Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
 HOUSE BILL NO. 3861 
Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines is endowed with abundant natural resources, with its forests 
standing as one of the most valuable assets. These forests not only provide timber, 
non-timber products, and other essential resources, but they also play crucial 
ecological roles such as regulating water cycles, preserving biodiversity, and 
mitigating the effects of climate change. Despite their undeniable importance to the 
nation’s economy, culture, and environment, these forests are facing unprecedented 
threats. Over-exploitation, illegal logging, deforestation, and land conversion have 
severely degraded forest ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, 
flooding, and a diminished capacity to provide vital ecosystem services. 
The “Sustainable Forest Management Act” seeks to address these challenges 
by establishing a framework for the responsible, inclusive, and sustainable 
management of the country’s forest lands and resources. This bill is fully aligned with 
the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly its commitment to the protection of the 
environment and the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology (Article II, 
Section 16). It also reaffirms the nation’s dedication to sustainable development. 
Central to this legislation is the understanding that forest management must no longer 
be treated as a fragmented or isolated issue; rather, it must be approached in a 
holistic, integrated manner that balances environmental, social, and economic 
considerations. 
Given the Philippines' rich forest resources, it is imperative to protect them, 
especially considering the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and calamities. 
The bill provides the policy direction needed to formulate strategies and programs that 
protect and sustainably manage forest lands, thereby enhancing the vital ecosystem 
services these forests offer. Additionally, it emphasizes the responsible and 
sustainable use of forest resources to support long-term development, ensuring that 
the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the ability of future 
generations to meet their own. 
August 20, 2025
9:39 am


For these reasons, the immediate passage of this Act is highly recommended. 
It is crucial for safeguarding the Philippines' natural heritage and ensuring the 
sustainable and responsible management of its forest resources for the benefit of all 
Filipinos—now and in the future. 
MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
 HOUSE BILL NO. 3861 
Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 
“AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT, 
DEVELOPMENT, AND PROTECTION OF FORESTS AND FOREST LANDS, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Sustainable Forest Management 
Act”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – In consonance with the policy of the State to promote 
social justice and general welfare in all phases of national development, to protect and 
advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord 
with the rhythm and harmony of nature, and to conserve and develop the patrimony of 
the nation, the State hereby adopts the following policies for the sustainable 
management and conservation of forest lands and forest resources found therein: 
a.
The specific limits of forest lands, after these have been fixed and
demarcated, shall not be altered, except through an Act of Congress; 


b. 
The sustainable use and conservation of forest lands and forest 
resources found therein shall bear social, cultural, ecological, biological, and economic 
functions to promote the common good of present and future generations; 
c. 
The State shall prioritize the protection of the ecosystem, as well as the 
rehabilitation of degraded forest ecosystems through reforestation and afforestation to 
mitigate climate change, improve and conserve biodiversity, enhance ecosystem 
functions and services, and provide long-term economic benefits; 
d. 
Forest lands shall be partitioned and planned into forest management 
units (FMUs) based on natural topographic and hydrologic boundaries and shall 
consider the watershed continuum approach which adopts the holistic inter-
relationship between the upstream and downstream areas;  
e. 
The State recognizes the inherent roles and responsibilities of local 
communities and indigenous peoples in the protection and ecological treatment of the 
environment;  
f.           The 
allocation, 
management, 
protection, 
conservation, 
and 
development of forest lands and forest resources shall be done in an integrated, 
inclusive, developmental, viable, and sustainable manner. 
 
SEC. 3. Objectives. – The State shall pursue a policy of balancing the sustainable 
use of forest lands and forest resources and sustainable development. It shall be the 
objective of the State to: 
a. 
Provide equitable access to forest lands and forest resources; 
b. 
Streamline the use of forest lands and forest resources by promoting the 
use of sustainable forest management strategies among concerned FMUs and 
stakeholders; 
c. 
Deregulate the harvesting, sale, marketing, and processing of products 
from forest plantations and forest farms in forest lands; 
d. 
Promote sustainable livelihood and enterprises among marginalized 
community tenure holders including indigenous cultural communities and indigenous 
peoples (ICC/IPs) who depend on and reside in forest lands;  
e. 
Strengthen institutional mechanisms to respond to forest management 
concerns namely: the development of the forest industry, constant law enforcement, 
and management of watersheds;  


f.          Create the Sustainable Forest Development Fund (SFDF) as a support 
mechanism for funding requirements of forest management initiatives;  
g. 
Strengthen the role of the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) to be more 
responsive and pro-active consistent with the objectives of this Act;  
h. 
Undertake a multi-stakeholder study, to be led by the FMB, as a 
prerequisite to the partitioning of forest lands into FMUs. The study shall determine 
the actual forest cover of the country, and shall ensure that the required forest cover 
is achieved, sustained, and protected. 
 
SEC. 4. Scope and Coverage.  – The provisions of this Act shall apply to all forest 
lands and all forest resources in lands over which the Philippines has sovereignty and 
jurisdiction: Provided, That all forest lands and forest resources found in protected 
areas established under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) 
shall be sustainably managed and developed consistent with the provisions of 
Republic Act No. 7586, or the “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 
1992”, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038 or the “Expanded National Integrated 
Protected Areas Systems Act of 2018”: Provided, further, That all wildlife resources 
and critical habitats found in forest lands, including alienable and disposable lands, 
shall be governed by Republic Act No. 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation 
and Protection Act”: Provided, furthermore, That the rights of  ICC/IPs to their ancestral 
forest lands, as provided in Republic Act No. 8371 or the “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights 
Act of 1997” shall be respected: Provided finally, That all forest lands under the 
management or administration of local government units (LGUs) and other 
government agencies or instrumentalities shall be managed in accordance with their 
duly legislated charters and the principles and provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 5. Sustainable Forest Management Strategies.  Consistent with the objectives 
of this Act, the following strategies shall be employed: 
a. 
Inclusive and responsive governance of forests and forest lands through 
integrated landscape planning and development in watersheds, and the adoption of 
community-based approaches by local stakeholders;   
b. 
Promotion and direction for complementary and combined investments 
of the public and private sectors for the protection of natural forests, holistic restoration 


