REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNG. __ 5792

INTRODUCED BY REP. NANCY A. CATAMCO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the
construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.

The maintenance of the canopy trees and flora on public and private property is a
valuable contribution to the environment and thus the welfare of our citizens. Trees, flowers,
shrubbery, and plant life are widely known to provide more privacy and a sense of solitude as
well as create a feeling of relaxation and well-being. More importantly, they reduce air
pollution by removing carbon dioxide from the air, noise, or glare, as well as preventing soil
erosion. It is also of vital aesthetic importance to increase the beauty of buildings and adjunct
land and structures as well as its property value.

Hence, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

NANCY A.



REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
House of Representatives
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _5792 |

INTRODUCED BY REP. NANCY A. CATAMCO

AN ACT REQUIRING SUFFICIENT CANOPY TREES AND FLORA
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS AND ITS APPURTENANT LANDS AND STRUCTURES.

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

SECTION 1. This act shall apply to all public and private commercial buildings and their
auxillary structures and lands.

SECTION 2. All persons, natural or juridical, applying for any permit or license in the
construction of any structure built for commercial or industrial use, or for the support, shelter,
or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind, shall be required to
construct or set aside areas in said property adequate for planting and maintaining trees and
flora,

SECTION 3. In the construction of such areas for trees and flora, priority shall be given to
the facade of the structure and all communal areas.

SECTION 4. Such persons, natural or juridical, who may be granted such permit or
license to construct and shall do construct the structure, shall be required to plant, maintain,
and care for such trees and flora.

SECTION 5. Any existing law or provision to the contrary notwithstanding, all buildings
existing or proposed for construction shall comply with all the regulations and specifications
herein set forth governing methods of design and construction.


SECTION 6, The Secretary of Public Works and Highways, jointly with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and
the Department of Agriculture shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations to
carry out the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All provisions of laws, orders, decrees, including rules
and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. — if any part or provision of this Act shall be held to be
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days its complete

publication in the Official Gazette and in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,
whichever comes earlier.

Approved,