NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
257
S. No.
of ti/f iSvCi f
■22 JUL11 P4 :)2
Rl-CEiVtD 3V:
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FORESTS AND 
FOREST LANDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The World Wildlife Fund describes forests as vital to life on the planet: "They 
purify the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, prevent erosion, and act as an 
important buffer against climate change. Forests offer a home to much of the world's 
diverse array of plants and animals and provide essential natural resources from 
timber and food to medicinal plants. Forests also support the lives of local communities 
and help them to thrive."1 Forests maintain global biodiversity and contribute to the 
fertility of agricultural lands. They provide protection from natural disasters including 
floods and act as carbon sinks absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, 
mitigating the effects of climate change. The welfare of millions of people depends on 
forests, making them invaluable to sustainable development.2
However, due to ecological disturbances, unsustainable practices, negligence, 
and, at times, greed, lives have been lost in natural disasters that could have been 
averted if only our forests were preserved. The Philippines, from 2001 to 2021, lost
1 
World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Responsible forestry: 
Overview.
https://www.worldwildlife.0rg/industries/responsible-forestry# :~:text=Overview,- 
%C2%A9%20Theodore%20Kaye&text=Forests%20are%20vital%20to%20life,important%20buffer% 
20against%20climate%20change
2 United Nations. (2013). Economic Contribution of Forests, https://www.un.org/esa/forests/wp- 
content/uploads/2015/12/EcoContrForests. pdf


1,340,000 hectares of tree cover.3 This is equivalent to a 7.2% decrease in tree cover 
since 2000.4
For these reasons, the proposed Sustainable Forest Management Act, which 
was originally based on the Committee Report filed and sponsored by the undersigned 
in the 13th Congress, as then Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment 
and Natural Resources, aims for proper forest management to ensure 
intergenerational fairness. This concept of justice among generations in the use and 
conservation of the environment and natural resources will allow present and future 
generations to meet their own needs. Further, SDG 15 (Life on Land) of the United 
Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - to which the Philippines is a party 
- seeks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, 
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land 
degradation and halt biodiversity loss. Achieving this SDG will also help us in attaining 
SDG 13 (Climate Action) on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its 
impacts.
The proposed measure also mandates the development of an effective and 
sustainable forest management strategy based on the allocation of forestland uses 
and promoting land-use practices that will not only be productive but will also conserve 
forest resources such as soil, lumber, and water. This forest management strategy will 
also work to protect existing forest resources, conserve our fragile biodiversity, and 
rehabilitate deforested or denuded areas. It is also envisioned to promote and 
stimulate food production activities without compromising forested areas.
This bill likewise provides for community-based forest management programs 
to be undertaken by concerned national agencies and the local government units. With
3 
Global 
Forest 
Watch. 
(n.d.). 
Philippines 
deforestation 
rates 
& 
statistics.
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL#:~:text=From%202001%20to%202021 
%2C%20Philippines,and%20788Mt%20of%20CO%E2%82%82e%20emissions.
4 
Global 
Forest 
Watch. 
(n.d.). 
Philippines 
deforestation 
rates 
& 
statistics.
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PFIL#:~:text=From%202001%20to%202021 
%2C%20Philippines,and%20788Mt%20of%20CO%E2%82%82e%20emissions.


this, indigenous people and other forest-based communities will be empowered to 
manage, develop, utilize, and protect forest resources in a sustainable way.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
My
PIA S. CAYOTANCK ^


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
257
S. No.
ot ibc
72 JUL 11 P4 :12
RUCEIVlDBY.
Introduced by Senator PIA S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FORESTS AND 
FOREST LANDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
ARTICLE I
2 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Sustainable Forest
4 
Management Act"
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to promote social
6 
justice and the general welfare in all phases of national development; 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. Therefore, the State hereby adopts the following policies for the
10 
sustainable management and conservation of forest lands and forest resources found
11 
therein:
12 
a. The specific limits of forest lands, after these have been fixed and demarcated,
13 
shall not be altered, except through an act of Congress;
14 
b. The use and conservation of forest lands and forest resources found therein
15 
shall bear a social, cultural, ecological, biological, and economic functions,
16 
responsibility and accountability to promote the common good of present and
17 
future generations.


