RA 6239 contained in this proposed Act are the
following:

1. Revisiting the scope of activities and services defining the practice of forestry;

2. Deletion of the provision requiring area specialists in every area coverage of the Foresters
Licensure Examination;


3. Removal of the provision along registration of forestry professionals without examination,
except in case of foreign reciprocity;

4. Reorientation of the specific areas of topics to be covered in the Foresters Licensure
Examination;

5. Requiring that only Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) graduates and not mere
equivalent degrees are qualified to take the Foresters Licensure Examination;

6. Involving the active participation of the accredited professional organization concemed
and CHED, among others, in the matter of education and practice of the forestry profession;

7. Clearly stating the grounds for suspension or revocation of professional license and/or
certificate of registration;

8. Providing a condition before allowing foreign professional foresters to practice forestry in
the Philippines; and

9. Aligning provisions of this with Act RA 8981, otherwise known as the PRC Modemization
Act of 2000.

The approval of the proposed revision is urgent and highly desirable in order to
enable the professional Filipino Foresters to effectively address the various demands of their
clientele and accordingly react to social and political issues and critical environmental
concems besetting the county today. The Filipino Forester’s role in sustainable
development will be enhanced and the mechanism for the growth of the profession will be
institutionalized in this proposed Act.

Approval of this bill is therefore eamestly requested.

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No__ 2087

AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF FORESTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE,
KNOWN AS "THE FORESTRY PROFESSION LAW", APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

ARTICLE |
TITLE, POLICY, OBJECTIVES, TERMS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

‘SECTION 1. Title — This Act shall be known as the "Forestry Profession Act .

SEC 2. Statement of Policy ~ The State recognizes the important role of professional
foresters in nation-building. Towards this end, the State shall promote the sustained
development of professional foresters, whose technical competencies have been determined
by honest and credible licensure examinations and whose professional service and
standards of practice are intemationally recognized and considered world class, brought
about by the strategic complementation of regulatory measures and human resource policies
and programs that foster their professional growth and. advancement.

‘SEC 3. Objectives — This Act provides for and shall govern:
(a) The examination, registration and licensure of professional foresters;
(b) The supervision, control and regulation of the practice of forestry in the Philippines;
(c) The development and upgrading of the forestry curriculum:
(d) The development of the professional competence of foresters through mandatory
Continuing Professional Education (CPE); and
(€) The integration of the forestry profession.

SEC 4. Definition of Terms — For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean:
(@) APO refers to the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) of foresters that the
Board has accredited, subject to the approval by the Commission, as the one and

only accredited integrated national organization of foresters.

(b) Board refers to the Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters created under this
Act.

(©) Commission refers to the Professional Regulation Commission created under
Republic Act No. 8981, known as the. "PRC Modernization Act of 2000”.

(d) Forestry refers to the art, science, practice and business of sustainable management
of forest and forestland resources for the production of goods and services and the
enhancement of benefits and values of such resources to provide the needs of the
present and future generations.


(e) Professional forester refers to a registered and licensed natural person who holds a
valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card, issued by
the Board and the Commission pursuant to this Act.

SEC 5. Scope of Practice of Forestry — The practice of forestry shall include, but not be
limited to, the following acts or activities:

(@) Different aspects of actual and/or supervisory activities or services, such as the
parametric classifications of lands of the public domain and subclassification and
capability determination of forestlands; inventory of forest or timber and other forest
products; reconnaissance and survey of road locations and quarry sites; planning
and implementing’ of harvesting operations and timber improvement; scaling and
grading of, and manifesting taxes on logs and derivative wood products as well as
other forest products; preparation of designs, plans and specifications of forest
products processing plants; treatment of wood and other forest products; inspection
and investigation of harvesting and processing plants; preparation, certification
and/or authentication of log and lumber dealers, sawmill operators and other mill
reports; planning and implementation of forest nursery, afforestation, reforestation,
industrial and community-based tree plantation, tree farm and agro-forestry farm
projects; planning and implementation of forest parks, wilderness areas, coastal
areas and other protected area systems development; planning and implementation
of forest protection systems, forest and soil resources conservation measures; and
conduct of environmental risk scoping and environmental impact assessment;

