FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
We assure ourselves of one foot anchored firmly in the death hole for every 
time we destroy one forest. 
Various studies and first-hand experiences have taught us time and again 
that the continuous exploitation of the finite resources of our forests due to 
intensified logging activities result in catastrophic flashfloods. Examples of such 
catastrophes are the Ormoc, Mindoro and Davao tragedies. 
Ironically, despite the knowledge that unabated deforestation results in 
siltation, soil erosion and flooding, we still continue to consume the finite resources 
of our forests in direct violation and apathy in the fact that environmental policies 
remain unimplemented. 
Having caused already too much damage to our natural forest reserves, the 
continuation of activities detrimental to the survival of our forests will have to be 
abated at the soonest possible time. To prevent more tragedies resulting in this 
environmental exploitation, this bill seeks to support the government's environmental 
program by proposing a total logging ban on primary and secondary forests and 
rainforests for a period of thirty-five (35) years. This is to allow our forests to 
regenerate and stop their countdown to extinction. 
Immediate approval of this bili is requested. 
GUEL F. ZUBlRl 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
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S. No. 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
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AN ACT 
TO PRESERVE AND REHABILITATE THE FOREST BY BANNING ALL 
LOGGING OPERATIONS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY GROWTH FORESTS 
AND RAINFORESTS, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE A TASK FORCE FOR 
THE PRESERVATION AND REHABILITATION OF FORESTS, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Forest Preservation and 
Rehabilitation Act of 2007." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with 
the rhythm and harmony of nature, to protect, conserve and develop the nation's 
natural resources so as to prevent environmental degradation and disaster and 
preserve the country's valuable ecosystem. 
SECTION 3. Total Logging Ban. It shall be unlawful for any person to cut, fell 
or destroy any tree or engage in any logging operation, in primary and secondary 
types of forest, for a period of thirty-five (35) years from the effectivity of this Act. 
Commercially planted trees for commercial and/or industrial purposes are 
exempted from this ban: Provided, that such trees are not located in primary and 
secondary forests or rainforests. 
SECTION 4. Task Force for the Preservation and Rehabilitation of Foresfs. A 
Task Force for the Preservation and Rehabilitation of Forests, hereinafter referred to 
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as the Task Force, shall be formed to implement the provisions of this Act. 


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a) Functions of the Task Force shall: 
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ii) 
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formulate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act, 
including in such rules and regulations prohibited acts and 
penalties for violations thereof; 
implement, in coordination with respective Local Government 
Units and other public and private entities, such as rules and 
regulations upon their effectivity for the period specified in the 
preceding section of this Act; 
meet regularly to assess compliance with the rules and 
regulations; and 
perform such other functions in accordance with and necessary 
to the implementation of the intent and provisions of this Act. 
b) Composition - The Task Force shall be composed of the Secretary of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources as Chairman and the 
Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of National 
Defense, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the 
Department of Agrarian Reform and two (2) representatives from 
accredited and credible NGOs with expertise and advocacy on the 
Environment, and other appropriate agencies of the government to be 
determined by the President, as members. This Task Force shall be 
organized not later than two (2) months after the effectivity of this Act. 
c) The Task Force shall issue the rules and regulations of this Act not later 
than one (1) year after its composition. The implementing guidelines shall 
take effect fifteen (15) days following their publication in two (2) national 
newspapers of general circulation. 
SECTION 5. Penalties. The prison terms provided for the prohibited acts 
under Chapter IV of P.D. No. 705, as amended, are hereby increased by one degree 
higher. The Indeterminate Sentence Law shall not be applicable to these offenses. 
SECTION 6. Appropriation. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
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Approved, 
of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following 
its enactment into law and thereafter. 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the 
date of its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
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