Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Fiftcenth Congress,
Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 2207

Submitted by the Committees on Civit Service and Professional Regulation and
Appropriations on

Re: Hous BillNp. —__5 9.4
Recommending its approval 16 eubstitution of House Bill No. 2731
Sponsors: Representatives Andres D. Salvacion. Jr. Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Rufus B.

Rodriguez and Maximo B. Rodriguez, Ir. _

Mr. Speaker:

The Committees on Civil Service and Professional Regutation and Appropriations to which
was referred House Bill No. 2731 introduced by Reps. Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B.

Rodriguez. Jr., entitled:

AN ACT.
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF FORESTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES.
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSF. REPUBJ.IC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-
TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINF (RA. NO. 6239}, KNOWN AS “THE
FORESTRY PROFESSION LAW”, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
AND FOR OTIIER PURPOSES

have considered the same and recommend that tke attached House Bill Ne.

UCG__32 4 Bntived:
AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF FORESTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-
TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (RA. NO. 6239), KNOWN AS “THE
FORESTRY PROFESSION LAW”, APPROPRIATING PUNDS THEREFOR
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

be approved in substitution of House Bili No. 2731. and with Reps. Rufus B. Rodrigues.
Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., Andres D. Satvacion, Jr., Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Daryl Grace J.
‘Abayon, Salvador H. Escudero Ill, Victor J. Yu. Angelo B. Palimones, Antonio L. Tinio.
Mariano U. Piamonte, Jr., Aurelio D. Gonzales. Jr., Ra‘ael V. Mariano and Carlos M. Padilia

as authars thereof.


Respectfully submitted,

HON, PH EMILIO AYA

‘on Appropriati

THE HONORABLE SPEAKER
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

HON. ANI s VACION, FR.

Committee on Civil Svice
and Professional Regulation


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
. Quezo City

Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL.NO. 5242

Introduced by Representatives Rufus 6. Rodnguez, Maximo B. Rodriguez. Jr.,
Andres D. Saivacion, Jr, Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Dary! Grace J. Abayon, Salvagor
Escudero lll, Victor J. Yu. Angeto B. Palmonss, Antonio L. Tinio. Mariano U
Pamonte. Jr. Aurelio D. Gonzaies. Jr., Rafael V. Mariano’and Carlos M, Padilla

AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF FORESTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED SIXTY-TWO
HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (R.A. NO. 6239), KNOWN AS “THE FORESTRY
PROFESSION LAW”, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER

PURPOSES
Be it enacted in the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Prilippines
in Congress assembled:
ARTICLE t

TITLE, POLICY, OBJECTIVES, TERMS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shail be known as tlie “Forestry Profession Act
of 2312."

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the important role of
professional foresters in nation-building Towards “his end, the State shall promote
the sustained development of professional foresters. whose technical competencies
have been determined by honest and credible licensure examinations and whese
professional service and standards of practice are internationally recognized and
considered world-class, brought about ty the strategic complementation of

regulatory measures and human resource policies and programs that foster their

professional growth and advancement.
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act provides for and shali govern:
(a) the examination, registration and licensure of professional foresters;
{b) the supervision. control and regulation of the practice of forestry in che
Philippines;
(c) the development and upgrading of the curriculum:
{d) the development of the professional competence of foresters through
Continuing Professional Education (CPE); and
{e} the integration of the forestry profession


SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms

shail mean:

{a} APO refers to the Accredited Professianal Organization (APC) of foresters
that the Board has accredited, sujeci to the approval by the Commission
as the one ‘and only accredited integrateo national organization of
foresters;

‘b) Board refers to the Professional Regulatory Board for Foresters created
under this Act;

¢) Commission refers to the Professional Regulation Commission created
under R.A. No. 8981, known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000;

(0) Forestry refers to the art, science, practice, and business of sustainable
management of forest and forestland resources for the production of
goods and services and the enhancement of benefits and values of such
resources to provide the needs of the present and future generations:

2) Professional Forester refers to a registered and licensed natural person
wno holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional
identification card, issued by the Board and the Commission purs.iant to
this Act.