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


1 
jurisdiction: Provided, That all forest lands and forest resources found in protected
2 
areas established under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) shall
3 
be sustainably managed and developed following the principles of this Act and
4 
consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7586, or the "National Integrated
5 
Protected Areas System Act of 1992", as amended by Republic Act No. 10629, and
6 
Republic Act No. 11038, or the "Expanded National Integrated System Act of 2018";
7 
Provided further, That all wildlife resources and critical habitats found in forest lands,
8 
including alienable and disposable lands, shall be governed by Republic Act No. 9147,
9 
or the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act"; Provided furthermore,
10 
that the rights of indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples to their
11 
ancestral forest lands shall be respected, as provided for in Republic Act No. 8371 or
12 
the "Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997"; Provided finaiiy, that all forest lands
13 
under the management or administration of local government units and other
14 
government agencies or instrumentalities shall be managed in accordance with their
15 
duly legislated charters and the principles and provisions of this Act.
16 
Sec. 5. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
17 
a. Biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources,
18 
including, inter aiia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems in the
19 
ecological complexes of which they are part of;
20 
b. Climate Change refers to a change in climate that can be identified by changes
21 
in the mean and/or variability of its properties and that persists for an extended
22 
period, typically decades or longer whether due to natural variability or as a
23 
result of human activity;
24 
c. Ciimate Change Adaptation refers to the adjustment in natural or human
25 
systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which
26 
moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities;
27 
d. Ciimate Change Mitigation refers to human intervention to reduce
28 
anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all greenhouse
29 
gases including ozone depleting substances and their substitutes;
30 
e. Ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms interacting with each
31 
other and with their physical environment;


1 
f. Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and/or
2 
cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and
3 
management of natural resources, culture, and indigenous knowledge and
4 
practices, environmental education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are
5 
fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host community and satisfaction of
6 
visitors;
7 
g. 
refers to an ecosystem or an assemblage of ecosystems dominated by
8 
trees and other natural vegetation; a community of plants and animals
9 
interacting with one another and its natural environment;
10 
h. Forestland refers to land of the public domain classified as needed for forest
11 
purposes, including both production and protection. They shall include all forest
12 
reserves of the public domain;
13 
i. Forest Management Unit{^\A\}) refers to a clearly defined forest area assigned
14 
for management based on a set of objectives and a long-term watershed-based
15 
management plan. All current forest tenurial instruments may be considered
16 
FMUs;
17 
j. Forest-Based Industries refer to various industries that are dependent on raw
18 
materials or products derived from forests such as, but not limited to, wood,
19 
rattan, bamboo, vines, latex, resins, saps, essences, fruits, flowers, or wild flora
20 
and fauna;
21 
k. Forest Resources refer to all products and resources whether biomass such as
22 
plants and animals including its by-products and derivatives, which can be a
23 
raw material, or non-biomass such as soil, water, scenery, as well as the
24 
intangible services and values present in forest lands or in other lands devoted
25 
for forest purposes;
26 
I. Forest Restoration refers to a management strategy applied in degraded
27 
primary forest to enhance and accelerate natural processes of forest
28 
regeneration in order to regain the elastic capacity of forest ecosystem;
29 
m. Indigenous Species reler to species or genotypes that have evolved in the same
30 
area, region or biotope and are adapted to the specific predominant ecological
31 
conditions at the time of establishment;


1 
n. Multiple-Use refers to the harmonized utilization of land, soil, water, wildlife,
2 
recreation value, grass and timber of forest lands;
3 
0. Natural Forest refers to a forest composed of naturally growing indigenous
4 
trees, not planted by man, whose structure, composition, and dynamics have
5 
been largely the result of natural succession process;
6 
p. Non-Timber Forest Products refer to all biological materials and derivatives
7 
other than timber;
8 
q. Plantation refers to forest stands established by planting and/or seeding in the
9 
process of afforestation or reforestation. The stand is of either introduced
10 
species (all planted stands), or an intensively managed stand of any indigenous
11 
species, which meets all the following criteria: one or two species at plantation,
12 
even-aged class, and regular spacing;
13 
r. Processing Plant refers to any establishment or infrastructure housing any
14 
mechanical set-up, device, machine, or combination of machines used for the
15 
conversion of logs and other forest raw materials into lumber, fiberboard, pulp,
16 
paper, or other finished wood products;
17 
s. Reforestation refers to the establishment of forest plantations on temporarily
18 
un-stocked lands that are considered as forests;
19 
t. Sustainable Forest Management refers to the process of watershed-based
20 
management of forest land and resources to achieve one or more clearly
21 
specified objectives of management with regard to the continuous production
22 
of desired forest products and the delivery of ecosystem services without undue
23 
reduction of its inherent values, biodiversity and future productivity and without
24 
undesirable effects on the physical and social environment; and
25 
u. Watershedto the land area drained by a stream or fixed body of water
26 
and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface runoff. A watershed can
27 
be part of a larger landscape that includes connections from the head waters
28 
to the reef.
29 
ARTICLE II
30 
ADMINISTRATION, DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND UTILIZATION OF FOREST
31 
LANDS AND FOREST RESOURCES