in watershed landscapes, reforestation and regeneration in degraded protection forest 
lands, forest plantations and smallholder forest farms using combinations of high value 
indigenous and suitable species;  
c. 
Development of localized and watershed specific framework for the 
sustainable use and regulation of ecosystem goods and services that will enhance 
biodiversity conservation, establish systems for payment of environmental services, 
improve resilience to the impact of climate change, and increase the supply of timber, 
non-timber, biomass, wildlife, food, medicines among others;  
d. 
Promotion of landscape-linked and holistic forestry research, education, 
and extension on forest ecosystem assets, services accounting and valuation;  
e. 
Strengthening the professionalization of the forestry service consistent 
with Republic Act No. 10690 or “The Forestry Profession Act”.    
 
SEC. 6. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act: 
a. 
Ancestral forest lands refer to lands and domains defined as such under-
Republic Act No. 8371, or “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997”; 
b. 
Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all 
sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems in the ecological 
complexes of which they are part of; 
c. 
Certification refers to a verification process conducted by a third party to 
determine whether or not a forest land is managed based on a defined set of 
standards; 
d. 
Climate change refers to a change in climate that can be identified by 
changes in the mean or variability of its properties and that persists for an extended 
period whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity; 
e. 
Climate change mitigation refers to human intervention to reduce 
anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases including ozone depleting substances 
and their substitutes such as increasing the capacity of carbon sinks; 
f.           Ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms interacting with 
each other and with their environment; 
g. 
Ecosystem goods and services refer to the multitude of material and 
nonmaterial provisions and benefits from healthy ecosystems necessary for human 


sustenance, well-being, and survival including support processes, provisioning and 
environment regulating services, and cultural resource preservation services; 
h. 
Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural or 
cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and management of 
natural resources, culture, and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental 
education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are pursued for the enrichment of 
host community and satisfaction of visitors; 
i.          Forest refers to an ecosystem or an assemblage of ecosystems 
dominated by trees and other natural vegetation, populated by plants and animals 
interacting with one another and their natural environment. It refers to a land with an 
area of more than half (0.5) hectare and with tree crown cover or equivalent stocking 
level of more than ten percent (10%); 
j.           Forest land refers to land of the public domain classified as needed for 
forest purposes, including both production and protection. It includes all forest 
reserves of the public domain; 
k. 
Forest management unit (FMU) refers to a clearly defined forest area 
assigned for management based on a set of objectives and a long-term watershed-
based management plan; 
l.          Forest-based industries refer to industries that are dependent on raw 
materials or products derived from forests such as wood, rattan, bamboo, vines, latex, 
resins, saps, essences, fruits, flowers, or wild flora and fauna; 
m. 
Forest Protection Officers refer to officials or employees of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, hereinafter referred to as DENR, 
who are granted the authority to enforce all forestry and environmental laws and 
conduct arrests, seizures, and apprehensions in relation to environmental law 
enforcement;  
n. 
Forest resources refer to all products and resources in forest lands or in 
other lands devoted for forest purposes including biomass such as plants and animals, 
their by-products and derivatives, and non-biomass such as soil, water, scenery; 
o. 
Forest restoration refers to a management strategy applied in degraded 
primary forests to enhance and accelerate natural processes of a forest ecosystem; 


p. 
Forest stand refers to a contiguous community of trees sufficiently 
uniform in composition, structure, age, size, class, distribution, spatial arrangement, 
site quality, condition or location to distinguish it from adjacent communities;  
q. 
Indigenous cultural communities/Indigenous peoples refer to a group of 
people sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions, and other distinctive 
cultural traits, and who have, since time immemorial occupied, possessed and utilized 
a territory;  
r. 
Indigenous species refer to species or genotypes that have evolved in 
the same area, region or biotope and are adapted to the specific predominant 
ecological conditions at the time of establishment; 
s. 
Multiple-use of land refers to the harmonized sustainable use of land, 
soil, water, wildlife, recreation value, grass and timber of forest lands; 
t. 
Natural forest refers to a forest composed of naturally growing 
indigenous trees, not planted by humans, whose structure, composition, and dynamics 
have been largely the result of natural succession process; 
u. 
Non-timber forest products refer to all biological materials and 
derivatives other than timber including fruits, nuts and vegetables, fish and game, 
medicinal plants, resins, essences, rays and fibers of tree barks, and other palms and 
grasses; 
v. 
Plantation refers to forest stands established by planting or seeding in 
the process of afforestation or reforestation. A stand is composed of either introduced 
species, or of any indigenous species, which are of even age and regular spacing; 
w. 
Primary forests or old-growth forests refer to forests which have never 
been subjected to human disturbance or have been very minimally affected by hunting, 
gathering, and tree cutting that their natural structure, function, and dynamics have 
not gone any change that exceed the elastic capacity of the ecosystem; 
x. 
Processing plant refers to any establishment or infrastructure that 
houses any mechanical set-up, device, machine, or combination of machines used for 
the conversion of logs and other forest raw materials into lumber, fiberboard, pulp, 
paper, or other finished wood products; 
y. 
Public forest lands refer to all lands of the public domain that have not 
been declared National Parks under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7586, or the 
“National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992”, as amended by Republic 