SEC. 5, Scope of Practice of Forestry. - The practice of forestry shall

inciude. but not be fimnited to. the following acts or activities:

{a} Different aspects of actual and/or supervisory activities or services, such
as the parametric classifications of lands of the public domain and sub-
classification and capability determination of forestlands; inventory of
forest or timber and other forest products; reconnaissance and survey of

19 and implementing of harvesting

road locations and quarry sites; plant
operations and timber improvement; scaling and grading of, and
manifesting taxes on logs and derivative wood products as well as othar
forest products; preparation of designs, plans and specifications of forest
products processing plants; treatment of wood and other forest products:
inspection and investigation of harvesting and processing plants:
preparation, certification and/or authentication of log and lumber dealers,
sawmill operators and other sill reports; planning and implementation of
forest nursery, afforestation, reforestation, industrial and community-based
tree plantation, tree farm and agroforestry farm projects; planning and
implementation of forest parks. wilderness areas, coastal areas, and other

protected area systems development: planning and implementation of
2


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forest protection systems, forest and soil resources conservation
measures; and conduct of environmental risk scoping and environmental
impact assessment;
{b) The preparation and conduct of feasibility studies pertaining to natural
forest and planiation forest management, watershed management, range
or grazing land management, wildlife and/or biodiversity systems
management, wood technology and timber engineering, wood products
manufacturing and marketing management, and technical or management
consultancy;
(c) The conduct of forest experiments, research and development, training
and extension concerning forestry, and the teaching of forestry subjects in
any accredited college or school of forestry: and
(d) Government agency and institutional activities or services wherein the
principal policy and strategy is forestry and the employment of professional
forestry practice is essential, such as the undertaking, supervision or
administration of studies, programs, __ stations, —_—centers,
community/provincial/regional offices, and such other activities or services
that, by law, shall be inherently exercised by professional foresters;
(e) Forestry activities and services required by local government units, private
corporations, foundations, non-govemment organization, and foreign
assisted projects.
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise, exclude from.
‘or add to, the above enumerated acts or activities as the need arises to conform to
the latest trends in the practice of forestry.
ARTICLE tl
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR FORESTERS

SEC. 6. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board
for Foresters. - There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board for
Foresters, hereinafter referred to as the Board, a callegial body under the
administrative supervision and contro! of the Professional Regulation Commission,
hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be composed of the chairperson and
two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a {ist of three (3)
recommendees for each position chosen and submitted by the Commission thereto
from a list of five (5) nominees for every position indorsed by the Accredited

Professional Organization (APO).


i SEC. 7. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. —
2 The chairperson and each member shail, at the time of appointment, must possess
3 all the following qualifications and requirements

4 {a) A citizen and a resident of the Philippines;

(b} Of good moral character;
(c) Not convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving

6
7 moral turpitude;

g #0) A holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry. Preferably with a Masteral or
9 Doctorate Degree in Forestry conferred by a duly licensed school, college
0 of university fecognized by the government through the Commission on
BA Higher Education (CHED):

2 {e)A registered forester with a valid certificate of registration and a valid
professional identification card and with at least ten (10) years of practice

14 prior to appointment,

is () A member in good standing of the accredited professional organization
16 (APO);

17 (g) Not a member of the faculty of any school, college or university where a
is regular or review course in forestry is offered, not a member of a staff of
19 Feviewers in a review school or center, and does not have any direct or
20 indirect pecuniary interest in any such institution: and

Br] (h} Not an officer or trustee of the accredited professional organization (APO)
22 SEC. 8. Term of Office. ~ The chairperson and members of the Board shall

hold office for a term of three (3) years from the date of appointment or until their
24 successors shall have been qualified and appointed. They may be reappointed in
the same office for another term of three (3) years immediately after the expiry of
26 their term: Provided, That the holding of such position shalt not be more than two (2)
27 terms or not more than six (6) years: Provided, further, That the first Board
28 appointed under this Act shall hold these terms of office: the chairperson for three
29 (3) years, the first member for two (2) years, and the second member for one (1)
30 year: Provided, finally, That any appointee to a vacancy with the unexpired period
31 shall only serve such period The chairperson and the members shall duly take their

32 caths of office.
SEC. 9. Compensation, Allowances and Other Benefits. - The

chairperson and members of the Board shall receive compensation, allowances, and
other benefits comparable to those that the chairpersons and members of other


} professional regulatory boards under the Comm.ssion enjoy as provided for .n the

2 General Appropriations Act.

3 SEC. 10. Powers, Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the Board. ~

The Board shall exercise executive and administrative rule-making and quasi-judicial

