Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS —
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4098

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S, LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the prime duty of the State to
protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

Throughout the century, the municipalities of Placer, Cawayan, Esperanza, Pio
V, Corpus, Cataingan, Dimasalang, Palanas and Uson, all situated in the Province of
Masbate, have been plagued by massive environmental degradation. Deforestation has
been identified as one of the main causes of environmental degradation. The number
of trees in these municipalities has been exponentially declining and is believed to be
the primary cause of flash floods. It has also largely contributed to global warming

‘As a solution to this environmental predicament, it is essential that the State
take a proactive step by reforesting these areas. The State cannot afford to wait for
nature to heal itself. Environmental degradation would be expediently solved by
planting trees in the affected areas. The number of trees to be planted as a result of this
bill will be very significant in combating the ills affecting the environment.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.
presentative
Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4098

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT REFORESTING 3,000 HECTARES OF PUBLIC LAND IN PLACER,
CAWAYAN, ESPERANZA, PIO V. CORPUS, CATAINGAN, DIMASALANG,
PALANAS AND USON, ALL IN THE PROVINCE OF MASBATE, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

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

Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the declared policy of the State 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 2. Reforestation in Placer, Cawayan, Esperanza, Pio V. Corpus,
Cataingan, Dimasalang, Palanas and Uson - An aggregate area of 3,000 hectares of
public land in the municipalities of Placer, Cawayan, Esperanza, Pio V. Corpus,
Cataingan, Dimasalang, Palanas and Uson, all in the Province of Masbate, as
identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall be
reforested.

SECTION 3. Filing Report - The Secretary of the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources shall submit an annual report to the President of the
Philippines, on the results of the work accomplished under this Act, specifying the
location and area of the sections reforested or afforested, the costs of the works and
such other data as may, in his judgment, be found necessary for the information of the
President

SECTION 4. Appropriations - The Secretary of Environment and Natural
Resources 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.


SECTION 5. Implementing Rules - The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective
enforcement of the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause - If, for any reason, any part or provision of
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining part or provision not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,