Act No. 11038  or the “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 
2018”; mineral lands pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942 otherwise known as the 
“Philippine Mining Act of 1995”; and those lands not classified as agricultural lands 
based on the maps developed by the National Mapping and Resource Information 
Authority; 
z. 
Reforestation refers to the re-establishment of forest formations that 
have been reduced to less than 10% canopy cover due to human activities or natural 
perturbations;  
aa. 
Rehabilitation refers to reforestation or afforestation activities including 
mechanical measures such as contouring and terracing; 
bb. 
Secondary forest refers to a former forest that was over-logged and 
which is characterized by residuals such as small trees, branches, tops, or other 
unmerchantable wood remaining after the clearing, thinning or final felling of forest 
stands; 
cc. 
Sustainable forest management refers to the watershed-based 
management of forest land and resources to achieve clearly specified objectives as 
regards the production of continuous flow of desired forest products and ecosystem 
services without undue reduction of its inherent values, biodiversity and future 
productivity and without undesirable effects on the physical and social environment;  
dd. 
Sustainable use refers to the use of forest resources in a way and a rate 
that does not lead to its long-term decline, thereby maintaining its potential to meet 
the needs and aspirations of present and future generations; 
ee. 
Tenure refers to the guaranteed and peaceful access and use of a 
specific forest land and the resources found therein through an agreement, contract, 
or grant which cannot be altered or abrogated without due process;  
ff. 
Watershed refers to an area of land drained by a stream or fixed body of 
water and its tributaries with a common outlet for surface runoff. A watershed can be 
part of a larger landscape that includes connections from the head waters to the reef; 
and 
gg. 
Watershed reservation refers to a forest land that has been proclaimed 
by the President and by law as such, primarily for water production purposes, although 
other compatible uses may be allowed under sustainable and multiple-use concepts. 
 


ARTICLE II 
SUSTAINABLE USE OF FOREST LANDS AND FOREST RESOURCES 
 
SEC. 7. Administration, Development, Management and Sustainable use of 
Forest Lands. – The development and sustainable use of forest lands and forest 
resources shall be under the full supervision and control of the State. Towards this 
end, the State may directly undertake such activities or enter into technical and 
financial agreements with qualified persons. 
The DENR, through the Forest Management Bureau, hereinafter referred to as 
FMB, shall be responsible for the administration, development, management, and 
sustainable use of forest lands as defined in this Act. It shall have the authority to enter 
into management agreements or issue tenure instruments on behalf of the 
Government.  
 
SEC. 8.  Forest Land Delineation. – The delineation of forest lands as completed by 
the DENR shall be adopted. All forest lands categorized as public forest lands shall 
not be reclassified, except through an Act of Congress.  
 
SEC. 9. Management of Forest Lands. – All forest lands shall be managed for 
protection or production purposes. 
a. 
All areas within the forest lands designated or set aside as such shall 
constitute protection forest lands. These shall consist of the following: 
1. Primary and secondary forests; 
 
2. All areas that are one thousand (1,000) meters above sea level; 
3. Limestone forests, forests over ultramafic rocks, peat swamps, 
beaches, and freshwater swamps; 
4. All existing natural mangroves; 
5. All areas with a slope of fifty percent (50%) or more; 
6. All areas along the bank of rivers and streams, and the shores of the 
seas and lakes throughout the entire length and within a zone of 
three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricultural 
areas and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along their margins which 
are subject to the easement of public use; and 


7. All watersheds that have been proclaimed by the President or by law 
as such, primarily for water production purposes or for other 
compatible uses under sustainable and multiple-use management 
concepts. 
All extractive activities, such as harvesting, gathering, and collection of forest 
resources except non-timber forest products and scientific and educational use as 
permitted by the FMB, are prohibited within forest lands for protection purposes: 
Provided, That the sustainable traditional resource rights of ICCs/IPs as defined under 
the Republic Act No. 8371, or “The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997”, shall be 
respected: Provided, further:  That such traditional activities are not destructive of the 
forest, and that these activities shall promote the protection of the forest. 
Establishment of built-up facilities are also prohibited within protection forest 
lands, except for special use consistent with sustainable forest management 
strategies. 
Only indigenous species shall be planted or introduced within protection forest 
lands. 
b. 
All public forest lands not classified as protection forest lands pursuant 
to this Section shall constitute the production forest lands. These lands shall be 
devoted for the production of timber and non-timber forest products to supply the 
domestic forest resource demand of the country and facilitate international trade of 
forest resources. 
 
SEC. 10. Forest Management Units. – For the purpose of operations and 
management, all public forests or timber lands shall be assigned and registered as 
Forest Management Units (FMUs) with the DENR: Provided, That all areas under an 
existing and valid tenure agreement or management with the DENR before the 
passage of this Act shall be considered as FMUs.   
Each FMU shall be managed for protection or production purposes.  Protection 
FMUs shall have the primary function of protecting life support systems to regulate 
water resources, prevent flooding, control erosion, prevent seawater intrusion, 
maintain soil fertility, and conserve plant and wildlife biodiversity and their ecosystem.  
Production FMUs shall have the primary function of producing forest products, food, 
energy, or fresh water. 
 


SEC. 11. Managers of FMUs. – To ensure effective management of forest lands, only 
qualified persons shall be designated managers of FMUs. An FMU manager may be 
a natural or juridical person and includes local and ICC/IPs’ households, civil society 
organizations, business organizations, forest land use tenure holders, and national 
and local government units subject to the requirements to be provided in the 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act. 
 
SEC. 12. FMU Development and Management Planning. – Every FMU shall have 
a management plan formulated by the FMU Manager, reviewed and concurred by a 
Registered Professional Forester, and approved by the FMB.   
In case the FMU holder is an individual, a member of an ICC/IP, or a member 
of civil society, the FMB shall provide assistance in the preparation and formulation of 
a management plan. In designating FMUs within a watershed, and in awarding the 
appropriate tenurial instruments, priority shall be given to indigenous peoples.  
 
SEC. 13. Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources. – Mangrove species 
planted within production forest lands can be harvested, gathered or collected, taking 
into consideration the basic forestry policies and strategies provided for in this Act. 
The harvesting, gathering, collection of mangrove species shall be upon the authority 
of FMB. 
 