1 
Sec. 6. Administration, Deveiopment, Management, and Utiiization of
2 
Forestiands. - Forestlands and forest resources shall be under the full supervision and
3 
control by the State. The development and utilization thereof shall be under the State's
4 
full control and supervision. The State may directly undertake such activities, or it may
5 
enter into agreements with qualified persons in order for these persons to receive
6 
technical assistance and appropriate incentives.
7 
The Forest Management Bureau, hereinafter referred to as the FMB, shall be
8 
the primary government agency responsible for the administration, development,
9 
management, and utilization of forest lands as defined in this Act. It shall have the
10 
authority to enter into management agreements or issue tenure instruments on behalf
11 
of the Government, promulgate rules and regulations for the effective enforcement of
12 
this Act, and administratively adjudicate offenses provided for in this Act in order to
13 
facilitate the speedy resolution of forestry-related cases.
14 
Sec. 7. Categories of Forestiands. - For the purpose of administration,
15 
development, management and utilization, forest lands in the Philippines shall be
16 
categorized into ancestral forest lands, private forest lands, and public forest lands.
17 
a. Ancestral forestlands are ancestral lands and domains defined as such under
18 
Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act
19 
of 1997".
20 
b. Private forest lands are alienable and disposable lands registered under the
21 
current land registration system of the country which are devoted for forestry
22 
purposes.
23 
c. Public forest lands shall include all lands of the public domain that have not
24 
been declared as a National Parks under Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7586,
25 
otherwise known as the "National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of
26 
1992", as amended by Republic Act No. 11038; mineral lands pursuant to
27 
Republic Act No. 7942 otherwise known as the "Philippine Mining Act of 1995",
28 
and those lands not classified as agricultural based on the maps developed by
29 
the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
30 
Sec. 8. Demarcation andDeiimitation. - Within five (5) years from the approval
31 
of this Act, the DENR shall demarcate on the ground the actual land classification lines,
32 
in coordination with LGUs and agencies assigned by law to administer and manage


1 
forestlands or parts thereof: Provided, That the DENR Secretary, upon completion of
2 
the actual assessment of the demarcated land classification lines, shall recommend to
3 
Congress the delimitation of the forestlands found to be still suitable and capable for
4 
Its purpose.
5 
Public forest lands shall not be reclassified, except through an act of Congress.
6 
Sec. 9. Management of Forest Lands. - For purposes of management and
7 
planning, all forest lands shall be managed for protection or production purposes only.
8 
a. Protection Forest Lands. All areas within the forest lands designated or set aside
9 
as such shall constitute the protection forest lands. They shall consist of the
10 
following:
11 
i. Virgin forest and old-growth, dipterocarp forest;
12 
ii. All areas one thousand (1,000) meters above sea level;
13 
ili. All areas with a slope of fifty percent (50%) or more;
14 
iv. All areas along the bank of rivers and streams, and the shores of the seas
15 
and lakes throughout entire length and within a zone of three (3) meters
16 
in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricultural areas and forty (40)
17 
meters in forest areas, along their margins which are subject to the
18 
easement of public use.
19 
All extractive activities, including harvesting, gathering, and collection of forest
20 
resources except planted mangrove species and non-timber forest products, are
21 
prohibited within forest lands for protection purposes. However, the sustainable
22 
traditional resource rights of indigenous peoples shall be respected.
23 
Only indigenous species shall be planted or introduced within protection forest
24 
lands.
25 
b. Production Forest Lands. All public forest lands not classified as protection
26 
forest lands, pursuant to this Section, shall constitute the production forest
27 
lands of the country. These lands shall be devoted for the production or timber
28 
and non-timber forest products to supply the domestic forest resource demand
29 
of the country and facilitate International trade of forest resources.
30 
Sec. 10. Forest Management Units. - For the purposes of assigning respective
31 
areas of operations and management, all public forest or timber land shall be assigned
32 
and registered as "Forest Management Units" with the DENR: Provided, That all areas