S$ powers in carrying out the provisions of this Act it shall be vested with tne foilowing

6 specific powers, functions. duties, and responsib ities:

? (a) To regulate the practice of forestry in accordance with the provisions of

8 this Act;

9 (b) To issue and promulgate rules and -regulations implementing "he
provisions of this Act

(c} To adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics, the Code of
Govemance, and the Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of

id

Forestry:
4 (d) To adopt an official seat of the Board
fed (e) To prescribe and promulgate guidelines on the Continuing Professicnal
le Education (CPE) for foresters in consultation with the Accredited
7 Professional Organization (APO)
18 4) To prescribe and promulgate the syliabi for the subjects in the licensure
is examination in consutation with she academe and the Commission on

Higher Education (CHED):
(g) To issue or cancel temporary or special permit granted to foreign foresters;
(h) To adopt a program for the walk-in licensure examination, if necessary,
{i) To evaluate ahd approve applications for licensure examination

4 () To prepare questions for the subjects in the licensure examinatior s. give
and correct the examinations, and release their results;
{kj To register with or without licensure examination qualified persons for the

practice of forestry and issue thereto certificates of registraticn avd

28 professional identification cards:
2 (l) To administer oaths in the performance of its functions;
30 (m)To monitor the conditions affecting the practice of forestry through ocular

inspections of establishments wherein foresters are practicing. and adept
2 such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement and
maintenance of high professional. moat, echical and technical standards.

{n) To enter, together with the Commission, into a memorandum of agreement
with the CHED in ensuring that a{ higher educational instructions ard

36 offerings of degree, course or program comply with the policies, standards,
3


and requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of
curriculum, faculty, library, and facilties:

{0} To hear and investigate cases on violations of this Act, its implementing
rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Govemance
the Code of Technical Standards for the practice of forestry, and other
policies; and for this purpose, to issue summons, subpoena and subpoena
duces tecum to alleged violators and witresses to compel their attendance
in such hearings or investigations:

{p) To delegate the hearing or investigation of cases against the alleged
violators: Provided, That hearing or investigation of cases wherein the
issue of question involved stnctiy concerns the technical practice of
forestry shall be presided over by at least one (1) member of the Board
assisted by a Legal or Hearing Officer of the Commission:

{g) To indorse cases involving criminal violations of this Act and other laws,
their rules ang regulations, and other polcies to the Prosecution Office for
investigation;

in) To decide administrative cases against examinees or registered foresters:
Provided, That if they are judged guilty, tc cancel their examination papers
or debar them from taking another licensure examination, or to revoke or
suspend thei certificates cf registration: Provided. further, That the
effectivity of the penaity snall only commence from the date of surreader of
the certificates together with the professionali identification cards:
Provided, furthermore, That the decision of the Board stall, unless
appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (75)
days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision;

{s) To reissue of reinstate revoked or suspended certificates of registration
and unexpired professional identification cards to the holders thereof:
Provided, That the revoked certificates of registration shall only be
reissued after the lapse of the period provided in this Act: Provided,
further, That the Board shall issue a resolution thereon subject to approval
by the Commission, after establishing fitness to practice anew the forestry
profession: Provided, furthermore, That the suspended certificate of
registration shall only be reissued upon the expiration of the penod
imposed in the decision of the Board:

To conduct through the legal or hearing officers summary proceedings on

minor violatiohs of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations (RR)
6

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M

any of the Cades aforementioned, the General instructions to Examinse
and to render summary judgment thereon which shall, unless appealed to
the Commission, become final and executory after (15) days from? receipt
of notice of judgment or decision;

(u} To prepare an annual report of accomplishments, programs. projects, and
activities of the Board curing the year of submission to the Commission
after the close of each calendar year and to make appropriate
recommendations to the Commission on issues or problems affecting tne

forestry profession; and
fv) To discharge other implied, incidental, necessary powers, duties,
functions, and responsibilities to effectively carry out the provisions of this

Act and its policies or measures and the achievement of its objectives.

The rules and regulations, codes, and other policies embodied in a resolution
issued and promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approva by the
Commission However, the Board's decision. resolution, or order rendered in an
administrative case which is not interlocutory shall be subject to review ony if cn
appeal to the Commission or the regular courts.