SEC. 14. Mined-Out Areas and Abandoned Fishpond Areas. – Forest lands that 
are considered as either mined-out areas or abandoned fishpond lease areas shall be 
under the management and administration of the FMB. 
 
SEC. 15. Sustainable Use of Forest Resources. – The harvesting, gathering, and 
collection of all planted forest resources within production forest lands, including its 
by-products and derivatives, shall not require any clearance from the DENR: Provided, 
That the volume of harvested products is consistent with the approved management 
plan: Provided, further, That the DENR shall establish a National Forest Stock 
Monitoring System (NFSMS) to ensure the sustainable use of the forest resources and 
strengthen the timber legality assurance system for forest products: Provided, 
furthermore, That the FMB shall set up a monitoring mechanism that will include 
members of the local consultative bodies:  Provided, finally, That any request for 


clearance for domestic transport of forest resources submitted to the DENR shall be 
acted upon within seven (7) days from the date of its submission with the proper office. 
If no action has been taken by the DENR after the lapse of seven (7) days, the 
clearance for transport shall be deemed approved. 
The harvesting, gathering, collection, and transport of non-timber forest 
products within production forest lands shall be exempt from any clearance from the 
government. 
All timber and non-timber forest products planted within private lands shall 
belong to the owner of the land who shall have the right to harvest, gather, and collect 
the same without any clearance from the DENR or other concerned government 
institutions. 
 
SEC. 16. Regulation and Sustainable Use of Forest Resources within Ancestral 
Forest Lands. – The rights of the indigenous cultural communities or indigenous 
peoples over their ancestral forest lands shall be respected: Provided, That the 
management of forest resources within those lands shall be regulated by the DENR 
as provided for by laws, rules, and regulations.  
 
ARTICLE III 
FOREST-BASED INDUSTRIES 
 
SEC. 17. Development of an Open and Competitive Market for Forest Resources. 
– To meet the demands for forest goods and services, the DENR shall promote and 
rationalize the establishment, operations, and development of forest-based industries. 
The DENR shall institute measures to develop an open and competitive market for 
forest products including the liberalization of forest products harvesting, transport, and 
marketing. 
 
SEC. 18. Export of Certified Forest Products. – No person shall sell or offer for sale 
any forest resources in the international market without complying with the certification 
system established by the Government. Failure to adhere to the established 
standards, or any act of falsification shall be sufficient cause for the cancellation of 
export licenses and other permits authorizing the manufacture or sale of such 
resources. 


 
SEC. 19. Regulation of Forest-Based Industries. – All processing plants using 
forest resources as raw materials shall be subject to existing regulations prescribed 
by law, such the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System: Provided, That 
these processing plants are registered with the Department of Trade and Industry and 
have been issued the required clearance from the concerned LGU.  
 
SEC. 20. Support for Private Investments and Economic Contribution. – Forest-
based industries shall be given appropriate incentives in order to encourage global 
competitiveness and enable them to support demand for wood and other products, 
and enhance their economic contribution to the country. Agroforestry economic zones 
may be established in order to attract local and foreign investments 
 
SEC. 21. Community-Based Forest Enterprises. – Economic activities, practices 
and forest-based enterprises of local communities and ICCs/IPs that promote the 
sustainable use of forest resources shall be supported and promoted to address food 
security and improve their quality of life. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
ENABLING CONDITIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT 
 
SEC. 22. Forest Land Use and Tenure Instruments. – The DENR may undertake 
the development and sustainable use of forest lands and forest resources found 
therein in cooperation with qualified persons, whether natural or juridical, through 
tenure instruments.  The order of priority in the provision of land use rights shall be as 
follows: 
a. 
Duly recognized indigenous peoples, organizations, and households in 
the case of FMUs within ancestral forest lands; 
b. 
Holders of valid and existing forestry agreements with DENR and FMB; 
c. 
Investors on forest lands with free and prior informed consent (FPIC) 
with indigenous peoples; and 
d. 
Investors on public forest lands that are not under any agreement with 
the DENR and other persons. 


Any person who is party to any of the agreements mentioned in this section 
shall not be allowed to transfer or convey rights vested by the agreements within five 
(5) years from the issuance of the agreement.  Thereafter, the person shall be able to 
transfer, or convey the rights of interests therein subject to a written authority from the 
Secretary or duly authorized representative: Provided, That the transferor has 
complied with the terms and conditions of the agreement: Provided, further, That the 
transferee shall assume the obligations of the transferor. 
All parcels of public forest lands that are not covered by any management 
agreement or tenure instrument shall be converted to FMUs. 
 
SEC. 23. Forest Management Agreement. – The DENR and a qualified person, 
whether natural or juridical, may enter into a forest management agreement for the 
development, sustainable use, and management of forest lands and forest resources 
found therein. The forest management agreement shall be for twenty-five (25) years 
and may be extended for another twenty-five (25) years. 
 
SEC. 24. Scope of Forest Management Agreement. – A forest management 
agreement may be entered into for the following purposes: 
a. 
Agroforestry plantations, in accordance with the standards of the DENR 
for forest plantations development; 
b. 
Forest plantation development; 
c. 
Ecotourism development;  
d. 
Forest restoration; and 
e. 
Special uses for forest lands. 
A forest management agreement may be entered into for a single purpose or a 
combination of any of the abovementioned purposes. 
 
SEC. 25. Special Uses of Forest Lands. – Special uses of forest lands shall include 
the following: 
a. 
Establishment of forest park 
b. 
Dry dock site; 
c. 
Industrial processing site; 
d. 
Herbal or medicinal plantation; 


e. 
Fish drying site; 
f.           Communication station site; 
g. 
Public landing site or airstrip; 
h. 
Log pond or log depot; 
i.           Lumber yard; 
j.           Motor pool site; 
k. 
Power station site; 
l.           Transmission line site; 
m. 
Right-of-Way; 
n. 
Farm-to-market roads; 
o. 
Government facility site; 
p. 
Water reservoir; and 
q. 
Renewable energy projects. 
 