(b) The preparation and conduct of feasibility studies pertaining to natural forest and
plantation forest management, watershed management, range or grazing land
management, wildlife and/or biodiversity systems management, wood technology
and timber engineering, wood products manufacturing and marketing management,
and technical or management consultancy;

(©) The conduct of forest experiments, research and development, training and
extension conceming forestry, and the teaching of forestry subjects in any accredited
college or school of forestry;

(d) Management and operation of govemment agency and institutional activities or
services wherein the principal policy and strategy is forestry and the employment of
professional forestry practice is essential, such as the undertaking, supervision or
administration of studies, programs, stations, centers, community/provincial/regional
offices and such other activities or services that, by law, shall be inherently exercised
by professional foresters; and

(e) The conduct of forestry activities and services required by local goverment units,
private corporations, foundations, nongovernment organizations and foreign-assisted
Projects.

The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise, exclude from and/or add to
the above enumerated acts or activities as the need arises to conform to’ the latest trends
and developments in the practice of forestry.

ARTICLE I
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR FORESTERS

SEC 6. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters —
There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters, hereinafter referred
to as the Board, a collegial body under the administrative supervision and control of the
Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be
composed of the chairperson and two (2) members; appointed by the President of the
Philippines from a list of three (3) recommendees for each position chosen and submitted by
the Commission from a list of five (5) nominees for every position endorsed by the APO.


SEC 7. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board - The chairperson and
each member shall, at the time of appointment, possess all the following qualifications and
requirements:

(2) Acitizen and a resident of the Philippines;

(b) Of good moral character;

(©) Not convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving moral
turpitude;

(d) A holder of a bachelor’s degree in forestry, preferably with a masteral or doctorate
degree in forestry conferred by a duly licensed school, college or university
recognized by the govemment through the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED);

(©) A registered forester with a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional
identification card, and with at least ten (10) years of practice prior to appointment;

() Amember in good standing of the APO;

(g) Not a member of the faculty of any school, college or university where a regular or
review course in forestry is offered, not a member or a staff of reviewers in a review
school or center, and does not have any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any
‘such institution; and

(h) Not an officer or trustee of the APO.

‘SEC 8. Term of Office — The chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office for a
term of three (3) years from the date of appointment or until their successors shall have been
qualified and appointed. They may be reappointed to the same office for another term of
three (3) years immediately after the expiry of their term: Provided, That the holding of such
position shall not be more than two (2) terms or not more than six (6) years: Provided,
further, That the first Board appointed under this Act shall hold these terms of office: the
Chairperson for three (3) years, the first member for two (2) years and the second member
for one (1) year: Provided, finally, That any appointee to a vacancy with the unexpired period
shall only serve such period.

The chairperson and the members shall duly take their oaths of office before
discharging the duties of their respective positions.

SEC 9. Compensation, Allowances and Other Benefits — The chairperson and members of
the Board shall receive compensation, allowances and other benefits comparable to those
that the chairpersons and members of other professional regulatory boards under the
Commission enjoy as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC 10. Powers, Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the Board — The Board shall
exercise executive and administrative rule-making and quasi-judicial powers in carrying out
the provisions of this Act. It shall be vested with the following specific powers, functions,
duties and responsibilities:
(a) To regulate the practice of forestry in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
(b) To issue and promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this
Act
(©) To adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Governance and the
Code Technical Standards for the Practice of Forestry;
(d) To adopt an official seal of the Board;
(e) To prescribe and promulgate guidelines on the mandatory CPE for foresters in
consultation with the APO;
(To prescribe and promulgate the syllabi for the subjects in the licensure examination
in consultation with the academe and the CHED;
(9) To issue and/or cancel temporary or special permits granted to foreign foresters;
(h) To adopt a program for the walk-in licensure examination, if necessary;
() To evaluate and approve applications for licensure examination;


(@ To prepare questions for the different subjects in the licensure examinations, give
and correct the examinations, and release their results;

(k) To register qualified persons for the practice of forestry and issue thereto certificates
of registration and professional identification cards;

(). To administer oaths in the performance of its functions;

(m) To monitor the conditions affecting the practice of forestry through ocular inspections
of establishments wherein foresters are practicing, and adopt such measures as may
be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional,
moral, ethical and technical standards;