1 
under an existing and valid tenure agreement or management arrangement with the
2 
DENR before the passage of this Act shall be considered as FMUs.
3 
The FMU shall be managed for protection and/or production purposes.
4 
Protection FMUs shall have the primary function of protecting life support systems to
5 
regulate water, prevent flooding, control erosion, prevent seawater intrusion, maintain
6 
soil fertility, and of conserving plant and wildlife biodiversity and their ecosystem.
7 
Production FMU shall have the primary function of producing forest products, food,
8 
energy and/or fresh water among others.
9 
Sec. 11. Qualified Managers of FMUs. - To ensure effective management of
10 
forest lands, managers of FMUs shall be confined to qualified and capable persons, or
11 
entities which include indigenous and local households, civil society organizations,
12 
business organizations, forest land use tenure holders, and dedicated national and
13 
local government units including government-owned and controlled corporations
14 
subject to the requirements to be provided in the implementing rules and regulations
15 
of this Act.
16 
Sec. 12. FMU Development and Management Planning. - Every FMU shall have
17 
a management plan formulated by the FMU Manager that were reviewed and
18 
concurred by a Registered Professional Forester which shall be approved by the DENR.
19 
The FMU management plan shall contain the following:
20 
a. FMU management objective;
21 
b. Description of the physical, environmental, socio-economic, and administrative
22 
profile of the FMU;
23 
c. Mapping and zoning of the FMU into production and high conservation value-
24 
forest zones;
25 
d. Management prescriptions to be applied in each zone to meet the FMU
26 
management objectives;
27 
e. Implementation plan; and
28 
f. Expected benefits and impacts of the plan.
29 
Sec. 13. Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources. — Mangrove species
30 
planted within protection or production forest lands can be harvested, gathered, or
31 
collected, taking into consideration the basic forestry policies and strategies provided
8


1 
for in this Act. The harvesting, gathering, and coiiection of mangrove species shall be
2 
upon the authority provided for by the Bureau.
3 
Sec. 14. Mined-Out Areas and Abandoned Fishpond Areas. - The management
4 
and administration of all forest lands that are considered as either mined-out areas or
5 
abandoned fishpond lease areas shall be reverted to the FMB.
6 
Sec. 15. Utilization of Forest Resources. — The harvesting, gathering and
7 
collection of all planted forest resources within production forest lands and private
8 
forests, including its by-products and derivatives, shall not require any clearance from
9 
the DENR: Provided, That any request for clearances for domestic transport of forest
10 
resources submitted to the DENR shall be acted upon within seven (7) days from the
11 
date of its submission with the proper office. After a lapse of seven (7) days and no
12 
action has been taken by the DENR, the clearance for transport is deemed approved.
13 
The harvesting, gathering, collection, and transport of non-timber forest
14 
products within production forest lands shall be exempt from any clearance from any
15 
government Institution.
16 
All timber and non-timber forest products planted within private lands shall
17 
belong to the owner of the land who shall have the right to harvest, gather, and collect
18 
the same without any clearance from any government institutions.
19 
Sec. 16. Regulation and Utilization of Forest Resources within Ancestral Forest
20 
Lands. - The rights of the indigenous cultural communities or indigenous peoples over
21 
their ancestral forest lands shall be respected: Provided, That management of forest
22 
resources within those lands shall be regulated by the DENR as provided for by laws,
23 
rules, and regulations.
24 
ARTICLE III
25 
FOREST-BASED INDUSTRIES
2 6 
Sec. 17. Development of an Open and Competitive Market for Forest Resources.
27 
- To meet the demands for forest goods and services of the country, the State,
28 
through the DENR shall promote and rationalize the establishment, operations, and
29 
development of forest-based industries. The DENR shall institute measures to develop
30 
an open and competitive market for forest products including among others the
31 
liberalization of forest products harvesting, transport, and marketing.