SEC. 26. Qualified Persons. – The following persons are qualified to enter into a 
Forest Management Agreement with the State: 
a. 
Filipino citizens; 
b. 
Local and ICC/IP’s households, civil society organizations, small and 
medium enterprises, and people’s organizations; 
c. 
Corporations or associations at least sixty percent (60%) of whose 
capital is owned by Filipinos; 
d. 
Local government units, when the purpose of the Agreement is for public 
use or the establishment of government centers and facilities; or 
e. 
Other national government agencies or government-owned or controlled 
corporations, when the purpose of the Forest Management Agreement is of national 
interest, such as the construction of electric transmission or distribution lines, or water 
reservoirs. 
 
SEC. 27. Benefit Sharing. – The following schemes shall be observed by the parties 
to a Forest Management Agreement in relation to the sharing of benefits derived from 
the agreement: 
a. 
For forest plantations and forest plantations with processing plants, the 
sharing of outputs shall be based on the total gross output of the plantation harvests.  


Said sharing shall be done in a manner advantageous to the national interest without 
prejudice for incentives that may be prescribed by the DENR. 
b. 
For ecotourism purposes, the person who enters into a forest 
management agreement with the State shall pay an annual user’s fee equivalent to 
five percent (5%) zonal value per square meter or a fraction thereof of the nearest 
commercial area. 
c. 
Non-income generating government facilities such as public school 
sites, public hospitals or clinics, government center or offices, roads, farm-to-market 
access roads, and public buildings are exempt from paying any fee or other pecuniary 
obligation with the State: Provided, That the use of these establishments or 
infrastructures shall not be subject to privatization.  
 
SEC. 28. Forestry Research, Education, Training, and Extension. – The Forestry 
Development Center (FDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Research, 
in collaboration with schools, universities, and colleges (SUCs) as well as other 
stakeholders, shall undertake forest policy research and technology development in 
support of sustainable forest management.  
The DENR, the Department of Science and Technology, the Commission on 
Higher Education, and universities shall, within one (1) year from the passage of this 
Act, prepare a comprehensive sustainable national forestry and environmental 
research and technology development and transfer program in furtherance of 
sustainable forest management, which shall be implemented, monitored, and 
reviewed in accordance with existing research management systems.  
Continuing professional development shall be promoted in universities and 
training institutions on forestry and natural resources management subject to the 
Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) accreditation system. Forestry 
education in the Philippines shall be rationalized to ensure the quality of formal forestry 
education and national and regional centers of development and excellence in forestry 
and environmental education shall be established, supported and sustained to 
develop high quality human resources and promote global competitiveness. The 
Commission on Higher Education shall include forest ecology and environment 
courses in general education curricula.  The DENR shall formulate a sustained 
nationwide public information and advocacy campaign for forests and natural 
resources conservation, sustainable forest management, and climate change. 


 
SEC. 29. The Sustainable Forest Development Fund. – There is hereby established 
a trust fund to be known as the Sustainable Forest Development Fund (SFDF) to be 
utilized as concessional financing for forest development projects proposed by the 
managers of FMUs. The Fund shall be administered by a government financial 
institution as a trust account.  
The preferred government financing institution (GFI), together with the DENR, 
shall invest at most 75% of the net interest income from loans to forest development-
support facilities including road networks, seedling nurseries, water supply systems, 
and research facilities subject to recommendation by the FMB. 
The SFDF may be augmented by grants, donations, payment for ecosystem 
services, and endowment from various sources local and international sources. 
In addition, at least seventy percent (70%) of forest charges and government 
share collected, including proceeds from the sale of confiscated forest resources, 
machinery, equipment, and tools, fines, and penalties shall be set aside for the SFDF.  
Disbursements from the fund shall be made solely for the protection, 
maintenance, development of the forest area, and duly approved projects endorsed 
by the forest management units, in the amounts authorized by the DENR subject to 
existing accounting, budgeting and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, That the 
fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures. 
 
SEC. 30. Importation and Sale. – Forest resources may be imported into the country, 
subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. All imported forest resources shall 
comply with the Philippine National Standards to be developed by the Department of 
Trade and Industry in coordination with the Forest Products Research and 
Development Institute and the DENR. Compliance with these standards shall be a 
precondition for the sale or disposition of these products in the Philippines. 
 
ARTICLE V 
ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNANCE 
 
SEC. 31. Creation of the Position of Undersecretary for Forestry. – There is 
hereby created in the DENR the position of the Undersecretary for Forestry who shall 
perform the following functions: 


a. 
Oversee the provision of technical, marketing, financial, tenurial and 
infrastructure support to persons and entities engaged in FMU management; 
b. 
Ensure watershed-based planning and monitoring processes are 
observed in forestry-related developments; 
c. 
Facilitate institutional linkages and convergence initiatives among 
forestry stakeholders in support of effective development and management of forest 
lands consistent with its protection and production uses; 
d. 
Provide scientific information-based policy recommendations in aide of 
sustainable forest management; and 
e. 
Promote cost-effectiveness of forestry investments among local and 
international investors and donors in line with sustainable forest management. 
The President of the Republic of the Philippines shall appoint the 
Undersecretary whose office’s structure and staffing shall be recommended by the 
DENR Secretary subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 32. Reconstitution of the Forest Management Bureau. – The Forest 
Management Bureau is hereby reconstituted as a line bureau under the DENR. It shall 
be responsible for the administration, sustainable management, development, and 
conservation of forest lands and forest resources of the country, with functions 
specifically as follows:  
a. 
Implement all policies, plans, programs, projects and activities 
concerning forest lands with provision for effective feedback and reporting 
mechanisms; 
b. 
Ensure the provision of technical, marketing, financial, tenurial and 
infrastructure support to persons and entities engaged in FMU management; 
c. 
Enforce watershed-based planning approaches in all forestland 
development and management endeavors; 
d. 
Encourage the participation of forestry stakeholders in all forestry-
related consultative processes; 
e. 
Develop and implement an effective geographical information system in 
aide of forestry planning, monitoring and policy formulation;  
f.           Monitor and evaluate the physical, environmental, and socio-economic 
outcomes in the management of all FMUs; and 


g. 
Formulate and publish periodic reports informing stakeholders of the 
status of the Philippine forest lands using both qualitative and quantitative methods. 
 