(n) To enter, together with the Commission, into a memorandum of agreement with the
CHED in ensuring that all higher educational instructions and offerings of degree,
course or program comply with the policies, standards and requirements of the
course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and
facilities;

(0) To hear and investigate cases on violations of this Act, its implementing rules and
regulations, the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Governance, the Code of
Technical Standards for the Practice of Forestry and other policies; and for this
purpose, to issue summons, subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to alleged
violators and witnesses to compel their attendance in such hearings or investigations;

(p) To delegate the hearing or investigation of cases against the alleged violators.
Provided, That hearing or investigation of cases wherein the Issue or question
involved strictly concems the technical practice of forestry shall be presided over by
at least one (1) member of the Board assisted by a legal or hearing officer of the
‘Commission;

(@) To endorse cases involving criminal violations of this Act and other laws, their rules
and regulations, and other policies to the Prosecution Office for investigation;

() To decide administrative cases against examinees or registered foresters: Provided,
That if they are judged guilty, to cancel their examination papers or prohibit them
from taking another licensure examination, or to revoke or suspend their certificates
of registration: Provided, further, That the effectivity of the penalty shall only
commence from the date of surrender of the certificates together with the
professional identification cards: Provided, finally, That the decision of the Board
shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen
(15) days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision;

(s) To reissue or reinstate revoked or suspended certificates of registration and
unexpired professional identification cards to the holders thereof: Provided, That the
revoked certificates of registration shall only be reissued after the lapse of the period
provided in this Act: Provided, further, That the Board shall issue a resolution
thereon, subject to approval by the Commission, after establishing fitness to practice
anew the forestry profession. Provided, finally, That the suspended certificate of
registration shall only be reissued upon the expiration of, the period imposed in the
decision of the Board;

(t) To conduct, through the legal or hearing officers, summary proceedings on minor
violations of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), any of the codes
aforementioned, the General Instructions to Examinee, and to render summary
judgment thereon which shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and
executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision;

(u) To prepare an annual report of accomplishments, programs, projects and activities of
the Board during the year for submission to the Commission after the close of each
calendar year and to make appropriate recommendations to the Commission on
issues or problems affecting the forestry profession; and

(v) To discharge other implied, incidental, necessary powers, duties, functions and
responsibilities to effectively carry out the provisions of this Act and its policies or
‘measures and the achievement of its objectives.



The rules and regulations, codes and other policies embodied in a resolution issued and
promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval by the Commission.
However, the Board's decision, resolution or order rendered in an administrative case which
is not interlocutory shall be subject to review only if on appeal to the Commission or the
regular courts.

SEC 11. Grounds for Removal or Suspension of the Board Chairperson/Member.- The
President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Commission, after giving the
chairperson or the member of the Board an opportunity to defend oneself in an
administrative investigation conducted by the Commission, may remove or suspend the
official on any of the following grounds:

(a) Gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge of one's duty;

(b) Violation of any of the causes, grounds and the prohibited acts provided in this Act
and the offenses in the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
and other laws; and

(©) Manipulation or rigging of the licensure examination results for foresters, disclosure
of secret and confidential information on the examination questions prior to the
conduct thereof, or tampering of grades.

The Commission, in the conduct of the investigation, shall be guided by Section 7(s) of
Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the "PRC Modemization Act of 2000”, the rules
on administrative investigation and the applicable provisions of the Rules of Court.

SEC 12. Supervision of the Board; Custodian of its Records and Provision of Support
Services - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission. The
Commission shall keep all records of the Board including applications for examination,
examination papers and results, minutes of deliberation and administrative cases. The
Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board who shall provide support services
to the Board in order to implement the provisions of this Act.

ARTICLE Ill
EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

SEC 13. Licensure Examination Requirement - Except as otherwise specifically allowed
under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice of forestry shall be required to pass
a licensure examination as provided for in this Act in such places and dates as the
Commission may designate in the resolution thereof on the master schedules for all
licensure examinations in accordance with Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 8981.