1 
Sec. 18. Export of Certified Forest Products. - No person shall sell or offer for
2 
sale any forest resources in the international market without complying with the
3 
certification system established by the Government. Failure to adhere to the
4 
established standards, or any act of falsification shall be sufficient cause for the
5 
cancellation of export licenses and other permits authorizing the manufacture or sale
6 
of such resources.
7 
Sec. 19. Reguiation of Forest-Based Industries. - All processing plants using
8 
forest resources as raw materials shall be subject to existing regulations prescribed by
9 
law, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System: Provided, That
10 
these processing plants are registered with the Department of Trade and Industry as
11 
well as clearance from the Local Government Unit to operate.
12 
Sec. 20. Enhance Private Investments and Economic Contribution. - Forest-
13 
based industries shall be supported to promote global competitiveness, support
14 
domestic demands for wood and other products, and enhance economic contribution
15 
to the country. Appropriate incentives shall be provided such as but not limited to
16 
establishment of agroforestry economic zones in order to ease the conduct of business
17 
and attract local and foreign investments that are mutually beneficial to the
18 
government, concerned communities, partner organizations and the investors
19 
concerned.
20 
Sec. 21. Community-Based Forest Enterprises. — Economic activities and
21 
practices of local communities, including indigenous cultural communities, and
22 
indigenous peoples, on forest-based enterprises, including non-timber forest products,
23 
that promote the sustainable use of forest resources shall be supported and promoted
24 
to address food security and improve quality of life.
25 
ARTICLE IV
26 
EMPOWERING AND ENABLING CONDITIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST
27 
MANAGEMENT
28 
Sec. 22. Forestland Use and Tenure Instruments. — The State, represented by
29 
the DENR, may undertake the exploration, development, and utilization of forest lands
30 
and forest resources found therein with qualified persons, whether natural or juridical,
31 
through tenure instruments.
10


1 
Sec. 23. Forest Management Agreement - The State, through the DENR and
2 
a qualified person, whether natural or juridical, may enter into a Forest Management
3 
Agreement for the exploration, development, and utilization of forest lands and forest
4 
resources found therein. The Forest Management Agreement shall have a duration of
5 
twenty-five (25) years and may be extended for another twenty-five (25) years.
6 
Sec. 24. Scope of Forest Management Agreement - The Forest Management
7 
Agreement may be entered into for the following purposes:
8 
a. Agroforestry plantations (in accordance to the standards of the DENR) Forest
9 
plantation development;
10 
b. Forest plantation development with processing plant;
11 
c. Ecotourism development; and
12 
d. Special uses for forest lands;
13 
A Forest Management Agreement may be entered into for a single purpose or
14 
a combination of any of the abovementioned purposes.
15 
Sec. 25. Special Uses of Forest Lands. - A Forest Management Agreement may
16 
be entered into for a special use of forest land which shall include the following:
17 
a. Dry Dock Site;
18 
b. Industrial Processing Site;
19 
c. Herbal or Medicinal Plantation;
20 
d. Fish Drying Site;
21 
e. Communication Station Site;
22 
f. Public Landing Site or Airstrip;
23 
g. Log Pond or Log Depot;
24 
h. Lumber Yard;
25 
i. Motor Pool Site;
26 
j. Power Station Site;
27 
k. Transmission Line Site;
28 
I. Right-Of-Way;
29 
m. Farm-to-Market roads;
30 
n. Government Facility Site (e.g. schools, clinics, satellite offices among others);
31 
0. Water Reservoir; or
32 
p. Renewable Energy Projects:
11


1 
Provided, That for government facilities or infrastructures like farm-to-market
2 
roads, public school sites, public hospitals or clinics, etc. shall be free from any fees,
3 
charges, or other pecuniary obligations under the Forest Management Agreement.
4 
Sec. 26. Qualified Persons. - The following persons are qualified to enter into
5 
a Forest Management Agreement with the State:
6 
a. Filipino citizens;
7 
b. Corporations or associations at least sixty percent (60%) of whose capital is
8 
owned by Filipinos;
9 
c. Local government units, when the purpose of the Forest Management
10 
Agreement is for public use or the establishment of government centers and
11 
facilities; or
12 
d. Other National Government Agencies or Government-Owned or Controlled
13 
Corporations, when the purpose of the Forest Management Agreement is for
14 
national interest, like transmission lines, water reservoirs, or distribution lines
15 
for electricity.
16 
Sec. 27. Production Sharing. - The following schemes shall be observed by the
17 
Parties to a Forest Management Agreement in relation to the sharing of benefits
18 
derived from the agreement:
19 
a. Forest Plantations, Forest Plantations with Processing Plants. The sharing of
20 
outputs from Forest Management Agreements entered into for the purpose of
21 
developing and managing forest plantations, and forest plantations with
22 
processing plants shall be based on the total gross output of the plantation
23 
harvests. Said sharing shall be done in a manner advantageous to national
24 
interest without prejudice for incentives that may be prescribed by the DENR.
25 
b. For ecotourism purposes, the person who entered into a Forest Management
26 
Agreement with the State for the purpose of ecotourism or other special uses
27 
for forest lands shall have the obligation to pay an annual user's fee equivalent
28 
to five percent (5%) of the nearest commercial zonal value per square meter
29 
or a fraction thereof.
30 
c. Government Facilities or Infrastructures. Non-income generating government
31 
facilities such as public school sites, public hospitals or clinics, government
32 
center or offices, roads, farm-to-market access roads, and public buildings are
12