SEC. 33. Composition of the Forest Management Bureau. – As a line bureau, the 
Forest Management Bureau shall be headed by a Director and assisted by two (2) 
Assistant Directors who shall supervise the administrative and technical services of 
the Bureau respectively. There shall be an FMB Regional Director in each 
administrative region with corresponding offices and positions.  Consistent with 
Republic Act No. 10690, or “The Forestry Profession Act”, only registered professional 
foresters (RPF) shall be appointed to the aforementioned positions.  
 
SEC. 34. Assistance of Law Enforcement Agencies. – Concerned LGUs, the 
Department of Interior and Local Government, and the DENR may call upon law 
enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government such as the Philippine 
National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast 
Guard (PCG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the enforcement of 
environmental laws, executive orders, and their implementing rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 35. Local Government Participation. – Enabling mechanisms shall be 
developed to enhance the participation of the LGUs in watershed management 
planning, sustainable use, conservation, and protection of forest resources within their 
territorial jurisdiction, including forest resources which have been placed by law under 
the administration and management of other government agencies.   
LGUs with forest lands within their jurisdiction shall align their CLUPs, local 
development plans, disaster risk reduction management plans and other required 
plans according to the objectives specified herein and in the protected area 
management plans.  
 
SEC. 36. Other Government Agencies. – Forest lands or portions thereof, which 
have been placed under the administration and management of other government 
agencies, shall remain as such: Provided, That the DENR shall oversee the 
administration and management of these areas based on the policies, strategies, and 
programs mandated under this Act: Provided, further, That the concerned agencies 
shall submit an annual accomplishment report to the DENR. 


 
SEC. 37. Multi-Sectoral Consultative Bodies in Relation to Natural Resources 
Governance. – Pursuant to this Act, a technical and multi-sectoral consultative body 
involving all direct stakeholders concerned within a watershed shall be convened by 
the DENR specifically for each FMU and cluster of FMUs as appropriate, and shall be 
consulted at least once a year to review and make recommendations pertaining to 
watershed-based management related policies at the local and regional level.  
 
SEC. 38. Function of Multi-Sectoral Consultative Bodies. – The body shall be 
responsible for the over-all policy direction in the management of the forest lands and 
forest resources found within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with the 
provision of this Act. Specifically, it shall (a) review and recommend implementation of 
programs and projects, (b) perform oversight functions on matters pertaining to 
environment and natural resources, and (c) participate in the review and recommend 
relevant policies for the protection, conservation and restoration efforts within the 
watershed in ensuring significant contribution of the forestry sector to national 
economy, ecological sustainability, and sustainable development closely adhering to 
the principles and priority programs of the Government. Said body may also facilitate 
the initiation of the LGUs’ participation in monitoring the transfer and implementation 
of devolved functions to the LGUs. 
 
SEC. 39. Power and Water Utility Service Providers. – Forest lands or portions 
thereof, which have been placed by law or agreement under the administration and 
management of government and private power and water utility service providers, 
shall be included in the partitioning of forest lands into appropriate categories 
consistent with the purpose of the assigned forest land, and shall remain under the 
administration and management of the said utility service providers concerned: 
Provided, That the DENR shall exercise oversight power on the planning, 
management, sustainable use, and assessment of all forest resources in these areas. 
 
SEC. 40. Governance Support Mechanism. – The following mechanisms shall be 
developed, established, and used for the effective implementation of the sustainable 
forest management program: 


a. 
The principles and practices of transparency, accountability, and 
participatory decision-making, in transactions, decision, and actions affecting forestry, 
in all levels, and the policy of streamlining, decentralization, devolution, and 
deregulation shall be adopted, promoted, and institutionalized in the DENR; 
b. 
Forest land use plans shall be integrated with the comprehensive land 
use plans of local government units; 
c. 
Networks and linkages with local and international institutions, civil 
society organizations, local government units and industries involved in the promotion 
and practice of sustainable forest management shall be strengthened; 
d. 
The DENR shall prescribe appropriate fees and government shares for 
different kinds of sustainable use, exploitation, occupation, possession, or activities 
within forest lands, as well as the corresponding administrative fees for permits, 
agreements, and other services; 
e. 
The DENR shall have the authority to impose other fees for payment for 
ecosystem services and forest protection, management, reforestation, and 
development. In addition, the DENR may waive fees and charges on government 
activities within forest lands that support public utility, social welfare, national security, 
or national interest; 
f.           The DENR shall undertake the monitoring and control of forest 
management and sustainable use through third-party audit and certification. A 
National Forest Certification System shall be established which will outline the policy, 
rules, procedures, and management for implementing forest management certification 
and chain-of-custody certification in promoting timber legality assurance system in the 
country. The DENR shall develop pertinent guidelines, in coordination with all 
stakeholders, for the implementation of this provision subsequent to the effectivity of 
this Act; 
g. 
The DENR shall establish a forest management information system 
which shall consist of comprehensive up-to-date information on the physical, social, 
financial, economic, biological, and environmental components of the country’s forest 
lands and forest resources. It shall include a continuous monitoring system to track 
the sustainable use and movement or transfer of forest-based goods and services, the 
changes in the state of forest resources and ecosystem services, and its drivers. The 


system shall likewise include a ground-based validation system for assessing 
progress towards sustainable forest management; 
h. 
It shall be the priority of the State to ensure that government employees 
involved in the implementation of the sustainable forest management law are properly 
trained, sufficiently equipped, adequately compensated, and given ample 
opportunities to participate in its implementation.  
 