SEC. 11. Grounds for Removal or Suspension of Board
Chairperson/Member. - The President of the Philippines, upon the
recammendation of the Commission, after giving the chairperson or the member of
the Board an opportunity to defend oneself in an administrative investgation
conducted by the Commission, may remove cr suspend the official on any of tha
following grounds:

(a) Gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge of cne's duty:

(b) Violation of any of the causes. grounds, and the prohibited acts provided in
this Act and the offenses in the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft anc
Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws,

(c} Manipulation or rigging of the licensure examination results for foresters
disclosure of secret and confidential information on the examination
questions prior to the conduct thereof, or tampering of grades.

The Commission, in the conduct of the vestigation, shall be guided by Sec

7 {S) of R.A. No. 8981, otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000, the
rules on administrative investigation, and the applicable provisions of the Rules of
Court.

SEC. 12. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, and

Provision of Support Services. - The Board shal! be under the admrnistrative
7


Supervision of the Commission. The Commission shail keep ai! records of the Board
‘nciusing applications for examination, examination papers and results, minutes of
deliberation, and administrative cases. The Commission shall designate the
Secretary of the Board who shail provide support services to the Board in order to

implement the provisions of this Act.
ARTICLE lil

EXAMINATION, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE

SEC. 13. Licensure Examination Requirement — Except as otherwise
speci“cally allowed under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice of
forestry shall be required to pass 4 licensure examination as provided for in this Act
in such places and dates as the Commission may designate in the Resolution
thereof on the Master Schedules for all licensure examinations in accordance with
Sec. 7 (d) of R.A. No, 8981

SEC. 14. Qualifications of Applicant. — An applicant for the Icensure
examination for foresters shali satisfactorily prove that one pessesses the fallowing

qualifications
a) Citizen of the Philippines or a forzign citizen whose country or state has

reciprocity agreement with the Philippines in the practice cf forestry

b) Of good moral character;

1c} A holder of bachelor's degree in forestry duly recognized or accredited by
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and conferred py a schoo!
college, ox university duly authorized by the government, or a gracuate of
bachelor of science in forest products engineering, or bachelor of science
in. agroforestry; and

(4) Not convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of
competent jurisdiction.

SEC. 16 Subjects for Licensure Examination — The licensure

examination for foresters shall include, but not limited to, the following.

{a} Forest Ecosystem

(b} Forest Policy and Govemance

(c) Forest Engineering and Utilization

(dg) Forest Resource Management
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any

cof the subjects in their syllabi and add new ones as the need arises to conform to
technolegical changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession.


RoR 2

SEC. 16. Rating in the Licensure Examination. - To pass the foresters
licensure examination, a candidate must obtain a general or weighted average -ating
of seventy-five per cent (75 %)

SEC. 17. Report of Rating, — The Board shall submit to the Commissior the
ratings obtained by the candidate not later than ten (10) days after the last day of the
examination, unless it is extended far a valid cause.

SEC. 18. Oath. - All successful candidates in the licensure examination and
in the registration without examination shall take their oath of profession before the
chairperson or any member of the Board. or any authorized officer of the
Commission, or any person authorized by law to administer oaths prior to entering
upon the practice of forestry.

SEC. 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card — A certificate of registration shall be issued to those who are
registered with or without licensure examination subject to payment of fees
prescribed by the Commission and the chairperson and members of the Board,
‘stamped with the official seal of the Commission and of the Board, certifying that the
Person named therein is entitied to the practice of the Profession with all the
Privileges appurtenant thereto. Until withdrawn, revoked, or suspended in
accordance with this Act, it shail remain in full force and effect.

A professional identification card bearing the registration number and date, its
validity and expiry duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission shall likewise
de issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee. It shall be reissued
after every three (3) years upon payment of the prescribed fees therefor.

SEC. 20. Refusal to Register. — The Board shalt not Tegister any successful
examinee in the foresters licensure examination who has been:

{a) convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent

jurisdiction,

{b) found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct by the Board,

(c) summarily adjudged guiity for violation of the General Instructions to

Examinees by the Board, and

(¢) declared of unsound mind by the court of competent jurisdiction.

