‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION. )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House aill No_ 1972

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was originally introduced es House Bill No. 2731 by the undersigned
Rufus B. Rodriguez 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.

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 |ave
outgrown its relevance to the forest policies of the Philippines, the program development
thrusts of the government, 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 -vell 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, sommunity-
based resource management, integrated protected areas systems, climate change and
biodiversity conservation were barely »eard. Today, these national and global legal an!
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 oi} 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 alonc registration of forestry professionals without
>xamination, 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 i> 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 concerned
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 endfor
cettificate 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
Modernization 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 concerns besetting the country today. The Filipino Forester’s role in
sustainable development will be enhanced and the mechanism for the crowth of the
profession will be institutionalized in this proposed Act.

Approval of this bill is therefore earnestly requested.

RUFPS8. RO! EZ

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus 8. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House 3ill No, 19°72

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

ARTICLE!
TITLE, POLICY, OBJECTIVES, TERMS.
AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Forestry Profession Aut of
2013”.

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 credi'e licensure examinations and whose professione!
service and standards of practice are internationally 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 curriculum;

(d) The development of the professional competence of foresters through
Continuing Professional Education (CPE); and

(e) The integration of the forestry profession.

SEC. 4, Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
mean:

(a) APO refers to the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) of foresters that
the Board has accredited, subject to ne approval by the Commission, as the one and
only accredited integrated national organization of foresters.

(b) Board re“ers to the Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters created under
this Act

() Commission refers 10 the Professic:ial 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 forestiand 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 ‘o a registerec and licensed natural person w>>
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:

(a) Different aspects of actual and/or supervisory activities or services. such as the
parametric classifications of lands of the public domain and subclass Jication and
capability determination of forestlands; inventory of forest or timber and other forest
products; reconnaissance and surve, of road locations and quarry sites; planning anu
implementing of harvesting operations and timber improvement; scaling and grading of,
and manifesting taxes on logs and derivative wood products as well as other foiest
products; preparation of designs, plans and specifications of forest products processing
plants; treatment of wood and other fores! products; inspection and investigation of
harvesting and processing piants; 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, wilder’ ess areas, coastal areas and other protected are
systems development; planning and implementation of forest protection systems, forest
and soil resources conservation measures; and conduct of environmental risk sec »ing
and environmental impact assessment,

(b) The preparation and conduct of feasibility studies pertaining to naiural 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 andi
extension concerning forestry, and the teaching of forestry subjects in any accredited
college or school cf forestry;

(d) Government 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) Forestry activities and services required by local government units, prive
corporations, foundations, nongovernr ient organizations and foreign-assisted projects,

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

ARTICLE Il

THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR FORESTERS
SEC.6. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board for
Foresters. - There is hereby create a Professional Regulatory Board for Foreste!:
rereinafter 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 ‘rom a list of t'vee (3) recomrendees for each position
chosen and submitted by the Commission thereto 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, 2! the time of appointment, possess all the following
qualifications and requirements:


(a) Acitizen and a resident of the Philippines;

(&) Of good moral character,

(©)_Not convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense invol
turpitude;

(a) A holder of a bachelors degree * forestry, preferably with a masteral or
doctorate degree in forestry conferred by a duly licensed school, college or university
recognized by the government through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

(e) 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 amember of the faculty of any school, college or university where a regular
or review course in forestry is offered, not a member of 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.

1g Moral

SEC. 8. Term of Office. - The chairperson and members of the Board shall hold
office for a term of three (3) years fro 1 the date of appointment or until their successo's.
shall have been qualified and appointed. They may be reappointed in 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.

SEC.9. Compensation, Allowances and Other Benefits. - The chairperson and
Members of the Board shall receive compensation, allowances and other benctits
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
carrying out the provisions of this Act. It shall be vested with the following speci
Powers, functions, duties and respons iilities:

‘@) To regulate the practice of forestry in accordance with the provisions of this Act:

(b) To issue and promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisior's of
this Act;

(©)_To adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Governance
and the Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Forestry;

() To adopt an official seal of the Board;

(e) To prescribe and promulgate guidelines on the 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;

(g) To issue or cancel temporary or special permit granted to foreign foresters;

(h) To adopt a program for the walk-in 'ensure examination, if necessary;

() To evaluate and approve applications for licensure examination;

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

{k) To register with or without licensure examination 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 oculsr
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 ca==s 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 concerns 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;

(q)_ To endorse cases involvins -riminal violations of this Act and other laws, the’
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 cr 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
Tevoked certificates of registration shall only be reissued after the lapse of the period
Provided in this Act: Provided, further, That :ne 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 regis‘ration shall
only be reissued upon the expiration of: the period imposed in the decision of the Board:

() To conduct, through the lecal 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 shail, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and execuiory
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 of 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 an
responsibilities to effectively carry cut the provisions of this Act and its policies
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. Howeve-, 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
fo the Commission or the regular courts.

