Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVI
Constitution Hills, Quezon Ci

RECEIVED
, 01 WL 2013

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

745

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Ik is reported that two hundred (200) Filipinos are born every hour, This wanslates to
roughly 1.75 million Filipinos being bom yearly. On the other hand, it is estimated that three (3)
billion to six (6) billion trees per year are felled, This translates to 1,62 trees per person per

Consideting the exponential increase in the Philippine population and the continuous
cutting of trees to supply the demand of the economy, there will come « time that the person to
tree ratio will be reduced to nil. To arrest this alarming situation, this measure aims to protect our
patrimony and to ensure that the future generation will still have a beautiful green Philippines to
live in.

This measure was previously tiled by Senator Villar in the 15 Congress. Immediate
Passage of this Bill is sought now in the 16” Cangress,

ABAYON
Representative
First District of Norther Samar



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

: 745

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
REQUIRING THAT A TREE BE PLANTED FOR EVERY CHILD BORN IN
THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "A Tree For Every Child Act."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.- The State recognizes its policy to protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature

SECTION 3. A Tree for every Child. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a child is hereby
mandated to plant a tree for their every child born in the Philippines.

SECTION 4. Local Government Units, Cities. - All Local Government Units (LGU) where tree
planting activities are conducted shall issue a certification that such tree is planted in behalf of
the child. The Certification, shall be, for all intents and purposes, the primary evidence that there
is a tree planted in his/her behalf

SECTION 5. Requirement in School Admission. In addition to the prescribed minimum
standards for admission by the respective schools, the Certification, as provided in Section 4,
shall be required prior to the admission of the concerned child.

SECTION 6. Penalty. - The penalty of Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) to Five thousand
pesos (P5,000.00) shall be imposed on any person, LGU who shall issue a false certification
as provided in Section 4 hereof. Any school or institution found violating Section 5 shall be fined
with Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) on the first instance, Five Thousand Pesos
(P5,000.00) on the second instance and on the third or succeeding instances, the School's


license to operate shall be revoked without prejudice to the criminal prosecution of its officers
and employees. Violation of any provision of this Act shall subject the government official or
employee concemed to appropriate administrative, civil and/or criminal sanctions, including
suspension and/or dismissal from the government service and forfeiture of benefits

SECTION 7. Appropriations. The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this Act
Shall be included and incorporated in the Annual General Appropriations of the various agencies
of the government involved in the implementation of this Act.

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

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause - Alll laws, orders, rules or regulations which are inconsistent
with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed accordingly

SECTION 9. Effectivity -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
Teast two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,