In refusing such registration, the Board shail give the applicant a written
Statement setting forth the reasons therefor and shall file a copy thereof in its

records.
SEC. 21. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration

and Cancellation of Temporary/Special Permit - The Board shail have the
- 9


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3
6

power. upon notice and hearing, to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of
a registered forester or to cancel a temporary/special permit granted to foreign
forester, for violation of any of the grounds or causes in Sec.20 of this Act, except (c)
thereof and any of the following grounds:

{a) Violation of a provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics, Code of Good
Govemance, Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Forestry,
policy, and measure of the Board or the Commission;

(b) Perpetration or use of fraud in obtaining one’s certificate of registration,
professional identification card, temporary/special permit,

fc) Gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting to death, injury or
damage.

(d) Refusal to join or to remain a member in good standing of the accredited
professional organization (APO);

(©) Neglect or failure to pay the annual registration fees for five (5)
consecutive years,

(f) Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and licensed
person by allowing another to use one’s certificate of registration and/or
professional identification card or temporary/special permit;

(g) Illegally practicing the profession during one's suspension;

{h) Addiction to drug or alcohol impairing one’s ability to practice the
profession or declared with unsound mind by @ court of a competent
jurisdiction; or

() Non-compliance with the CPE requirement, unless one is exempted
therefrom for the renewal of the professional identification card;

Any person, firm or association may file charge/s in accordance with the
provision of this sectién against any registrant, or the Board may, on its own,
investigate violation of any of the above-mentioned causes. Affidavit-compiaint shail
be filed together with the affidavits of witnesses and other documentary evidence
with the Board through the Legal and Investigation Office. The motu proprio move
to concuct an investigation shall be embodied in a formal charge to be signed by at

least majority of the members of the Board. The rules on administrative

investigation issued by tha Commission shall govern the hearing or investigation

subject to applicable provisions of this Act, RA No. 8981 and the Rules of Court.
SEC. 22,  Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration,

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Certificate of Registration, Professional

Identification Card or Temporary/Special Permit. — The Board may, upon petition,
10


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a

reinstate or reissue a revoked certificate of registration after two (2) years from: the
effectivity of the period for revocation. which is the date of surrender of the said
certificate and professional identification card if stil valid to the Boare anc the
Commission. The Board may not require the holder thereof to lake another licensure
examinaton. The petitioner shal! prove to the Board that there are valid reasons to
practice the profession, For the grant of the petition. the Board shall issue a Board
resolution subject to approval by the Commission t
SEC. 23. Non-Payment of the Annual Registration Fees. — The Board
shall suspend a registered forester from the practice of the profession for non-
payment of the annual registration fees for five (5) consecutive years from its last or
Previous year of payment. The resumption of one's practice shall take place only
upon payment of the delinquent fees plus surcharces and interest and in accordance
with the rules of the Commission. The running of the five-year period may be
interrupted upon written notice about the discontinuance of one’s practice and
‘surrender of the certificate of registration to the Board and the Commission
SEC. 24. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration. - All foresters registered
at the effectivity of this Act shal! automatically be registered hereunder. subject te “he
Provisions herein set forth as to future requirements
Certificates of registration and professional identification cards or
temporary/special permits held by such persons in good standing at such effectivity
shal have the same force and effect as though they were issued on or after the
effectivity of this Act
ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF FORESTRY
SEC. 25. Lawful Practitioners of Forestry. — The following natural persons
and juridical persons shall be authorized to practice the forestry profession:
1) Natural persons:
(a) Duly registered as foresters and tolders of valid certificates of
registration and valid professional identification cards issued by the
Board and the Commission pursuant co this Act; and
(b) Holders of valid temporary/special permits issued by the Board and the
Commission to foreign licensed foresters pursuant to this Act.
2) Juridica! persons:
(a) Single proprietorship whose owner and staff are registered foresters:
(} Partnership duly registered with the Securities and Exchange

Commission (SEC) as professional partnership pursuant to the New
m1


Civil Code and composed of partners who are all duly registered
foresters,

(c) Corporation duly registered with the SEC as engagea in the oractice of
forestry with officers and Board of Directors who are ail registered
foresters;

{d) Association duly registered with the SEC as non-profit and non-stock
corporation whose officers, Board of Trustees. and members are ail
registered foresters