SEC.11. Grounds for Removal o- 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 conducte by the Commission, may remove or suspend the
official on any of the following grounds.

(2) 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-Grait 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, othenwise known as the "PRC Modernization Act of 2000”, the
rules on administrative investigation and the applicable provisions of the Rules of Cou”:

SEC.12. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records and Fiovision 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 Commissio: 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 II

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 provide for in this Act in such places anc’
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 one 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;

(©) Aholder 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 brought about by continuing trends in the profession.


SEC. 16. Rating in the Licensure Examination. - To pass the foresters licensure
examination, a candidate must obtain 2 general or weighted average rating of sevent,
five percent (75 %),

SEC. 17. Report of Rating. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings
obtained by the candidate not later than cen (10) days after the last cay of the
examination, unless itis extended for a valid cause,

SEC. 18. Oath, — All successful candidates in the licensure examination and in the
registration without examination shall t2ke their oath of profession before the chairperso”
or any member of the Board, or any < uthorized 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 erpurtenant thereto. Until withdrawn, revoked or
suspended in accordance with this Act, it shall remain in full force and effect,

A profession! 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 competen
jurisdiction;

(b) Found cuilty of immoral o” dishonorable conduct by the Board;

(c) Summarily adjudged guilty for violation of the General Instructions to
Examinees by the Board; and

(d) Declared of unsound mind by a court of competent jurisdiction.

In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a writ'en statement
setting forth the reasons therefor and shall fle 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 hearin, to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a regisied
forester or to cancel a temporary/special permit granted to a foreign forester for violation
of any of the grounds or causes in accordai.ce with Section 20 of this Act, except (c)
thereof and any of the following grounds:

(a) Violation of a 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 of 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;

(c) 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;


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

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

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

Any person, firm or association may file ~harge/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 =.gned by at least majority of the members of t->
Board. The rules on administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govern
the hearing or inv=stigation subject to applicable provisions of this Act, Republic Act No.
8981 and the Rules of Court

SEC.22. _Reissuance of Revoked Certificate 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 stil valid to the Board and the Commission. The Board may not
require the holder thereof to take another licensure examination. The petitioner sivall
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.

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) consecut've 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 Commis-ion.
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 automaticaliy 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 cn 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:

(a) Natural persons

(1)_ 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

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

(b) Juridical persons:

(4) Single proprietorship whose owner and staff are registered foresters;


(2) 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;

(3) Corporation duly registered with the SEC as engaged in the practice of for=-iry
with officers and board of directors who are all registered foresters; and

(4) Association duly registered with t's SEC as nonprofit and nonstock
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 ci
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, stud ies, 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 sei 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 uniess the
Fequirements 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 Throuch 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

(2) Registered or cerfified foresters from foreign countries or S'-es whose
services are either for a fee or free:

(1) If they are internationally krwn foresters or experts in any branch or special!y
of forestry; and

(2) If their services are urgently and importantly necessary for lack or inadectacy
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,
tules and regulations on the implementation of this particular section.

‘SEC. 28. Indication of Numbers: Certificate of Registration, Professional Tax Receipt and
APO Membership. — 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 professionel tax receipt number and date, and the APO
Membership number and date with official receipt number and date of membership


payment (annual/lifetime) 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 ros‘-" of
the names, residence or office address of all registered foresters which shall be updated
annually in cooperation with the APO, indicciing 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 Boaré ‘or
Foresters shall accredit, subject to approval by the Commission, the said organization as
the one and only integrated and accredite national organization of foresters. All
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 ceriificates 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 or 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 certificetes 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 shal! commit any of the following acts shall
be meted out with a perpetual disqualification to practice the profession:

(a) 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, cevtificate of registration and professional
identification card of a registered forester or temporary/special permit issued to a foreign
forester;

(c) Abetting the illegal practice of forestry by an unregistered or unauthorized
person;

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

(e) Impersonating a registered forester or a holder of a temporary/sp-cial
permit; and

(Violating any provision of this Act or the implemei ting rules and ‘egulations
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 may be executed,

SEC. 37. Appropriations. — The Chairperson of the PRC shall immediately include in the
Commission's 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 in an interim capacity
continue to operate or function by carrying out the provisions of this Act without new
appointments of the Chairperson and the members thereof until this 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 concerned 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 repeale: or modified
accordingly,

SEC. 42, __Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation

Approved,