SEC 14. Qualifications of an Applicant — An applicant for the licensure examination for
foresters shall satisfactorily prove that he possesses the following qualifications:

(a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country or State has reciprocity
agreement with the Philippines in the practice of forestry;

(b) Of good moral character;

(©) A holder of a bachelor’s degree in forestry duly recognized or accredited by the
CHED and conferred by a school, college or University duly authorized by the
government or a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Forest Products Engineering, or
Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry; and

(d) Not convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent
jurisdiction.

SEC 15. Subjects for Licensure Examination — The licensure examination for foresters shall
include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Forest Ecosystem;

(b) Forest Policy and Governance;

(©) Forest Engineering and Utilization; and


(d) Forest Resource Management.
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the
subjects in their syllabi and add new ones as the need arises to conform to technological
changes and advances brought about by the latest trends in the profession.

SEC 16. Rating in the Licensure Examination — To pass the foresters licensure examination,
a candidate must obtain a general or weighted average rating of seventy-five percent (75 %).

‘SEC 17. Report of Rating — The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings obtained
by the candidate not later than ten (10) days after the last day of the examination, unless it is
‘extended for a valid cause.

‘SEC 18. Oath — All successful candidates in the licensure examination and in the registration
without examination shall take their oath of profession before the chairperson or any
member of the Board, or any authorized officer of the Commission, or any person authorized
by law to administer oaths prior to entering upon the practice of forestry.

SEC 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card — A
certificate of registration shall be issued to those who are registered with or without licensure
examination subject to payment of fees prescribed by the Commission and the chairperson
and members of the Board, stamped with the official seal of the Commission and of the
Board certifying that the person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession
with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. Until withdrawn, revoked or suspended in
accordance with this Act, it shall remain in full force and effect.

A professional identification card bearing the registration number and date, its validity
and expiry duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to
every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee. It shall be reissued after every three (3)
years upon payment of the prescribed fees therefor.

SEC 20. Refusal to Register — The Board shall not register any successful examinee in the
foresters’ licensure examination who has been:
(a) Convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction;
(b) Found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct by the Board;
(©) Adjudged guilty for violation of the General instructions to Examinees by the Board;
and
(4) Declared of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction.
In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement setting
forth the reasons therefor and shall file a copy thereof in its records.

SEC 21. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and Cancellation of
Temporary/Special Permit — The Board shall have the power, upon notice and hearing, to
revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a registered forester or to cancel a
temporary/special permit granted to a foreign forester for violation of any of the grounds or
‘causes provided under Section 20 of this Act, except (c) thereof and any of the following
grounds:

(@) Violation of any provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics, Code of Good
Governance, Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Forestry, policy and
measure issued by the Board or the Commission;

(b) Perpetration or use of fraud in obtaining one's certificate of registration and/or
professional identification card or temporary/special permit;

(©) Gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting to death, injury or
damage;

(d) Refusal to join or to remain a member in good standing of the APO;

(e) Neglect or failure to pay the annual registration fees for five (5) consecutive
years;


(Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a nonregistered and licensed person by
allowing another to use one's certificate of registration and/or professional
identification card or temporary/special permit;

(@) Illegally practicing the profession during one's suspension;

(h) Addiction to drug or alcohol impairing one’s ability to practice the profession or
declaration of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

() Failure to comply with the CPE requirement, unless one is exempted therefrom
for the renewal of the professional identification card.

Any person, firm or association may file charge/s in accordance with the provision of this

section against any registrant, or the Board may, on its own, investigate violation of any of

the abovementioned causes. Affidavit-complaint shall be filed together with the affidavits of
witnesses and other documentary evidence with the Board through the Legal and

Investigation Office. The motu proprio move to conduct an investigation shall be embodied in

a formal charge to be signed by at least majority of the members of the Board. The rules on

administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govem the hearing or

investigation subject to applicable provisions of this Act, Republic Act No. 8981 and the

Rules of Court

SEC 22. Reissuance of Revoked Cerificate of Registration, Replacement of Lost or
Damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card or Temporary/Special
Permit — The Board may, upon petition, reinstate or reissue a revoked certificate of
registration after two (2) years from the effectivity of the period for revocation, which is the
date of surrender of the said certificate and professional identification card if still valid to the
Board and the Commission. The Board may not require the holder thereof to take another
licensure examination. The petitioner shall prove to the Board that there are valid reasons to
practice the profession. For the grant of the petition, the Board shall issue a Board resolution
Subject to approval by the Commission.