These juridical persons shall aiso be registered with the Board and the

Commission in accordance with duly-issued rules and regulations,

SEC. 26. Issuance and Use of Seal. - Ail registered foresters shall obtain a
seat of such design and make as the Board shall authorize and direct: Provided
Tha‘ the serial number of the certificate of registration issued by the Board shall be
incluged in the seal. Documents prepared by or under direct supervision of
registered or professional foresters shall be stamped with one’s seal, such as
reports. certifications, contracts, studies. plans, surveys, returrs, technical
desc-iotiors, inventory data, maps, drawings. sketches, iay-outs, exhibits. 2roposa!
of offer of services, tests and analysis. and other cocuments that may henceforth be
the subject of such acts upon the recommendation of the accredited professionai
organization concerned and by the resolution by the Board. It shall be unlawful for
any person to stamp any document with the said seal after the certificate of
registration is revoked

SEC. 27. Foreign Reciprocity. — No foreigner shall be allowed to take the
licersure examination for foresters, register, receive one's certificate of registration
and frofessional identification card, and practice forestry in the Phiippines unless
the requirements for the licensure examination and the registration and practice of
foresty imposed under the laws and regulations in one’s foreign country or state are
substantially the same as those required and contemplated by the Philippire taws
and regulations, and unless the said foreign laws and regulations allow Ph Eppine
citizers to practice forestry within the territory of the said foreign country or state on
the same basis and grant the same privileges as those enjoyed by the citizens
subjects or nationals thereof.

SEC. 28. Practice Through Temporary/Special Permit, — Subject to
approval by the Commission and the payment of fees it has prescribed, the Board

may issue temporary/specia! permit to the following:

ir


32

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Py

(1) Registered or certified foresters from foreign countries or states whose
services are either for a fee or free:
(a) If they are internationally known foresters or experts in any branch or
specialty of forestry; and
(0) If their services are urgently and importantly necessary for lack or
inadequacy of available local specialists or experts for the promotion or
advancement of the practice of forestry through transfer of technology.
(2) Licensed foresters from foreign countries or states employed as exchange
professors in a branch or specialty of forestry in schools, colleges or
universities offering the course of forestry.

The permit shall, among other things, contain these limitations and conditions
for a period of not more than one (1) year subject to renewal, the branch or specialty
of forestry, and the specific place of practice such as center, school, college or
university offering the course of forestry. The Board shall promulgate, subject to the
approval of the Commission, rules and reguiations on the implementation of this
Particular section.

SEC. 29. Indication of Numbers: Certificate of Registration,
Professional Tax Receipt, and Accredited Professional Organization (APO)
Membership. — The forester shall be required to indicate the certificate of
tegistration number and date of issuance, the expiry of the current professional
identification card, the professional tax receipt number and date, and the accredited
professional organization (APO) membership number and date with official receipt
Dumber and date of membership payment (annualflifetime) on the documents one
Signs, uses, or issues in connection with the practice of the forestry profession.

SEC. 30. Roster of Foresters. - The Board shail prepare and maintain a
roster of the names, residence or office address of ali registered foresters which
shall be updated annuaily in cooperation with the accredited professional
organization (APO). indicating therein the status of the certificate of registration.
professional identification card, and APO membership, whether valid, inactive due to
death or other reasons, delinquent, suspended or revoked. The said roster shail be
conspicuously posted within the premises of the Commission and the information
therefrom made available to the public upon inquiry or request.

SEC. 31. Integration of the Foresters. ~ The foresters shail be integrated
into one (1) national organization of foresters that is duly registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Board for Foresters shall

accredit, subject to approval by the Commission, the said organization as the one
13


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and only integrated and accredited national organization of foresters, All foresters
whose names appear in the Registry Book of Foresters Shall ipso facto or
automatically become members thereof and shail receive therefrom ali the benefits
and privileges upon payments of accredited professional organization (APO)
membership fees and dues. A membership in an affiliate organization of foresters
shall not be barred.

SEC. 32. Act Not Affecting Other Professions. — This Act shall not affect or
prevent the practice of any other iegally recognized profession.

SEC. 33. Posting of Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card or Temporary/Special Permit. — The certificates of registration
and professional identification cards of foresters or temporary/special permit in
original or authentic/authenticated copies shall be posted by the registered foresters
in a conspicuous place in one's office.