ARTICLE VI 
OFFENSES AND PENALTIES 
 
SEC. 41. Harvesting, Gathering, Collection, or Possession of Forest Resources 
from Protection Forest Lands. – Any person who shall harvest, gather, collect, or 
possess any forest resource from protection forest lands shall be punished with 
imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and one 
(1) day or a fine equivalent to ten (10) times the value of the said forest resource. The 
Forest Protection Officers shall have the authority to estimate the present market value 
of the forest resources subject of the illegal harvest, gathering, collection or 
possession based on the guidelines promulgated by the DENR. 
In the case of partnerships, associations, or corporations, the president, 
managing partner or general manager shall be held liable. 
An alien who commits these prohibited acts shall be deported after payment of 
the fine imposed by the Bureau of Immigration without deportation proceedings. 
SEC. 42. Illegal Harvesting, Gathering, Collection, or Possession of Forest 
Resources as an Act of Economic Sabotage. – Any of the acts enumerated in the 
preceding section shall be considered as an economic sabotage when committed by: 
a. 
At least two (2) or more persons through an organized and systematic 
manner; and 
b. 
Any person, when the amount of forest resources harvested, gathered, 
collected, or possessed amounts to at least One million pesos (P1,000,000.00). 
The penalty of imprisonment for twenty (20) years and one (1) day up to forty 
(40) years shall be imposed. 
 


SEC. 43. Grazing Livestock in Forest Lands Without Authority. – Any person 
found to have caused the grazing of livestock in forest lands without authority from the 
DENR shall be punished with imprisonment of two (2) years, four (4) months, and one 
(1) day up to four (4) years and two (2) months. The livestock shall be confiscated in 
favor of the local government unit (LGU) concerned. 
 
SEC. 44. Unlawful Occupation of Forest Lands. – Except for ICC/IPs occupying 
ancestral forest lands consistent with their CADC or CADT and the provisions of 
Republic Act No. 8371 or “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act”, any person who, 
without authority from the DENR, takes possession of or occupies any parcel of forest 
land shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) day 
up to twelve (12) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 
(P100,000.00), but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) and 
forced eviction from the area. 
 
SEC. 45. Destruction of Forest Lands. – Any person who shall destroy or cause 
destruction within protection, ancestral, or public forest lands or assist, aids, or abets 
another person to do so, shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of six (6) 
years and one (1) day up to twelve (12) years, and a fine of not less than One hundred 
thousand pesos (P100,000.00,) but not more than Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00). 
 
SEC. 46. Unlawful Operations of Sawmills, Wood Processing Plants, and Forest-
Based Industries. – Any person operating a sawmill, wood processing plant, and 
forest-based industry without any authority from the DENR shall be punished with a 
penalty of imprisonment for six (6) years and one (1) day up to twelve (12) years, and 
a fine of not less than Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00). 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the accessory penalty of 
permanent disqualification shall be imposed, including forfeiture of all government 
benefits. 
All forest resources, machinery, equipment, and tools pertinent to the 
operations of the abovementioned establishments shall be confiscated in favor of the 
Government. 
 


SEC. 47. Prohibition on the Issuance of Land Titles or Tax Declarations on 
Forest Lands. – All land titles and tax declaration issued over forest lands shall be 
deemed void ab initio. Any person who shall issue land titles and tax declarations over 
any forest land or a parcel thereof shall be punished with imprisonment of six (6) years 
and one (1) day up to twelve (12) years, with a fine of not less than One hundred 
thousand pesos (P100,000.00), but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos 
(P500,000.00). The accessory penalty of disqualification shall be imposed for a period 
of twelve (12) years and one (1) day. 
 
SEC. 48. Non-Payment and Non-Remittance of Forestry Fees and Charges. – Any 
person who fails to pay the amount due and payable as forestry fees or charges to the 
government or remit the same to the proper authorities within the prescribed period 
shall be punished with a penalty of imprisonment for a period of six (6) years and one 
(1) day up to twelve (12) years, with a fine of not less than One hundred thousand 
pesos (P100,000.00), but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00). 
 
SEC. 49. Non-Establishment of Tree Parks and Green Spaces. – Every LGU shall 
establish and maintain tree parks and green spaces pursuant to their comprehensive 
land use plans. Allocations for the establishment and maintenance of the same shall 
form part of the local government unit’s annual budget. 
Every owner of land subdivided into residential, commercial, or industrial lots 
shall reserve, establish and maintain at least thirty percent (30%) of the total land area 
of the subdivision, exclusive of roads, service streets and alleys as green space for 
tree parks. 
No subdivision plan shall be approved by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory 
Board unless at least thirty percent (30%) of the total area of the subdivision has been 
reserved as green space. The owner must develop the green space within three (3) 
years from the approval of the subdivision plan. 
Any LGU or owner of a parcel of land subdivided into residential, commercial, 
or industrial lots who fails to establish green spaces or tree parks as provided in the 
preceding paragraphs shall be penalized with a fine of not less than Five hundred 
thousand pesos (P500,000.00), but not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00). 
 


SEC. 50. Illegal Conversion of Tree Parks and Green Spaces. – Any person who 
shall convert or cause to convert any tree park or green space for a purpose 
inconsistent with that which is provided for by this Act shall be punished with a penalty 
of imprisonment for six (6) years and one (1) day up to twelve (12) years, or a fine not 
less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), but not more than One million 
pesos (P1,000,000.00). 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the accessory penalty of 
disqualification shall be imposed for a period of twelve (12) years and one (1) day. If 
the offender is an official or an employee of the DENR, the accessory penalty of 
permanent disqualification shall be imposed. 
 
