Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill Number __________ 
Introduced by REP. JANE T. CASTRO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill aims to require the planting of trees as a requirement for building permits.  It 
has been approved in the House of Representatives in the 17th, 18th, and 19th Congresses; and it 
is being refiled to highlight the need for us to take drastic action for our future generations.  
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and keeps it in its leaves, roots, and wood. As 
more trees are planted and mature, greater amounts of carbon dioxide can be absorbed thereby 
decreasing its capacity to warm our atmosphere. 
Tree planting can also combat the effects of floods and soil erosion, which have become 
common in present times due to changes in our climate patters. 
We are hoping that everyone could contribute in our country’s efforts to plant trees.  In 
this piece of legislation, building permits will only be given to its applicants who have also 
submitted Tree Planting Plans along with other requirements.   
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JANE T. CASTRO 
Representative 
2nd District of Capiz 
August 12, 2025
4:05 pm
3587


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill Number __________ 
Introduced by REP. JANE T. CASTRO 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE SUBMISSION OF A TREE PLANTING PLAN AS 
A REQUIREMENT IN THE APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Green Measures Act”. 
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SEC. 2. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a 
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balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of 
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nature. Towards this end, the State shall promote the planting of trees to 
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enhance environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change, and 
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preserve the environment for present and future generations. 
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SEC. 3. All applicants for building permits of residential, commercial, 
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industrial and public building development projects are hereby mandated to 
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submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed 
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by local government units and other existing laws. 
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Any person, firm, corporation, department, office, bureau, agency or 
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instrumentality of the government intending to construct, alter, repair or 
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convert any building or structure, is required to set aside, and properly 
 
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maintain in said property, areas adequate for planting and maintaining trees 
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and flora. 
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The TPP shall be a simple plan containing the following: 
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(a) Total area of the project; 
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(b) Indicative lay-out of the area/s to be planted; 
 
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(c) Number of trees to be planted, taking into account the ratio of at least 
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one (1) tree for every five hundred (500) square meters for commercial or 
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industrial projects or one (1) tree for every two hundred fifty (250) square 
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meters for housing and development projects; 
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(d) Species to be planted; and 
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(e) Construction and design of said areas for trees and flora, which shall 
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give emphasis to the façade of the structure and all communal areas. 
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SEC. 4. The TPP required under Section 3 hereof, shall give preference 
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to indigenous species of trees, taking into account the location, climate and 
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topography of the area. However, planting non-vigorously growing endemic 


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ornamental plants or trees and fruit bearing trees is recommended for 
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residential lots. 
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SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination 
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with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of 
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Agriculture and the Department of Public Works and Highways, shall issue the 
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necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this 
 
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Act. 
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SEC. 6. Should a competent court declare any portion or provision of 
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this Act unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof shall continue 
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to be enforced. 
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SEC. 7. All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of implementation, 
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rules and regulations or part or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of 
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this Act are hereby repealed, modified, superseded or amended accordingly. 
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SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
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in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,