In the case of a lost or damaged certificate of registration, professional identification
card or temporary/special permit, the same may be issued upon application of the valid
license holder in accordance with prescribed procedure and subject to the payment of the
prescribed fees.

SEC 23. Nonpayment of the Annual Registration Fees - The Board shall suspend a
registered forester from the practice of the profession for nonpayment of the annual
registration fees for five (5) consecutive years from its last or previous year of payment. The
resumption of one's practice shall take place only upon payment of the delinquent fees plus
surcharges and interest and in accordance with the rules of the Commission. The running of
the five (5) year period may be interrupted upon written notice about the discontinuance of
‘one's practice and surrender of the certificate of registration to the Board and the
Commission.

SEC 24. Vested Rights; Automatic Registration — All foresters registered at the effectivity of
this Act shall automatically be registered hereunder, subject to the provisions herein set forth
as to future requirements.

Certificates of registration and professional identification cards or temporary/special
permits held by such persons in good standing at such effectivity shall have the same force
and effect as though these were issued on or after the effectivity of this Act.

ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF FORESTRY

SEC 25. Lawful Practitioners of Forestry — The following natural persons and juridical
Persons shall be authorized to practice the forestry profession:
1. Natural persons:


a. Duly registered as foresters and holders of valid certificates of registration
and valid professional identification cards issued by the Board and the
Commission pursuant to this Act; and

b. Holders of valid temporary/special permits issued by the Board and the
Commission to foreign licensed foresters pursuant to this Act.

2. Juridical persons:

‘a. Single proprietorship whose owner and staff are registered foresters;

b. Partnership duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) as professional partnership pursuant to the New Civil Code and
‘composed of partners who are all duly registered foresters;

c. Corporation duly registered with the SEC as engaged in the practice of
forestry with officers and board of directors who are all registered foresters;
and

d. Association duly registered with the SEC as nonprofit and non-stock
corporation whose officers, board of trustees and members are all registered
foresters.

These juridical persons shall also be registered with the Board and the Commission in
accordance with duly issued rules and regulations.

SEC 26. Issuance and Use of Seal — All registered foresters shall obtain a seal of such
design and make as the Board shall authorize and direct: Provided, That the serial number
of the certificate of registration issued by the Board shall be included in the seal. Documents
prepared by or under direct supervision of registered or professional foresters shall be
stamped with one's seal, such as reports, certifications, contracts, studies, plans, surveys,
returns, technical descriptions, inventory data, maps, drawings, sketches, layouts, exhibits,
proposal or offer of services, tests and analysis, and other documents that may henceforth
be the subject of such acts upon the recommendation of the APO concemed and by the
resolution by the Board. It shall be unlawful for any person to stamp any document with the
said seal after the certificate of registration is revoked.

SEC 27. Foreign Reciprocity — No foreigner shall be allowed to take the licensure
‘examination for foresters, register, receive one's certificate of registration and professional
identification card, and practice forestry in the Philippines unless the requirements for the
licensure examination and the registration and practice of forestry imposed under the laws
and regulations in one's foreign country or State are substantially the same as those
required and contemplated by Philippine laws and regulations, and unless the said foreign
laws and regulations allow Philippine citizens to practice forestry within the territory of the
said foreign country or State on the same basis and grant the same privileges as those
enjoyed by the citizens, subjects or nationals thereof

SEC 28. Practice through Temporary/Special Permit — Subject to approval by the
Commission and the payment of fees it has prescribed, the Board’ may issue
temporary/special permits to the following:
(a) Registered or certified foresters from foreign countries or States whose services are
either for a fee or free:
a. If they are internationally known foresters or experts in any branch or
specialty of forestry; and
b. If their services are urgently and importantly necessary for lack or inadequacy
of available local specialists or experts for the promotion or advancement of
the practice of forestry through transfer of technology; and
(b) Licensed foresters from foreign countries or States employed as exchange
professors in a branch or specialty of forestry in schools, colleges or universities
offering the course of forestry,


The permit shall, among other things, contain these limitations and conditions for a period of
not more than one (1) year subject to renewal, the branch or specialty of forestry and the
specific place of practice such as center, school, college or university offering the course of
forestry. The Board shall promulgate, subject to approval by the Commission, rules and
regulations on the implementation of this particular section.