SEC. 34. Positions in Public or Private Offices Involving Practice of the
Forestry Profession. - Positions in public or private entities including educational
institutions involving the practice of the forestry profession shall be occupied by
Persons who are duly registered foresters with valid certificates of registration and
valid professional identification cards, or valid temporary/special permits that are
issued under this Act.

ARTICLE V
PENAL AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 35. Penal Clause. — Any person who shall commit any of the following
acts shall be meted out with a perpetual disqualification to practice the profession:

(1) Practicing forestry without a valid certificate of registration and a valid
professional identification card or a valid temporary/special permit;

(2) Attempting to use the seal, certificate of registration and professional
identification card of a registered forester or temporary/special permit
issued to foreign forester,

(3) Abetting the illegal practice of forestry by an unregistered or
unauthorized person;

(4) Securing through false information or fraudulent means certificate of
registration and professional identification card or temporary/special

permit;
(5) Impersonating a registered forester or a holder of a temporary/special

permit, and


1 (6) Violating any provision of this Act or the implementing rules and
2 regulations thereof.

3 SEC. 36, Enforcement. — In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Board
shall be assisted by the Commission, the accredited professional organization
5 (APO), duly constituted government agencies and authorities, and private
6 organizations in the industry, A memorandum of agreement between agencies or
7 organizations may be executed

8 SEC. 37. Appropriations. - The Chairperson of the Professional
9 Regulations Commission shall immediately include in the Commission's progrems
10 the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual

11 General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 38. Transitory Provision. — The incumbent Beard shail in an interim

capacity continue to operate or function by carrying out the provisions of the Act
+ without new appointments of the Chairperson and members thereof until the first
13 Board created under this Act shall have been constituted of organized pursuant
16 — thereto.

7 SEC. 39. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Board For
18 Foresters, subject to approval by the Commission. shall prescribe, promulgate, end
iS issue a Board resolution on the implementing rules anc regulations of this Act after
of censultation with the accredited professional organization (APO), other agencies,
21 and concerned private organization in the industry within ninety (90) days from the

22 effectivity of this Act
SEC. 40. Separability Clause. — If any provision, section, or part of this Act

24 shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect,
25. invatidate or impair any other provisions, sections or parts hereof, but shall be merely
°6 confined to the provision, section. or part thereof that is directly involved in the issue

27 upon which judgment has been rendered
SEC. 44. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act No. 6239 is hereby repealed.

29 Laws, decrees, orders, Jetters of instructions. rules and regulations, or otner
30 issuances, and parts thereof inconsistent witn the provisions of this Act are likewise

31 accordingly repealed or modified.
32 SEC. 42. Effectivity Clause. - This Act snali take effect filteen (18) days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.


FACT SHEET

House Bill No. 2731

AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF FORESTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES,
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED
SIXTY-TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (RA NO. 6239}, KNOWN AS
“THE FORESTRY PROFESSION LAW”, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Intraduced by: REPRESENTATIVES RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ AND MAXIMO B.
RODRIGUEZ, JR.

Commitiee Referral: COMMITTEE ON CIVIL, SERVICE AND
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION (Primary)
Committee Chairperson: REP. ANDRES D. SALVACION, JR.
Committee Referral: COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS (Secondary)
Committee Chaperson’ REP JOSEPH EMILIO A. ABAYA

OBJECTIVES:

. To revisit the scope of activities and services defining the practice of forestry
ty making them more relevant to the current forestry policies,
. To enable the professional foresters to effectively address the various

demands of the'r clientele.
. To enhance the role of the Filipino Forester in sustainable development of cur

dwindling forests

*  Todelete the provision requiring area specialists in every area coverage of te
Foresters Licensure Examination
. To remove the provision allowing registration of Filipino forestry professionals

without examination except only in case of reciprocity wherein foreign
Joresters are granted the privilege to practice in the Philippines.

KEY PROVISIONS:

* Provides for the reorientation of the specific areas of topics to be covered in
the Foresters Licensure Examination.

Involves the active participation of the Accredited Professional Organization
(APO) and Commission on Higher Eoucation (CHED), among others. in the
matter of education and practice of the forestry profession

* States clearly the grounds for suspension 0° revocation of the certificate >i

registration of the forestry practitioner.
Provides conditions before allowing foreign professional foresters to practice
forestry in the Philippines.

RELATED LAW:

. R.A No. 6239, The Forestry Profession Law of 1971