Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
t Regular Session

House Bill No, _ 3539

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ANGELO B. PALMONES

TO PROHIBIT THE POSTING OF BILLBOARDS AND
ADVERTISEMENTS ON TREES AND SIMILAR PLANTS ALONG
HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘Trees and similar plants are planted along highways, roads and streets and also in public
places such as parks to improve the landscape in addition to providing ecosystems services
such as reducing pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen, 1ducing
temperature, preventing soil erosion, reducing or preventing the impacts of strong winds.
Especially in public places such as parks they provide areas for relaxation, leisure ard for rest
and contemplation, areas where one can be by oneself.

Especially along highways billboards and advertisements are posted on trees and similar
plants. These posting not only impair the landscape, they also damage the trees. Depending
upon the manner of posting the bark of trees is damaged and the wounds become avenues for
the entry of fungi and other infections that could lead to the decay and death of the trees,

These acts are predominant during election periods where all types of materials are attached
to trees and other places. Since trees along highways are very visible they are favorite places
for posting of advertisements. These acts should be prevented and perpetrators should be

made accountable for their actions, thus this bill.

|
wpe B. PALMONES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3539

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ANGELO B. PALMONES

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE POSTING OF BILLBOARDS AND
ADVERTISEMENTS ON TREES AND SIMILAR PLANTS ALONG
HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1, Title - This Act shall be known as the “No Billboards and Advertisements
on Trees and Similar Plants on Highways and Public Places of 2010”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State, consistent with the
Constitution, to protect and advance the right of the people to a balance and healthful
ecosystem in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Toward this end, the State shall
protect, conserve, and develop sufficient trees and similar plants in public places and urban
parks. Furthermore, the State shall promote to the highest degree possible the involvement of
all sectors of society in the protection and prevention of damage of these trees in order to
attain the benefits they provide such as reducing pollution and carbon dioxide in the air and in
the amelioration of temperature as well as provide areas for leisure, rest and contemplation.

Section 3. Objectives — It is the objective of this Act to prevent the damage of trees
and similar plants planted along highways and in public places from the posting of bills and
advertisements.

Section 4. Definition of Terms — As used in this Act, the following terms shall have
the corresponding meanings:
a. Billboards and advertisements — any material made of paper, wood, metal,
concrete or of similar nature
b. Posting — attaching billboards and advertising materials on trees on
highways and public places with the use of nails, bolts, spikes, pastes,
strings or wires or similar means
@ Highways — these include road systems of national, provincial,
city/municipal and barangay in nature
d. Public places ~ these include public parks and similar places



Section 5. Prohibition of Posting of Bills and Advertisements on Trees - ‘The
posting of bills and advertisements on trees and similar plants found along national highways,
provincial and city/municipal roads and other streets and also those found in public places
such as national, provincial, city/municipal parks is hereby prohibited.

Section 6. Punishment for Posting Bills and Advertisements on Trees along
Highways and Public Places ~ The posting of bills and advertisements on trees and similar
plants along highways and public places is punishable as follows:

a. First offense ~ A fine of Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000) for each single act: if
posting is on a single tree ~ two thousand pesos; if on two trees — four thousand
pesos, and so on;

b. Second offense — The fine for the second offense is double the fine on the first
offense.

¢. Third offense — The punishment for the third offense is triple the fine on the first
offense or imy mnment for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 12
months or both

d, Succeeding offense — The punishment for the fourth and succeeding offense is
double the previous fine or imprisonment.

Section 7. Duties of the Public ~ To ensure the protection of trees and similar plants
planted on highways and public places the public is enjoined to report to the police who in
turn will report it to the municipal/city or provincial Environment and Natural Resources:
Office (ENRO) in provinces and city/municipalities where they exists or to the nearest office
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Section 8. Payment and use of fines ~The fines are payable to the
city/municipalities where the offense took place. The income derived from the said fines will
accrue to the city/municipality where the offense occurred, Provided that the provincial
government shall have a share of 30 percent of the income, Provided further that all the
income shall accrue to chartered cities.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations ~The DENR and the Department
of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall formulate the implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) of this Act within 180 days from its approval.

Section 10. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected by such declaration,

Section 11. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, letter of instruction, executive
orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, in conflict or inconsistent
with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 12. Effectivity Clause ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afte
complete publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved