NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2484
^eaa;
fijp £j£CiTfnv!’
23 NOV-9 P6 :19
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST AND 
FOREST LANDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Forests play a very important role for the country. For many residing in rural 
areas, it is the primary source of income and subsistence. As one of the many countries 
identified as vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, forest management is 
integral in providing solutions that will help us navigate and address the issues brought 
on by the increasing population and its effects and strains on our environment. Data 
from the Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR) shows that in 1976 total forestlands amounted to 17.0 million 
hectares in 1976; this has since dwindled down to 15.8 million in 2021.
An Asian Development Bank case study1 on the cost of natural disasters in the 
Philippines between 2000 to 2016 placed socioeconomic damage at USD 20 billion, 
with average annual damages at USD 1.2 billion. The same study has also found that 
typhoon-affected households are more likely to go lower in terms of income levels.
1 Jha, S., Martinez, A., Quising, P., Ardaniel, Z., Wang, L. (2018). Natural Disasters, Public Spending, 
and Creative Destruction: A Case Study of the Philippines. Tokyo, Japan: The Asian Development Bank 
Institute.


Forests are integral in ensuring climate resilience. According to a Worid Bank 
case study2 on the role of forests in supporting liveiihoods and ciimate resilience, 
higher forest cover generates higher water yieids in the driest months of the year, 
ensuring that iocai communities which are dependent on water resources for 
agricuiture wili be ensured of subsistence. Apart from this, a higher forest cover 
reduces the voiume of floodwater during the wettest months of the year by as much 
as 47%. Furthermore, forests are integral to the reduction of poverty among rural 
households which have high forest-reiated income dependency. In the same study, 
the upiand communities in the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape 
reported that 7% of their annual cash income came from the sale of forest resources 
such as bamboo products, charcoal, and fish. Apart from income, households in upland 
communities aiso reiy on forest resources for subsistence.
This bill seeks to implement a Sustainable Forest Management Program that 
will ensure the protection, conservation, management, and development of 
forestlands and their resources. This measure seeks to optimize the utilization of forest 
resources to support sustainabie deveiopment of the country by providing equitabie 
access and benefit to stakeholders.
In order to operationalize this, the Office of the Undersecretary for Forestry wili 
be created which wili oversee the provision of technicai, marketing, financial, tenurial, 
and infrastructure support to those engaged in Forest Management Unit 
administration, as well as promote cost-effectiveness of forestry investments among 
iocai and internationai investors and donors in iine with sustainabie forest 
management, among others.
A Sustainabie Forest Deveiopment Fund (SFDF) shaii aiso be estabiished to 
provide concessionai financing for forest development projects. The SFDF shall be 
administered by a government financial institution (GFI) as a trust account managed 
under the capital preservation principie. The GFI and the DENR wili invest at most
2 Rawlins, M.A., et al. (2017). Understanding the Role of Forests in Supporting Livelihoods and Climate 
Resilience: Case Studies in the Philippines. Manila, Philippines: World Bank.


75% of the net interest income from loans to forest development support facilities 
such as seedling nurseries and water supply systems. Also, 70% of forest charges and 
government share collected shall be set aside for the said fund.
This proposed measure is in line with our commitment to the United Nations in 
achieving the targets of the UN strategic plan for forests. This bill will also address the 
challenges the country faces with regard to our forest goals as articulated in the United 
Nations Global Forests Goals Report 20213: enforcement of laws and combatting illegal 
logging given institutional weaknesses, inadequate resources, and judicial constraints. 
This bill will allow the institutions mandated to implement forest policies to be 
strengthened to address the pressing problems of our current forest situation, while 
also ensuring that the social and economic considerations resting on forest resources 
will be also addressed in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, this measure will 
strengthen the management of Philippine forests to ensure the availability of forest 
resources for future generations.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
INGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
3 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Forum on Forests 
Secretariat. (2021). The Globai Forest Goals Report 2021.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No.
Of Ujf 
ri.
23 NOV-9 P6:l9
received
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST AND 
FOREST LANDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
ARTICLE I
2 
General Provisions
3 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shaii be known as the "Sustainable Forest
4 
Management Act'.
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poiicy of the State to promote the
6 
generai welfare and social justice in all phases of national development, to protect and
7 
advance the right of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord
8 
with the rhythm and harmony of nature, and to conserve and develop the patrimony
9 
of the nation. The State hereby adopts the following policies relative to the
10 
conservation and management of forestlands and their resources:
11 
a. The specific limits of forestlands after these have been fixed and
12 
demarcated shall not be altered except through an act of Congress;
13 
b. The use and conservation of forest lands and forest resources found therein
14 
shall bear social, cultural, ecological, biological, and economic functions,
15 
responsibility and accountability to promote the common good of present
16 
and future generations;
17 
c. The protection of forest ecosystem, as well as rehabilitation through
18 
reforestation and afforestation of the degraded forest ecosystem shall be


1 
given priority to mitigate climate change, improve and conserve biodiversity,
2 
enhance ecosystem functions and services and provide long-term economic
3 
benefits;
4 
d. Forest lands shall be partitioned and planned into forest management units
5 
(FMUs) based on natural topographic and hydrologic boundaries and shall
6 
consider the watershed continuum approach which adopts a holistic
7 
relationship between the upstream and downstream areas in order to carry
8 
out efficiently the rational ecological treatment of the entire landscape from
9 
the mountain down to the coast; and
10 
e. The management, protection, conservation, and development of forest
11 
resources shall be done in an integrated, inclusive, developmental, and
12 
sustainable manner, focusing on the forest resource and the people who
13 
manage, conserve, and benefit from it.
14 
Sec. 3. Objectives. - The general objective of this Act is to optimize the
15 
utilization of forest resources to support sustainable development of the country by
16 
providing equitable access and benefit to stakeholders. The specific objectives are:
17 
a. Deregulate the management of forest lands and forest resources;
18 
b. Provide sustainable livelihood and enterprises especially among those
19 
depending and temporarily residing in forest lands;
20 
c. Strengthen institutional mechanism to respond to forest management
21 
concerns, namely: development of the forest industry, law enforcement,
22 
and management of watershed;
23 
d. Create the Sustainable Forest Development Fund as a support mechanism
24 
for funding requirements of forest management units;
25 
e. Reorient the role of Forest Management Bureau to be more responsive and
26 
proactive, consistent with the objectives of this Act; and
27 
f. Ensure that required forest cover is achieved to maintain the provision of
28 
ecological services.
29 
Sec. 4. Scope and Coverage. - The provisions of this Act shall apply to all forest
30 
lands and all forest resources in lands over which the Philippines has sovereignty and
31 
jurisdiction: Provided, That all forest lands and forest resources found in protected
32 
areas established under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) shall


1 
be sustainably managed and developed following the principies of this Act and
2 
consistent with the provisions of Repubiic Act No. 7586, or the "Nationai Integrated
3 
Protected Areas System Act of 1992", as amended by Republic Act No. 10629, and
4 
Republic Act No. 11038, or the "Expanded Nationai Integrated Protected Areas System
5 
Act of 2018": Provided, further, That ali wildlife resources and critical habitats found
6 
in forest lands, including alienable and disposable lands, shall be governed by Republic
7 
Act No. 9147, or the "Wildiife Resources Conservation and Protection Act": Provided,
8 
furthermore, That the rights of Indigenous Culturai Communities and Indigenous
9 
Peoples to their ancestral lands shall be respected, as provided for in Republic Act No.
10 
8371 or the "Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997": Provided, finaily, That all forest
11 
lands under the management and administration of local government units and other
12 
government agencies or instrumentaiities shail be managed in accordance with their
13 
duly legislated charters and the principles and provisions of this Act.
14 
Sec. 5. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
15 
a. Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources,
16 
including, inter aiia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems in the
17 
ecological complexes they are part of;
18 
b. Ciimate change refers to a change in climate that can be identified by
19 
changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties and that persists for
20 
an extended period, typicaiiy decades or longer whether due to natural
21 
variability or a as a result of human activity;
22 
c. Ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms interacting with each
23 
other and with their physical environment;
24 
d. Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and/or
25 
cultural heritage area where community participation, protection, and
26 
management of natural resources, culture, and indigenous knowledge and
27 
practices, environmentai education and ethics, as weli as economic benefits
28 
are fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host community and
29 
satisfaction of visitors;
30 
e. Forest refers to an ecosystem or as assembiage of ecosystems dominated
31 
by trees and other natural vegetation; a community of piants and animais
32 
interacting with one another and its natural environment;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
f. Forest land refers to land of the public domain ciassified as needed for forest 
purposes, including both production and protection. They shaii inciude ail 
forest reserved of the public domain;
g. 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. All current forest tenurial instruments 
may be considered FMUs;
h. Forest-based Industries refer to various industries that are dependent on 
raw materiais or products derived from forest such as, but not iimited to, 
wood, rattan, bamboo, vines, latex, resins, saps, essences, fruits, flowers, 
or wild flora and fauna;
i. 
Forest resources refer to all products and resources whether biomass such 
as plants and animals including its by-products and derivatives, which can 
be a raw material, or non-biomass such as soil, water, scenery as well as 
the intangible services and values present in forest iands or in other lands 
devoted for forest purposes;
j. 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;
k. Non-timber forest products refer to ali bioiogical materials and derivatives 
other than timber;
i. Plantation refers to forest iand established by pianting and/or seeding in the 
process of afforestation or reforestation. The iand is of either introduced 
species (all planted lands), or an intensively managed land of any 
indigenous species, which meets aii the foilowing criteria: one or two species 
at plantation, even-aged glass, and regular spacing;
m. Reforestation refers to the estabiishment of forest piantation on temporarily 
unstocked lands that are considered as forests;
n. Sustainable forest management refers to the process of watershed-based 
management of forest land and resources to achieve one or more cieariy 
specified objectives of management with regard to the continuous 
production of desired forest products and the deiivery of ecosystem services


1 
without undue reduction of its inherent values, biodiversity, and future
2 
productivity and without undesirabie effects on the physicai and social
3 
environment; and
4 
0. Watershed refers to the land area drained by a stream or fixed body of
5 
water and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface runoff. A
6 
watershed can be part of a larger landscape that includes connections from
7 
the headwaters to the reef.
8 
ARTICLE II
9 
Administration, Deveiopment, Management, and Utilization of Forest
10 
Lands and Forest Resources
11 
Sec. 6. Administration, Deveiopment, Management and Utiiization of Forest
12 
Lands. - Forest iands and forest resources shali be under the fuii supervision and
13 
control by the State. The development and utilization thereof shall be under the State's
14 
full control and supervision. The State may directly undertake such activities or may
15 
enter into agreements with qualified persons to receive technical assistance and
16 
appropriate incentives.
17 
The Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural
18 
Resources (DENR), hereinafter referred to as the FMB, shall be the primary
19 
government agency responsible for the administration, development, management,
20 
and utilization of forest iands as defined in this Act. It shall have the authority to enter
21 
into management agreements or issue tenure instruments on behalf of the
22 
Government, promulgate rules and regulations for the effective enforcement of this
23 
Act, and administratively adjudicate offenses provided for in this Act in order to
24 
facilitate the speedy resolution of forestry-related cases.
25 
Sec. 7. Categories of Forest iands. - For the purpose of administration,
26 
development, management, and utilization, forest lands shall be categorized into
27 
ancestral forest lands, private forest lands, and public forest lands.
28 
a. Ancestral forest lands are ancestral lands and domains defined as such
29 
under Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the "Indigenous Peoples
30 
Rights Act of 1997";


1 
b. Private forest lands are alienable and disposable lands registered under the
2 
current iand registration system of the country which are devoted for
3 
forestry purposes;
4 
c. Public forest lands shall include all lands of the public domain that have not
5 
been deciared as a National Park under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7586,
6 
otherwise known as the "Nationai Integrated Protected Areas System Act of
7 
1992," as amended; mineral lands pursuant to Republic Act No. 7942
8 
otherwise known as the "Philippine Mining Act of 1995", and those lands
9 
not classified as agricultural based on the maps developed by the National
10 
Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA).
11 
Sec. 8. Demarcation and Delimitation. - Within five (5) years from the approval
12 
of this Act, the DENR shaii demarcate on the ground the actuai land classification iines,
13 
in coordination with LGUs and agencies assigned by law to administer and manage
14 
forest lands or parts thereof: Provided, That the DENR Secretary, upon completion of
15 
the actuai assessment of the demarcated land classification iines, shaii recommend to
16 
Congress the delimitation of the forestlands found to be suitable and capable for its
17 
purpose.
18 
Public forest iands shall not be classified, except through an act of Congress.
19 
Sec. 9. Management of Forest lands. - For purposes of management and
20 
planning, ail forest lands shall be managed for protection or production purposes only.
21 
a. Protection Forest lands - All areas within the forest lands designated or set
22 
aside as such shaii constitute the protection forest iands. They shaii consist
23 
of the foilowing;
24 
i. 
Virgin forest and old-growth, dipterocarp forest;
25 
ii. 
All areas one thousand (1,000) meters above sea level;
26 
Hi. 
All areas with a slope of fifty percent (50%) or more; and
27 
iv. 
All areas along the bank of rivers and streams, and the shores of the
28 
seas and lakes throughout entire iength and within a zone of three
29 
(3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricuiturai areas
30 
and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along their margins which are
31 
subject to the easement of pubiic use.


1 
All extractive activities, including harvesting, gathering, and collection of
2 
forest resources except planted mangrove species and non-timber forest
3 
products, are prohibited within forest lands for protection purposes. However,
4 
the sustainable traditional resource rights of indigenous peoples shall be
5 
respected.
6 
Only indigenous species shall be planted or introduced within protected
7 
forest lands.
8 
b. Production Forest lands - All public forest lands not classified as 
protection
9 
forest lands, pursuant to this Section, shall constitute the production forest
10 
lands of the country. These lands shall be devoted for the production of
11 
timber and non-timber forest products to supply the domestic forest
12 
resource demand of the country and facilitate international trade of forest
13 
resources.
14 
Sec. 10. Forest Management Units. - For purposes of assigning respective areas
15 
of operations and management, all public forest or timber land shall be assigned and
16 
registered as "Forest Management Units" (FMUs) with the DENR: Provided, That all
17 
areas under an existing and valid tenure agreement or management arrangement with
18 
the DENR before the passage of this Act shall be considered as FMUs.
19 
The FMU shall be managed for protection and/or 
production purpose.
20 
Protection FMUs shall have the primary function of protecting life support systems to
21 
regulate water, prevent flooding, control erosion, prevent seawater intrusion, maintain
22 
soil fertility, and of conserving plant and wildlife biodiversity and their ecosystem.
23 
Production FMU shall have the primary function of producing forest products, food,
24 
energy, and/or fresh water among others.
25 
Sec. 11. Quaiified Managers of FMUs. - To ensure effective management of
26 
forest lands, managers of FMUs shall be confined to qualified and capable persons, or
27 
entities which include indigenous and local households, civil society organizations,
28 
business organizations, forest land use tenure holders, and dedicated national and
29 
local government units including government-owned, and -controlled corporations
30 
subject to the requirements to be provided in the implementing rules and regulations
31 
of this Act.


1 
Sec. 12. FMU Development and Management Planning. - Every FMU shall have
2 
a management plan, formulated by the FMU Manager that was reviewed and
3 
concurred by a Registered Professional Forester, which shall be approved by the
4 
DENR. The FMU management plans shall contain the following:
5 
a. FMU management objective;
6 
b. Description of the physical, environmental, socio-economic, and
7 
administrative profile of the FMU;
8 
c. Mapping and zoning of the FMU into production and high conservation value
9 
- forest zones;
10 
d. Management prescriptions to be applied in each zone to meet the FMU
11 
management objectives;
12 
e. Implementation plan; and
13 
f. Expected benefits and impact of the plan.
14 
Sec. 13. Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources. - Mangrove species
15 
planted within protection or production forest lands can be harvested, gathered or
16 
collected, taking into consideration the basic forestry policies and strategies provided
17 
for in this Act. The harvesting, gathering, and collection of mangrove species shall be
18 
upon the authority provided for by the FMB.
19 
Sec. 14. Mined-out Areas and Abandoned Fishpond Area. - The management
20 
and administration of all forest lands that are considered as either mined-out areas or
21 
abandoned fishpond lease areas shall be reverted to the FMB.
22 
Sec. 15. Utilization of Forest Resources. - The harvesting, gathering, and
23 
collection of all planted forest resources within production forest lands and private
24 
forests, including its by-products and derivatives, shall not require any clearance from
25 
the DENR: Provided, That any request for clearances for domestic transport of forest
26 
resources submitted to the DENR shall be acted upon within seven (7) days from the
27 
date of its submission with the proper office. After a lapse of seven (7) days and no
28 
action has been taken by the DENR, the clearance for transport is deemed approved.
29 
The harvesting, gathering, collection and transport of non-timber forest
30 
products within production forest lands shall be exempt from any clearance from any
31 
government institution.


1 
All timber and non-timber forest products planted within private lands shall
2 
belong to the owner of the land who shall have the right to harvest, gather, and collect
3 
the same without any clearance from any government institutions.
4 
Sec. 16. Regulation and Utilization of Forest Resources within Ancestral Forest
5 
Lands. - The rights of the indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples over
6 
their ancestral forest lands shall be respected: Provided, That management of forest
7 
resources within those lands shall be regulated by the DENR as provided for by laws,
8 
rules and regulations.
9 
ARTICLE III
10 
Forest-based Industries
11 
Sec. 17. Development of an Open and Competitive Market for Forest Resources.
12 
- To meet the demands for forest goods and services of the country, the State,
13 
through the DENR, shall promote and rationalize the establishment, operations, and
14 
development of forest-based industries. The DENR shall institute measures to develop
15 
an open and competitive market for forest products including among others the
16 
liberalization of forest products, harvesting, transport, and marketing.
17 
Sec. 18. Export of Certified Forest Products. - No person shall sell or offer for
18 
sale any forest resources in the international market without complying with the
19 
certification system established 
by the Government. Failure to adhere to the
20 
established standards, or any act of falsification shall be sufficient cause for the
21 
cancellation of export license and other permits authorizing the manufacture or sale
22 
of such resources.
23 
Sec. 19. Regulation of Forest-Based Industries. - All processing plants using
24 
forest resources as raw materials shall be subject to existing regulations prescribed by
25 
law, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System: Provided, That
26 
these processing plants are registered with the Department of Trade and Industry
27 
(DTI) as well as clearance from the Local Government Unit (LGU) to operate.
28 
Sec. 20. Enhance Private Investments and Economic Contribution. - Forest-
29 
based industries shall be supported to promote global competitiveness, support
30 
domestic demands for wood and other products, and enhance economic contribution
31 
to the country. Appropriate incentives shall be provided such as but not limited to
32 
establishment of agroforestry economic zones in order to ease the conduct of business


1 
and attract local and foreign investments that are mutually beneficial to the
2 
government, concerned communities, partner organizations, and the investors
3 
concerned.
4 
Sec. 21. Community-Based Forest Enterprises. - Economic activities and
5 
practices of local communities, including indigenous cultural communities, and
6 
indigenous peoples, on forest-based enterprises, including non-timber forest products,
7 
that promote the sustainable use of forest resources shall be supported and promoted
8 
to address food security and improve quality of life.
9 
ARTICLE IV
10 
Empowering and Enabling Conditions for Sustainable Forest Management
11 
Sec. 22. Forest Land Use and Tenure Instruments. - The State, represented by
12 
the DENR, may undertake the exploration, development, and utilization of forest lands
13 
and forest resources found therein with qualified persons, whether natural or juridical,
14 
through tenure instruments.
15 
Sec. 23. Forest Management Agreement - The State, through the DENR and
16 
a qualified person, whether natural or juridical, may enter into a Forest Management
17 
Agreement for the exploration, development, and utilization of forest lands and forest
18 
resources found therein. The Forest Management Agreement shall have a duration of
19 
twenty-five (25) years and may be extended for another twenty-five (25) years.
20 
Sec. 24. Scope of Forest Management Agreement - The Forest Management
21 
Agreement may be entered into for the following purposes:
22 
a. Agroforestry plantations (in accordance with the standards of the DENR) Forest
23 
plantation development;
24 
b. Forest plantation development with processing plants;
25 
c. Ecotourism development; and
26 
d. Special uses for forest lands.
27 
A Forest Management Agreement may be entered into for a single purpose or a
28 
combination of any of the abovementioned purposes.
29 
Sec. 25. Speciai Uses of Forest Lands. - A Forest Management Agreement may
30 
be entered into for a special use of forest land which shall include the following:
31 
a. Dry dock site;
32 
b. Industrial processing site;
10


1 
c. Herbal or medicinal plantation;
2 
d. Fish drying site;
3 
e. Communication station site;
4 
f. Public landing site or Airstrip;
5 
g. Log Pond or Log Depot;
6 
h. Lumber Yard;
7 
i. Motor pool site;
8 
j. Power station site;
9 
k. Transmission line site;
10 
I. Right-of-way;
11 
m. Farm-to-market roads;
12 
n. Government facility site (e.g. schools, clinics, satellite offices, among
13 
others);
14 
0. Water reservoir; or
15 
p. Renewable energy projects.
16 
Provided, That for government facilities or infrastructures like farm-to-market roads,
17 
public school sites, public hospitals or clinics, etc. shall be free from any fees, charges,
18 
or other pecuniary obligations under the Forest Management Agreement.
19 
Sec. 26. Qualified Persons. - The following persons are qualified to enter into
20 
a Forest Management Agreement with the State:
21 
a. Filipino citizens;
22 
b. Corporations or associations at least sixty percent (60%) of whose capital
23 
is owned by Filipinos;
24 
c. LGUs, when the purpose of Forest Management Agreement is for public use
25 
or the establishment of government centers and facilities; or
26 
d. Other National Government Agencies or Government-Owned or -Controlled
27 
Corporations, when the purpose of the Forest Management Agreement is
28 
for national interest, like transmission lines, water reservoirs, or distribution
29 
lines for electricity.
30 
Sec. 27. Production Sharing. - The following schemes shall be observed by the
31 
Parties to a Forest Management Agreement in relation to the sharing of benefits
32 
derived from the Agreement:
11


1 
a. Forest plantations, forest plantations with processing plants. The sharing of
2 
outputs from Forest Management Agreements entered into for the purpose of
3 
developing and managing forest plantations, and forest plantations with
4 
processing plants shall be based on the total gross output of the plantation
5 
harvests. Said sharing shall be done in a manner advantageous to national
6 
interest without prejudice for incentives that may be prescribed by the DENR.
7 
b. For ecotourism purposes, the person who entered into a Forest Management
8 
Agreement with the State for the purpose of ecotourism or other special uses
9 
for forest lands shall have the obligation to pay an annual user's fee equivalent
10 
to five percent (5%) of the nearest commercial zonal value per square meter
11 
or a fraction thereof.
12 
c. Government facilities or infrastructures. Non-income generating government
13 
facilities such as public school sites, public hospitals or clinics, government
14 
centers or offices, roads, farm-to-market access roads, and public buildings are
15 
exempt from paying any fee or other pecuniary obligation with the State:
16 
Provided, That the use of these establishments or infrastructure shall not be
17 
subject to privatization.
18 
Sec. 28. Forestry Research, Education, Training, and Extension.-The. Research
19 
and Technology Department of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau of
20 
the DENR, the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) of the
21 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), universities, and other research
22 
institutions shall be strengthened to support sustainable management of forest
23 
resources. For this reason, the Forestry Development Center of the University of the
24 
Philippines Los Banos shall lead In forest policy research in collaboration with schools,
25 
universities, and colleges (SUCs) as well as other stakeholders.
26 
Within one (1) year from the passage of this Act, the DENR, the DOST, the
27 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and SUCs, shall prepare a comprehensive
28 
sustainable national forestry and environmental research and technology development
29 
and transfer program in furtherance of sustainable forest management, which shall
30 
be implemented, monitored, and reviewed in accordance with existing research
31 
management systems.
12


1 
The Continuing Professional Development shall be promoted and upheld
2 
through selected universities and training institutions on forestry and natural resources
3 
management subject to the Professional Regulation Commission's accreditation
4 
system. Forestry education in the Philippines shall be rationalized to ensure the quality
5 
of formal forestry education and establish, support and sustain the national and
6 
regional centers of development and excellence in forestry and environmental
7 
education to develop high quality human resources and promote global
8 
competitiveness. The DENR shall formulate a nationwide program for sustained public
9 
information and advocacy campaign for forests and natural resources conservation,
10 
sustainable forest management, and climate change.
11 
Sec. 29. The Sustainable Forest Development Fund. - A Sustainable Forest
12 
Development Fund (SFDF) is hereby established to provide concessional financing
13 
particularly for forest development projects proposed by qualified managers of FMUs.
14 
The SFDF shall be administered by a Government Financial Institution (GFI) as a trust
15 
account managed under the "capital preservation" principle.
16 
The preferred GFI, together with the DENR, shall invest at most seventy-five
17 
percent (75%) of the net interest income from loans to forest development-support
18 
facilities including, but not limited to road networks, seedling nurseries, water supply
19 
systems, and research facilities subject to recommendation by the FMB.
20 
The SFDF may be augmented by grants, donations, and endowment from
21 
various local and international sources.
22 
In addition, at least seventy percent (70%) of forest charges and government
23 
share collected, including proceeds from the sale of confiscated forest resources,
24 
machinery, equipment, and tools, fines, and penalties shall be set aside for the SFDF.
25 
Moreover, securitization, payment for ecosystem services and collaborative
26 
investments shall be encouraged to support sustainable forest management and
27 
enterprises and the conservation of forest-based biodiversity in the Philippines.
28 
The DENR shall include in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act
29 
the guidelines for the management, development, and operationalization of the SFDF
30 
in coordination with other concerned agencies civil service organizations.
31 
Sec. 30. Importation and Sale. - Forest resources may be imported into the
32 
country, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. All imported forest resources
13


1 
shall comply with the Philippine National Standards to be developed by the DTI in
2 
coordination with the FPRDI and the DENR. Compliance with these standards shall be
3 
a precondition for the sale or disposition of these products in the Philippines.
4 
ARTICLE V
5 
Organization and Governance
6 
Sec. 31. Creation of the Office of the Undersecretary for Forestry. - The Office
7 
of the Undersecretary for Forestry shall be created within the DENR. It shall be headed
8 
by an officer with the rank of Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President
9 
of the Republic of the Philippines, and whose office, structure, and staffing, shall be
10 
determined by the Secretary subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
11 
Sec. 32. Powers and Functions of the Office of the Undersecretary for Forestry.
12 
- The Office shall have the following powers and functions:
13 
a. Oversee the provision of technical, marketing, financial, tenurial and
14 
infrastructure support to persons and entities engaged in FMU administration;
15 
b. Ensure watershed-based planning and monitoring processes are observed in
16 
forestry-related developments;
17 
c. Facilitate institutional linkages and convergence initiatives among forestry
18 
stakeholders in support of effective development and management of forest
19 
lands consistent with its protection and production uses;
20 
d. Provide scientific information-based policy recommendations for sustainable
21 
forest management; and
22 
e. Promote cost-effectiveness of forestry investments among local and
23 
international investors and donors in line with sustainable forest management.
24 
Sec. 33. Reconstitution of the Forest Management Bureau. - The Forest
25 
Management Bureau is hereby reconstituted as a line bureau under the DENR, which
26 
shall be responsible for the administration, management, development, and protection
27 
of forest lands and forest resources of the country, with functions specifically as
28 
follows:
29 
a. Implementation of all policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities
30 
concerning forest lands with provision for effective feed-backing and reporting
31 
mechanisms;
14


1 
b. Ensure sufficient provision of technical, marketing, financiai, tenurial and
2 
infrastructure support to persons and entities engaged in FMU management;
3 
c. Enforce watershed-based planning approaches in all forest land development
4 
and management endeavors;
5 
d. Encourage the participation of forestry stakeholders through multi-sectoral
6 
consultative bodies in all forestry-related consultative processes;
7 
e. Develop and implement an effective geographical information systems in aide
8 
of forestry planning, monitoring and policy formulation;
9 
f. Monitor and evaluate the physical, environmental, socio-economic outcomes in
10 
the management of all FMUs; and
11 
g. Formulate and publish periodic reports informing stakeholders of the status of
12 
the Philippine forest lands using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
13 
Sec. 34. Composition of the Forest Management Bureau. - As a line bureau,
14 
the FMB shall be headed by a Director and assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors who
15 
shall supervise the administrative and technical services of the Bureau respectively.
16 
There shall be an FMB Regional Director in each administrative region with
17 
corresponding offices and positions.
18 
Sec. 35. Assistance of Law Enforcement Agencies. - LGUs, the Department of
19 
the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the DENR, may, when they deem
20 
necessary, call upon law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the
21 
Government such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the
22 
Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Bureau of
23 
Investigation (NBI) for the enforcement of environmental laws, executive orders, and
24 
their implementing rules and regulations.
25 
Sec. 36. Creation of Community-based Law Enforcement Team. - The
26 
Community-based Forest Law Enforcement Team (CFLET) shall be organized with
27 
members composed of representatives from direct stakeholders in a particular
28 
watershed. The Team shall be deemed as quick responders on complaints to be
29 
augmented or reinforced by the Forest Ranger. Funding for CFLET's operational
30 
requirements shall be sourced from agreed contributions from FMU Managers agreed
31 
with the DENR, proceeds from sale of confiscated forest products, and donations from
32 
various sources.
15


1 
Sec. 37. Local Government Units. - Enabling mechanisms shall be developed
2 
to enhance the participation of the LGUs in the sustainable management and utilization
3 
of forest resources with their territorial jurisdiction, including those assigned by law to
4 
other government agencies.
5 
LGUs with forest lands within their jurisdiction shall align their Comprehensive
6 
Land Use Plans (CLUPs), local development plans, disaster risk reduction management
7 
plans and other required plans according to the objectives specified herein and in the
8 
protected area management plans.
9 
Sec. 38. Other Government Agencies. - Forest lands or portions thereof, which
10 
have been placed under the administration and management of other government
11 
agencies, shall remain under the administration and management of the said
12 
government agencies with the DENR exercising oversight power over these areas:
13 
Provided, That their administration and management shall be based on the policies,
14 
strategies, and programs that are consistent with the provision of this Act: Provided,
15 
further, That the concerned agencies shall submit an actual accomplishment report to
16 
the DENR.
17 
Sec. 39. Multi-Sectoral Consultative Bodies in Relation to Natural Resources
18 
Governance. - A technical and multi-sectoral consultative body involving all
19 
stakeholders concerned within a watershed shall be convened by the DENR pursuant
20 
to this Act, specifically for each FMU and cluster of FMUs as appropriate and shall be
21 
consulted at least once a year to review and make recommendations on watershed-
22 
based management related policies at the local and regional level. Further, the DENR
23 
shall extend technical assistance to multi-sectoral bodies organized for the purpose of
24 
policy-making in relation to environment and natural resource governance specifically
25 
on forest governance issues.
26 
Sec. 40. Function of Multi-Sectoral Consultative Body - The body shall be
27 
responsible for the overall policy direction in the management of the forest lands and
28 
forest resources found within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with the
29 
provisions of this Act. Specifically, it shall:
30 
a. Review and recommend implementation of programs and projects;
31 
b. Perform oversight functions on matters pertaining to the environment and
32 
natural resources; and
16


1 
c. Participate in the review and recommend relevant policies for the protection,
2 
conservation, and restoration efforts within the watershed in ensuring
3 
significant contribution of the forestry sector to national economy, ecological
4 
sustainability, and sustainable development closely adhering to the
5 
principles and priority programs of the Government.
6 
The Multi-sectoral Consultative Body may also facilitate the initiation of the
7 
LGUs' participation in the devolution program and monitoring the transfer and
8 
implementation of devolved functions to the LGUs.
9 
Sec. 41. Power and Water Utility Service Providers. - Forest lands or portions
10 
thereof, which have been placed by law or agreement under the administration and
11 
management of government and private power and water utilities service providers,
12 
shall be included in the partitioning of forest lands into appropriate categories
13 
consistent with the purpose of the assigned forest land, and shall remain under the
14 
administration and management of the said utility service providers concerned:
15 
Provided, That the DENR shall exercise oversight power on the planning,
16 
management, utilization, and assessment of all forest resources in these areas.
17 
Sec. 42. Governance Mechanism. - The following mechanisms shall be
18 
developed, established, and used for the sustainable forest management:
19 
a. The principles and practices of transparency, accountability, and
20 
participatory decision making in transactions, decision, and actions affecting
21 
forestry, in all levels, and the policy of streamlining, decentralization,
22 
devolution, 
and deregulation 
shall be 
adopted, 
promoted, 
and
23 
institutionalized in the DENR;
24 
b. Updating and preparation of forest land use plans shall be integrated with
25 
the updating and preparation of CLUPs of LGUs;
26 
c. Networks and linkages with local and international institutions, civil society
27 
organizations, LGUs and industries involved in the promotion and practice
28 
of sustainable forest management shall be strengthened;
29 
d. The DENR shall prescribe appropriate fees and government shares for
30 
different kinds of utilization, occupation, possession, or activities within
31 
forest lands, as well as the corresponding administrative fees for permits,
32 
agreements, and other services;
17


1 
e. The DENR shall have the authority to impose other fees for payment for
2 
ecosystem services and forest protection, management, reforestation, and
3 
development. In addition, the DENR may waive fees and charges on
4 
government activities within forest lands that support public utility, social
5 
welfare, national security, or national interest;
6 
f. The DENR shall undertake the monitoring and control of forest management
7 
and utilization through a third-party audit and certification. A National Forest
8 
Certification System shall be established which will outline the policy, rules,
9 
procedures, and management for implementing forest management
10 
certification and chain-of-custody certification in the country. The DENR
11 
shall develop pertinent guidelines, in coordination with all stakeholders, for
12 
the implementation of this provision subsequent to the effectivity of this
13 
Act;
14 
g. The DENR shall establish a forest management information system which
15 
consists of comprehensive and up-to-date information on the physical,
16 
social, financial, economic, biological, and environmental components of the
17 
country's forest lands and forest resources. It shall include a continuous
18 
monitoring system to track the utilization and movement or transfer of
19 
forest-based goods and services, and its drivers. It shall Include further a
20 
ground-based validation system as basis for assessing progress towards
21 
sustainable forest management; and
22 
h. It shall be the priority of the State to ensure that government employees
23 
involved in the implementation of the sustainable forest management law
24 
are properly trained, sufficiently equipped, adequately compensated, and
25 
given ample opportunities to participate in its implementation. The DENR
26 
and other agencies involved shall appropriately provide funding for the
27 
same.
28 
ARTICLE VI
29 
Offenses and Penalties
30 
Sec. 43. Harvesting, Gathering, Coiiection, or Possession of Forest Resources
31 
from Protection Forest Lands. - Any person who shall harvest, gather, collect, or
32 
possess any forest resource from protection forest lands shall be punished with
18