SEC. 51. Arrest and Detention. – If the apprehension of an offender was conducted 
in areas far from the place where persons authorized to conduct inquest proceedings 
are located, the delivery of the said person to the proper judicial authorities shall be 
done within a reasonable time period, taking into consideration the ordinary travel time 
from the place of arrest to the place of delivery. 
In order to facilitate the filing of appropriate charges against arrested persons 
for violations of this Act, the Department of Justice shall designate in every city and 
province a special prosecutor who shall be responsible for such filing.  
 
SEC. 52. Public Auction of Forest Resources. – If the confiscated forest resources 
are in danger of deteriorating, the DENR may order that the same be sold at public 
auction even before the termination of the judicial proceedings, and the proceeds 
thereof shall be kept in trust until such time that the judicial proceedings are completed 
and judgment is made as to the disposition of such forest resources. 
 
SEC. 53. Authority of Forest Protection Officers. – In the performance of their 
official duties, forest protection officers or other public officials or employees 
authorized by the DENR shall have free access into forest lands or any parcel thereof. 
They are also authorized to search the exterior and interior of all vehicles 
suspected to contain illegally harvested, collected, or gathered forest resources: 
Provided, That the search is done in the presence of the apprehended persons and 
two (2) public local officials. 


Finally, forest protection officers are authorized to administer oaths, and take 
acknowledgments on official matters connected to the implementation of this Act and 
its rules and regulations. 
 
ARTICLE VII 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 54. Administrative Authority of the DENR Secretary or the Duly Authorized 
Representative to Order Confiscation. – In all cases of violations of this Act or other 
forest laws, rules and regulations, the DENR Secretary or a duly authorized 
representative may order the confiscation of forest resources illegally harvested, 
collected, gathered, possessed and those that are abandoned. This authority shall 
extend to all conveyances used either on land, water or air as well as machinery, 
equipment, implements, and tools used in the commission of the offense, and to 
dispose of the same in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 55. Administrative Authority of the DENR Secretary to Impose Fines. – The 
DENR Secretary or a duly authorized representative, after the consultation with the 
forest-based industries affected, is hereby authorized to set the amount of fines for the 
offenses described in this Act and shall publish the schedule of fines in a national 
newspaper of general circulation. 
 
SEC. 56. Fines Escalation Clause. – The fines herein prescribed shall be increased 
by at least ten percent (10%) every three (3) years to compensate for inflation and to 
enhance the deterrent purpose of such fines. 
 
SEC. 57. Informant’s Incentive. – Twenty percent (20%) of the value of confiscated 
materials shall be used as incentives to informants, including forest management 
councils and forest management boards to be placed in the SFDF. They shall also be 
entitled to free legal assistance should cases be filed against them in the performance 
of official duties. 
 
SEC. 58. Suits and Strategic Legal Action Against Public Participation and the 
Enforcement of this Act. –  


a. 
A legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any 
legal recourse that any person, institution, or the government has taken or may take 
in the enforcement of this Act, or to protect the environment, or uphold the 
environmental rights of persons, shall be treated as a strategic legal action against 
public participation and shall be governed by this Section. 
b. 
A suit and a strategic legal action against public participation may be 
interposed as a defense by a person involved in the enforcement of environmental 
laws, protection of the environment, or assertion of environmental rights.  The suit or 
strategic legal action shall be supported by documents, affidavits, papers, and other 
evidence; and, if it contains a counterclaim, must be accompanied by a prayer for 
damages, attorney’s fees and costs of suit. 
The court shall direct the plaintiff or adverse party to file an opposition to the 
suit or strategic legal action asserting why the suit is not a not a valid defense within a 
non-extensible period of five (5) days from receipt of notice that an answer has been 
filed. 
The suit or strategic legal action shall be set for hearing by the court after 
issuance of the order to file an opposition within fifteen (15) days from filing of the 
comment or the lapse of the period. 
c. 
The hearing on the suit or strategic legal action shall be summary in 
nature. The parties must submit all available evidence in support of their respective 
positions. The party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove by substantial 
evidence that the enforcement of this Act is a legitimate action for the protection, 
preservation and rehabilitation of the environment. The Party filing the action assailed 
as a strategic legal action against public participation and enforcement of this Act shall 
prove by preponderance of evidence that the action is a valid claim. 
d. 
The affirmative defense of a strategic legal action against public 
participation shall be resolved within thirty (30) days after the summary hearing. If the 
court dismisses the action, the court may award damages, attorney’s fees and costs 
of suit under a counterclaim if such has been filed.  
If the court rejects the suit or strategic legal action, the evidence adduced during 
the summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits of the 
case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of Court. 
 


SEC. 59. Citizen’s Suit. – Any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal or 
administrative action with the proper court against: 
a. 
Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this Act 
or its implementing rules and regulations; 
b. 
The DENR or other implementing agencies with respect to orders, rules, 
and regulations that are in contravention to this Act; and 
c. 
Any public officer who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of an 
act specifically enjoined as a duty by this Act or rules and regulations issued to 
implement it, or abuses the authority vested upon such public officer, or in any manner 
improperly performs the duties under this law or its implementing rules and 
regulations. 
However, no suit can be filed until after a notice of violation is sent to the alleged 
offender within thirty (30) days starting from the date of the occurrence of the violation. 
 
SEC. 60. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within six (6) months from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in consultation with other government agencies and 
relevant stakeholders shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement 
this Act.  
 
SEC. 61. Appropriations. – The DENR shall immediately include in the Department’s 
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act.   
For LGUs, the funding requirements shall be taken from their internal revenue 
allotment (IRA) and other sources of income derived from the shares from the different 
modes of agreement. 
 
SEC. 62. Transitory Provision. – Upon the approval of this Act, all existing tenure 
instruments, agreements or contracts, permits, and the like, shall be reviewed by the 
DENR and shall not be renewed upon their expiration unless their terms are consistent 
with the provisions of this Act. 
 


SEC. 63. Separability Clause. – If any section or provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections or provisions with the provisions not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 64. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, issuance or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 65.  Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,