1 
exempt from paying any fee or other pecuniary obligation with the State.
2 
Provided, that the use of these establishments or infrastructures shall not be
3 
subject to privatization.
4 
Sec. 28. Forestry Research, Education, Training, and Extension, - The Research
5 
and Technology Department of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau,
6 
Forest Products Research and Development Institute, universities, and other research
7 
institutions shall be strengthened to support sustainable management of forest
8 
resources. For this reason. Forestry Development Center of the University of the
9 
Philippines Los Banos shall lead in forest policy research in collaboration with schools,
10 
universities, and colleges (SUCs) as well as other stakeholders.
11 
The DENR, the Department of Science and Technology, the Commission on
12 
Higher Education, and Universities, within one (1) year from the passage of this Act,
13 
shall prepare a comprehensive sustainable national forestry and environmental
14 
research and technology development and transfer program in furtherance of
15 
sustainable forest management, which shall be implemented, monitored, and
16 
reviewed in accordance with existing research management systems.
17 
The Continuing Professional Development shall be promoted and upheld
18 
through selected universities and training institutions on forestry and natural resources
19 
management subject to the Professional Regulation Commission's accreditation
20 
system. Forestry education in the Philippines shall be rationalized to ensure the quality
21 
of formal forestry education and establish, support and sustain the national and
22 
regional centers of development and excellence in forestry and environmental
23 
education to develop high quality human resources and promote global
24 
competitiveness. The Commission on Higher Education shall include forest ecology
25 
and environment courses in general education curricula. The DENR shall formulate a
26 
nationwide program for sustained public information and advocacy campaign for
27 
forests and natural resources conservation, sustainable forest management, and
28 
climate change.
29 
Sec. 29. The Sustainabie Forest Deveiopment Fund. - A Sustainable Forest
30 
Development Fund (SFDF) is hereby established to provide concessional financing
31 
particularly for forest development projects proposed by qualified managers of FMUs.
13


1 
Said Fund shall be administered by a Government Financial Institution as a trust
2 
account managed under the "capital preservation" principle.
3 
The preferred government financing institution (GFI), together with the DENR,
4 
shall Invest at most 75% of the net interest income from loans to forest development
5 
- support facilities including but not limited to road networks, seedling nurseries, water
6 
supply systems, and research facilities subject to recommendation by the FMB.
7 
The SFDF may be augmented by grants, donations, and endowment from
8 
various local and international sources.
9 
In addition, at least seventy percent (70%) of forest charges and government
10 
share collected, including proceeds from the sale of confiscated forest resources,
11 
machinery, equipment, and tools, fines, and penalties shall be set aside for the SFDF.
12 
Moreover, securitization, payment for ecosystem services and collaborative
13 
investments shall be encouraged to support sustainable forest management and
14 
enterprises and the conservation of forest-based biodiversity in the Philippines.
15 
The DENR shall include in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act
16 
the guidelines for the management, development, and operationalization of the SFDF,
17 
in coordination with other concerned agencies and civil service organizations.
18 
Sec. 30. Importation and Sale. - Forest resources may be imported into the
19 
country, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. All imported forest resources
20 
shall comply with the Philippine National Standards to be developed by the Department
21 
of Trade and Industry in coordination with the Forest Products Research and
22 
Development Institute and the DENR. Compliance with these standards shall be a
23 
precondition for the sale or disposition of these products in the Philippines.
24 
ARTICLE V
25 
ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNANCE
26 
Sec. 31. Creation of the Position of Undersecretary for Forestry. — There is
27 
hereby created in the DENR the position of Undersecretary for Forestry who shall
28 
perform the following functions:
29 
a. Oversee the provision of technical, marketing, financial, tenurial and
30 
infrastructure support to persons and entities engaged in FMU management;
14