1 
imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and
2 
one (1) day and/or a fine equivalent to ten (10) times the value of the said forest
3 
resource. The Forest Protection Officers shall have the authority to estimate the
4 
present market value of the forest resources subject of the illegal harvest, gathering,
5 
collection, or possession based on the guidelines promulgated by the DENR.
6 
In case of partnerships, associations, or corporations, the president, managing
7 
partner, or general manager shall be held liable.
8 
In case of aliens, the Bureau of Immigration shall deport them without further
9 
proceedings after paying the fine imposed.
10 
Sec. 44. Illegal Harvesting, Gathering, Collection, or Possession of Forest
11 
Resources as an Act of Economic Sabotage. - Any of the acts enumerated in the
12 
preceding section shall be considered as an economic sabotage when committed by:
13 
a. At least two (2) or more persons through an organized and systematic
14 
manner; and
15 
b. Any person, when the amount of forest resources harvested, gathered,
16 
collected, or possessed amounts to at least One million pesos
17 
(P1,000,000.00).
18 
The penalty of imprisonment for twenty (20) years and one (1) day to forty
19 
(40) years shall be imposed.
20 
Sec. 45. Grazing Livestock in Forest Lands without Authority. - Any person
21 
found to have caused the grazing of livestock in forest lands without an authority from
22 
the DENR shall be punished with the imprisonment of two (2) years, four (4) months,
23 
and one (1) day to four (4) years and two (2) months. The livestock shall be
24 
confiscated in favor of the Government.
25 
Sec. 46. Unlawful Occupation of Forest Lands. - Any person who, without the
26 
authority from the DENR, possesses or occupies any parcel of forest land shall be
27 
punished with a penalty of imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve
28 
(12) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but
29 
not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00).
30 
Sec. 47. Destruction of Forest Lands. - Any person who shall destroy or cause
31 
destruction within forest lands or assist, aids, or abets another person to do so, shall
32 
be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve
19


1 
(12) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but
2 
not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00).
3 
Sec. 48. Unlawful Operations of Sawmills, Wood Processing Plants, and Forest-
4 
Based Industries. - Any person operating sawmills, wood processing plants, and
5 
forest-based industries without any authority from the DENR, shall be punished with
6 
a penalty of imprisonment for six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and
7 
a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00).
8 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the accessory penalty of
9 
disqualification for holding any public office is imposed for a period of twelve (12)
10 
years and one (1) day. If the offender is an official or an employee of the DENR, the
11 
accessory penalty of permanent disqualification shall be imposed.
12 
All forest resources, machinery, equipment, and tools pertinent to the
13 
operations of the abovementioned establishments shall be confiscated in favor of the
14 
Government.
15 
Sec. 49. Prohibition on the Issuance of Land Titles or Tax Declarations on Forest
16 
Lands. - All land titles and tax declaration issued over forest lands shall be deemed
17 
void ab initio. Any person who shall issue land titles and tax declarations over any
18 
forest land or a parcel thereof shall be punished with imprisonment of six (6) years
19 
and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand
20 
pesos (P100,000.00) nor more than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00). The
21 
accessory penalty of disqualification shall be imposed for a period of twelve (12) years
22 
and one (1) day.
23 
Sec. 50. Non-Payment and Non-Remittance of Forestry Fees and Charges. -
24 
Any person who fails to pay the amount due and payable as forestry fees or charges
25 
to the government or remit the same to the proper authorities shall be punished with
26 
a penalty of imprisonment for a period of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12)
27 
years with a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) nor
28 
more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00).
29 
Sec. 51. Non-Establishment of Tree Parks and Green Spaces. - Every LGU shall
30 
establish and maintain tree parks and green spaces pursuant to their CLUPs. Funds
31 
for the establishment and maintenance of the same shall form part of the LGU's annual
32 
budget.
20


1 
Every owner of land subdivided into residential, commercial, or industrial lots
2 
shall reserve, establish, and maintain at least thirty percent (30%) of the total land
3 
area of the subdivision, exclusive of roads, service streets and alleys as green space
4 
for tree parks.
5 
No subdivision plan shall be approved by the Department of Human Settlements
6 
and Urban Development unless thirty percent (30%) of the total area of the
7 
subdivision has been reserved as green space. The owner must develop the green
8 
space within three (3) years from the approval of the subdivision plan.
9 
Any LGU or owner of a parcel of land subdivided into residential, commercial,
10 
or industrial lots who fails to establish green spaces or tree parks as provided in the
11 
preceding paragraphs shall be penalized with a fine of not less than Five hundred
12 
thousand pesos (P500,000.00) nor more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00).
13 
Sec. 52. Illegal Conversion of Tree Parks and Green Spaces. - Any person who
14 
shall convert or cause to convert any tree park or green space for a purpose
15 
inconsistent with that which is provided for by this Act shall be punished with a penalty
16 
of imprisonment for six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and/or a fine
17 
of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) nor more than One
18 
million pesos (P1,000,000.00).
19 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the accessory penalty of
20 
disqualification is imposed for a period of twelve (12) years and one (1) day. If the
21 
offender is an official or an employee of the DENR, the accessory penalty of permanent
22 
disqualification shall be imposed.
23 
Sec. 53. Arrest and Detention. - If the apprehension was conducted in remote
24 
areas far from the place where persons authorized to conduct inquest proceedings are
25 
located, the delivery to the proper juridical authorities shall be done within a
26 
reasonable time period, taking into consideration the ordinary travel time from the
27 
place of arrest to the place of delivery.
28 
In order to facilitate the delivery of arrested persons for violations of this Act,
29 
the Department of Justice shall designate in every city and province a special
30 
prosecutor who shall be responsible for filing appropriate charges against arrested
31 
offenders.
21


