CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill Né: 784

Introduced by Representatives
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO and DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is a known universal fact that trees are invaluable to the environment and to
the human population.

First, trees act as “carbon sinks”, alleviating the greenhouse effect. Studies show
that one tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 13 pounds per year. The
Worldwatch Institute estimates that our planet needs at least 321 million acres planted
with trees to restore and maintain the productivity of soil and water resources, meet
industrial and fuel-wood needs in the third world, and annually remove from the
atmosphere roughly 780 million tons of carbon. As the trees grow that represents the
removal of about 25 percent of the 2.9 billion tons of carbon currently going into the
earth’s atmosphere.

Experts quantify that for every ton of new wood that grows, 1.5 tons of carbon
dioxide are removed from the air and 1.07 tons of life-giving oxygen are produced
Studies reveal that in a single tree’s 50-year life span, it will generate at least $30,000 in
oxygen, recycle $35,000 worth of water, and clean up $60,000 worth of air pollution or
$125,000 total per tree without including any other value. This will translate to at least a
value of P5.375M per tree.

Second, trees prevent or reduce soil erosion and water pollution. Trees reduce
urban runoff and erosion by stopping water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. The
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 100 mature trees can
reduce runoff caused by rainfall by up to 100,000 gallons.


Third, trees recharge water and sustain streamflow.

Fourth, trees and shrubs significantly decrease noise pollution along busy
thoroughfares and intersections.

Fifth, according to experts, depending on location, species, size, and condition,
shade from trees reduce utility bills for air conditioning in residential and commercial
buildings by 15-50 percent. Trees, through their shade and transpiration, provide
natural “low-tech” cooling that means less need to build additional dams, power plants,
and nuclear generators or plants.

Sixth, studies show that trees along rivers, streams, and lakes reduce water
temperatures by their shade, prevent or reduce bank erosion and silt, and provide
hiding places for improving fisheries habitat.

These do not even take into account the direct economic benefits derived from
trees in the form of wood products, fruits and other wood by-products.

GLORIA Mi PAGAL-ARRORO DIOSDAD‘ CAPAGAL ARROYO
Representative, 2" District, Pampanga Representative, 2"! District, Camarines Sur


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No..

Introduced by Representatives
GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO and DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT REQUIRING THE PLANTING OF TREES FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION OF
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Green Act of
2013.”

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

SEC. 3. Tree Planting Requirement for Permits. - For projects covered under the
Presidential Decree No. 1586 entitled “Establishing an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) System” a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) shall be required as a condition in
the Environmental Compliance Certificate.

For projects not covered by the EIS system, the proponent shall include a tree
planting plan (TPP) together with the requirements for the issuance of the building
permit by the concerned Local Government Unit.

SEC. 4. Tree Planting Required for Development Projects. - For development
projects having an area of at least 500 square meters a minimum of at least one tree


shall be planted; provided that, for single residential structures a minimum of at least
one (1) tree shall be required to be planted for an area of at least 250 square meters.

For housing development projects such as subdivisions and villages, one (1) tree
shall be planted for every 250 square meters.

SECTION 5. Tree Planting Plan. - The Tree Planting Plan (TPP) shall be a simple
plan containing the following:

1, Total area of the Project;

2. Indicative lay-out of the area/s to be planted;

3. Number of trees to be planted taking into account the ratio of at least one (1)
tree for every 300 square meters or one (1) tree for every 250 square meters for
single residential structures; and

4. The species of tree to be planted

SEC. 6. Preference for Endemic or Endangered Species. - Taking into account the
location, climate and topography of the area, preference shall be given to endemic or
endangered species of trees to be planted.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the
enactment of this Act, the DENR through the Forest Management Bureau and the
Environmental Management Bureau shall formulate the Implementing Rules and
Regulations.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive issuances,
rules and regulations, or part thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC.9. Separability Clause. - Should any portion or provisions of this Act be
declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the other provisions hereof
shall continue to be in force as if the provisions so annulled or voided had never been
incorporated in this Act.

SEC.10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,