1 
b. Ensure watershed-based planning and monitoring processes are observed in
2 
forestry-related developments;
3 
c. Facilitate institutional linkages and convergence initiatives among forestry
4 
stakeholders in support of effective development and management of forest
5 
lands consistent with its protection and production uses;
6 
d. Provide scientific information-based policy recommendations in aide sustainable
7 
forest management; and
8 
e. Promote cost-effectiveness of forestry investments among local and
9 
international investors and donors in line with sustainable forest management.
10 
The Undersecretary shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the
11 
Philippines, whose office, structure, and staffing, shall be determined by the Secretary
12 
subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
13 
Sec. 32. Reconstitution of the Forest Management Bureau. - The Forest
14 
Management Bureau is hereby reconstituted as a line bureau under the DENR, which
15 
shall be responsible for the administration, management, development, and protection
16 
of forest lands and forest resources of the country, with functions specifically as
17 
follows:
18 
a. Implementation of all policies, plans, programs, projects and activities
19 
concerning forest lands with provision for effective feed-backing and reporting
20 
mechanisms;
21 
b. Ensure sufficient provision of technical, marketing, financial, tenurial and
22 
Infrastructure support to persons and entities engaged in FMU management;
23 
c. Enforce watershed-based planning approaches in all forest-land development
24 
and management endeavors;
25 
d. Encourage the participation of forestry stakeholders through multi-sectoral
26 
consultative bodies in all forestry-related consultative processes;
27 
e. Develop and implement an effective geographical information system in aide of
28 
forestry planning, monitoring and policy formulation;
29 
f. Monitor and evaluate the physical, environmental and socio-economic
30 
outcomes in the management of all FMUs; and
31 
g. Formulate and publish periodic reports informing stakeholders of the status of
32 
the Philippine forest lands using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
15


1 
Sec. 33. Composition of the Forest Management Bureau. - As a line bureau,
2 
the FMB shall be headed by a Director and assisted by two (2) Assistant Directors who
3 
shall supervise the administrative and technical services of the Bureau respectively.
4 
There shall be a FMB Regional Director in each administrative region with
5 
corresponding offices and positions.
6 
Sec. 34. Assistance of Law Enforcement Agencies. — Local Government Units,
7 
the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the DENR, may, when they
8 
deem necessary, call upon law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the
9 
Government such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the
10 
Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the National Bureau of
11 
Investigation (NBI) for the enforcement of environmental laws, executive orders, and
12 
their Implementing rules and regulations.
13 
Sec. 35. Creation of Community-based Law Enforcement Team. - The
14 
Community-based Forest Law Enforcement Team (CFLET) shall be organized with
15 
members composed of representatives from direct stakeholders in a particular
16 
watershed. Said Team shall be deemed as quick responders on complaints to be
17 
augmented or reinforced by the Forest Ranger. Funding for CFLET's operational
18 
requirements shall be sourced from agreed contributions from FMU Managers agreed
19 
with the DENR, proceeds from sale of confiscated forest products, donations from
20 
various sources.
21 
Sec. 36. Locai Government Units. — Enabling mechanisms shall be developed
22 
to enhance the participation of the local government units in the sustainable
23 
management and utilization of forest resources within their territorial jurisdiction,
24 
including those assigned by law to other government agencies.
25 
LGUs with forest lands inside their jurisdiction shall align their CLUPs, local
26 
development plans, disaster risk reduction management plans and other required
27 
plans according to the objectives specified herein and in the protected area
28 
management plans.
29 
Sec. 37. Other Government Agencies. - Forest lands or portions thereof, which
30 
have been placed under the administration and management of other government
31 
agencies, shall remain under the administration and management of the said
32 
government agencies; with the DENR exercising oversight power over these areas:
16


1 
Provided, That their administration and management shall be based on the policies,
2 
strategies, and programs that are consistent with the provision of this Act; Provided,
3 
further, That the concerned agencies shall submit an annual accomplishment report
4 
to the DENR.
5 
Sec. 38. Muiti-Sectorai Consuitative Bodies in Reiation to Natural Resources
6 
Governance. - A technical and multi-sectoral consultative body involving all
7 
stakeholders concerned within a watershed shall be convened by the DENR pursuant
8 
to this Act, specifically for each FMU and cluster of FMUs as appropriate and shall be
9 
consulted at least once a year to review and make recommendations on watershed-
10 
based management related policies at the local and regional level. Further, the DENR
11 
shall extend technical assistance to multi-sectoral bodies organized for the purpose of
12 
policy-making in relation to environment and natural resource governance specifically
13 
on forest governance issues.
14 
Sec. 39. Function of Multi-Sectoral Consultative Bodies. — The body shall be
15 
responsible for the over-all policy direction in the management of the forest lands and
16 
forest resources found within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with the
17 
provision of this Act. Specifically, It shall:
18 
a. Review and recommend implementation of programs and projects;
19 
b. Perform oversight functions on matter pertaining to the environment and
20 
natural resources; and
21 
c. Participate in the review and recommend relevant policies for the protection,
22 
conservation, and restoration efforts within the watershed in ensuring
23 
significant contribution of the forestry sector to national economy, ecological
24 
sustainability, and sustainable development closely adhering to the principles
25 
and priority programs of the Government.
26 
Said body may also facilitate the initiation of the LGUs' participation in the
27 
devolution program and monitoring the transfer and implementation of devolved
28 
functions to the LGUs.
29 
Sec. 40. Power and Water Utility Service Providers. — Forest lands or portions
30 
thereof, which have been placed by law or agreement under the administration and
31 
management of government and private power and water utilities service providers,
32 
shall be included in the partitioning of forest lands into appropriate categories
17