1 
Sec. 54. Public Auction of Forest Resources. - If the confiscated forest
2 
resources are in danger of deteriorating, the DENR may order that the same be soid
3 
at pubiic auction even before the termination of the judiciai proceedings, with the
4 
proceeds kept in trust to await the outcome of the judiciai proceedings.
5 
Sec. 55. Authority of Forest Protection Officers. - When in the performance of
6 
their official duties, forest protection officers or other public officials or employees
7 
authorized by the DENR, shall have free access into forest lands or any parcel thereof.
8 
They are also authorized to search the exterior and interior of all vehicles
9 
suspected to contain illegally harvested, collected, or gathered forest resources:
10 
Provided, That the search is done in the presence of the apprehended persons and
11 
two (2) public officials.
12 
Forest protection officers are authorized to administer oaths, take
13 
acknowledgements in official matters connected under the authority of this Act and its
14 
implementing rules and regulations.
15 
ARTICLE VII
16 
Administrative Remedies
17 
Sec. 56. Administrative Authority of the Secretary or his Duiy Authorized
18 
Representative to Order Confiscation. - In all cases of violations of this Act or other
19 
forest laws, rules, and regulations, the Secretary or his duly authorized representative
20 
may order the confiscation of forest resources illegally harvested, collected, gathered,
21 
possessed and those that are abandoned. This authority shall extend to ail
22 
conveyances used either in land, water, or air as well as machinery, equipment,
23 
implements, and tools used in the commission of the offense and to dispose of the
24 
same in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
25 
Sec. 57. Administrative Authority of the Secretary to Impose Fines. - In all
26 
cases of violations of this Act and other forest laws, rules, and regulations where fine
27 
is the principal penalty, the Secretary or his duly authorized representatives, after
28 
consultation with the forest-based industries affected, is hereby authorized to impose
29 
administratively the penalty consisting of the amount and the schedules of the fine
30 
which shall be officially published in a national newspaper of general circulation.
22


1 
Sec. 58. Fines Escalation Clause. - The fines herein prescribed shall be
2 
increased by at least ten percent (10%) every three (3) years to compensate for
3 
inflation and to maintain the deterrent function of such fines.
4 
Sec. 59. Informant's Incentive. - Twenty percent (20%) of the value of
5 
confiscated materials shall be used as incentives to informants including forest
6 
management councils and forest management boards. They shall also be entitled to
7 
free legal assistance should cases be filed against them in the performance of official
8 
duties.
9 
Sec. 60. Suits and Strategic Legal Action Against Public Participation and the
10 
Enforcement of this Act -
11 
a. A legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any legal
12 
recourse that any person, institution, or the government has taken or may
13 
take in the enforcement of this Act, protection of the environment or
14 
assertion of environmental rights shall be governed by this Section.
15 
b. A suit and strategic legal action against public participation may be
16 
interposed as a defense by a person involved in the enforcement of
17 
environmental laws, protection of the environment, or assertion of
18 
environmental rights. The suit or strategic legal action shall be supported
19 
by documents, affidavits, papers, and other evidence. The person involved
20 
in the enforcement of environmental laws may also, by way of counterclaim,
21 
pay for damages, attorney's fees, and costs of suit.
22 
The Court shall direct the plaintiff or adverse party to file an opposition showing
23 
the suit is not valid as a defense, attaching evidence in support thereof, within a non-
24 
extensible period of five (5) days from receipt of notice that an answer has been filed.
25 
The suit or strategic legal action shall be set for hearing by the Court after
26 
issuance of the order to file an opposition within fifteen (15) days from filing of the
27 
comment or the lapse of the period.
28 
c. The hearing on the suit or strategical legal action shall be summary in
29 
nature. The parties must submit all available evidence in support of their
30 
respective positions. The party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove
31 
by substantial evidence that their act for the enforcement of this Act is a
32 
legitimate action for the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of the
23


1 
environment. The party filing the action assailed as a Strategic Lawsuit
2 
against Public Participation (SLAPP) shall prove by preponderance of
3 
evidence that the action is not a SLAPP and is a valid claim.
4 
d. The affirmative defense of a SLAPP shall be resolved within thirty (30) days
5 
after the summary hearing. If the Court dismisses the action, the Court may
6 
award damages, attorney's fees, and costs of suit under a counterclaim if
7 
such has been filed. The dismissal shall be with prejudice. If the Court
8 
rejects the suit or strategic legal action, the evidence adduced during the
9 
summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits
10 
of the case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of Court.
11 
Sec. 61. Citizen's Suit - Any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal, or
12 
administrative action with the proper Court against:
13 
a. Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this Act or
14 
its implementing rules and regulations;
15 
b. The DENR or other implementing agency with respect to orders, rules, and
16 
regulations issued inconsistent with this Act; and
17 
c. Any public officer who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of an
18 
act specifically enjoined as a duty by this Act or its implementing rules and
19 
regulations; or abuses his authority in the performance of his duty; or in
20 
any manner improperly performs his duties under this law or its
21 
implementing rules and regulations.
22 
However, no suit can be filed until after a notice of violation is sent to the
23 
alleged offender within (30) days starting from the date of the occurrence of the
24 
violation.
25 
Sec. 62. Impiementing Ruies andReguiations. - The DENR, in consultation with
26 
other government agencies and relevant stakeholders charged with the administration
27 
and enforcement of this Act, shall promulgate and issue the rules and regulations
28 
within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act.
29 
Sec. 63. Transitory Provisions. - Upon the approval of this Act, the DENR shall
30 
evaluate the conditions of all forest lands covered by existing tenure instruments,
31 
agreements or contracts, permits, and the like, which shall be allowed to continue
32 
until their expiry unless otherwise earlier terminated for cause.
24


1 
Sec. 64. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be deciared
2 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shaii remain in fuii force and effect.
3 
Sec. 65. Repealing Clause. - Aii iaws, decrees, orders, ruies and regulations or
4 
other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
5 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingiy.
6 
Sec. 66. Effectivity. - This Act shaii take effect thirty (30) days after its
7 
pubiication in the Official Gazette or in at ieast two (2) nationai newspapers of generai
8 
circuiation.
Approved,
25