‘SEC 28. Indication of Certificate of Registration and Professional Tax Receipt Numbers and
APO Membership Details - The forester shall be required to indicate the certificate of
registration number and the date of issuance, the expiry of the current professional
identification card, the professional tax receipt number and date, and the APO membership
number and date with official receipt number and date of membership payment
(annualifetime) on the documents one signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice
of the forestry profession.

‘SEC 30. Roster of Foresters — The Board shall prepare and maintain a roster of the names,
residence or office address of all registered foresters which shall be updated annually in
cooperation with the APO, indicating therein the status of the certificate of registration,
professional identification card and the APO membership whether valid, inactive due to
death or other reasons, delinquent, suspended or revoked. The said roster shall be
conspicuously posted within the premises of the Commission and the information therefrom
‘made available to the public upon inquiry or request.

SEC 31. Integration of the Foresters — The foresters shall be integrated into one (1) national
organization of foresters that is duly registered with the SEC. The Board for Foresters shall
accredit, subject to approval by the Commission, the said organization as the one and only
integrated and accredited national organization of foresters. AU foresters whose names
appear in the Registry Book of Foresters shall ipso facto or automatically become members:
thereof and shall receive therefrom all the benefits and privileges upon payment of APO
membership fees and dues. A membership in an affiliate organization of foresters shall not
be barred.

SEC 32. Act Not Affecting Other Professions — This Act shall not affect or prevent the
practice of any other legally recognized profession.

SEC 33. Posting of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or
‘Temporary/Special Permit — The certificates of registration and professional identification
cards of foresters or temporary/special permit in original or authentic/authenticated copies
shall be posted by registered foresters in a conspicuous place in one's office.

SEC 34. Positions in Public of Private Offices Involving the Practice of the Forestry
Profession — Positions in public or private entities including educational institutions involving
the practice of the forestry profession shall be occupied by persons who are duly registered
foresters with valid certificates of registration and valid professional identification cards, or
valid temporary/special permits that are issued under this Act.

ARTICLE V
PENAL AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC 35. Penal Clause — Any person who shall commit any of the following acts shall be
meted out with a perpetual disqualification to practice the profession:
(@) Practicing forestry without a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional
identification card or a valid temporary/special permit;
(b) Attempting to use the seal, certificate of registration and professional identification
card of a registered forester or temporary/special permit issued to a foreign forester;
(©) Abetting the illegal practice of forestry by an unregistered or unauthorized person;


(d) Securing through false information or fraudulent means certificate of registration
and/or professional identification card or temporary/special permit;

(e) Impersonating a registered forester or a holder of a temporary/special permit; and

(Violating any provision of this Act or the implementing rules and regulations thereof.

SEC 36. Enforcement — In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Board shall be assisted
by the Commission, the APO, duly constituted government agencies and authorities, and
Private organizations in the industry. A memorandum of agreement between agencies or
organizations for this purpose may be executed.

SEC 37. Appropriations - The Chairperson of the PRC shall immediately include in the
Commission's plans and programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC 38. Transitory Provision — The incumbent Board shall continue, in an interim capacity,
to operate or function by carrying out the provisions of this Act without new appointments of
the Chairperson and the members thereof until the first Board created under this Act shall
have been constituted or organized pursuant thereto.

‘SEC 39. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Board for Foresters, subject to approval
by the Commission, shall prescribe, promulgate and issue a Board resolution on the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act after consultation with the APO, other
agencies and concemed private organizations in the industry within ninety’ (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act.

SEC 40. Separability Clause — If any provision, section or part of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impair any other
provisions, sections or parts hereof but shall be merely confined to the provision, section or
part thereof that is directly involved in the issue upon which judgment has been rendered.

SEC 41. Repealing Clause — Republic Act No. 6239 is hereby repealed. All laws, decrees,
orders, letters of instruction, rules and regulations or other issuances and parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are likewise repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 42. Effectivity Clause ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
two (2) newspaper of general circulation in the country or in the Official Gazette.

Approved,