1 
consistent with the purpose of the assigned forest land, and shall remain under the
2 
administration and management of the said utilities service providers concerned;
3 
Provided, That the DENR shall exercise oversight power on the planning,
4 
management, utilization, and assessment of all forest resources in these areas.
5 
Sec. 41. Governance Mechanism. - The following mechanisms shall be
6 
developed, established, and used for the sustainable forest management:
7 
a. The principles and practices of transparency, accountability, and participatory
8 
decision-making, in transactions, decision, and actions affecting forestry, in all
9 
levels, and the policy of streamlining, decentralization, devolution, and
10 
deregulation shall be adopted, promoted, and institutionalized in the DENR.
11 
b. Updating and preparation of forest land use plans shall be integrated with the
12 
updating and preparation of comprehensive land use plans of local government
13 
units.
14 
c. Networks and linkages with local and international institutions, civil society
15 
organizations, local government units and industries involved in the promotion
16 
and practice of sustainable forest management shall be strengthened.
17 
d. The DENR shall prescribe appropriate fees and government shares for different
18 
kinds of utilization, exploitation, occupation, possession, or activities within
19 
forest lands, as well as the corresponding administrative fees for permits,
20 
agreements, and other services.
21 
e. The DENR shall have the authority to impose other fees for payment for
22 
ecosystem services and forest protection, management, reforestation, and
23 
development. In addition, the DENR may waive fees and charges on
24 
government activities within forest lands that supports public utility, social
25 
welfare, national security, or national interest.
26 
f. The DENR shall undertake the monitoring and control of forest management
27 
and utilization through a third-party audit and certification. A National Forest
28 
Certification System shall be established which will outline the policy, rules,
29 
procedures, and management for implementing forest management
30 
certification and chain-of-custody certification in the country. The DENR shall
31 
develop pertinent guidelines, in coordination with all stakeholders, for the
32 
implementation of this provision subsequent to the effectivity of this Act.
18


1 
g. The DENR shall establish a forest management information system which
2 
consists of comprehensive up-to-date information on the physical, social,
3 
financial, economic, biological, and environmental components of the country's
4 
forest lands and forest resources. It shall include a continuous monitoring
5 
system to track the utilization and movement or transfer of forest-based goods
6 
and services, the changes in the state of forest resources and ecosystem
7 
services, and its drivers. It shall include further a ground-based validation
8 
system as basis for assessing progress towards sustainable forest
9 
management.
10 
h. It shall be the priority of the State to ensure that government employees
11 
involved in the implementation of the sustainable forest management law are
12 
properly trained, sufficiently equipped, adequately compensated, and given
13 
ample opportunities to participate in its implementation. The DENR and other
14 
agencies involved shall appropriately provide funding for the same.
15 
ARTICLE VI
16 
OFFENSES AND PENALTIES
17 
Sec. 42. Harvesting, Gathering, Coiiection, or Possession of Forest Resources
18 
from Protection Forest Lands. - Any person who shall harvest, gather, collect, or
19 
possess any forest resource from protection forest lands shall be punished with
20 
imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and
21 
one (1) day and/or a fine equivalent to ten (10) times the value of the said forest
22 
resource. The Forest Protection Officers shall have the authority to estimate the
23 
present market value of the forest resources subject of the illegal harvest, gathering,
24 
collection or possession based on the guidelines promulgated by the DENR.
25 
In case of partnerships, associations, or corporations, the president, managing
26 
partner, or general manager shall be held liable.
27 
In case of aliens, the Bureau of Immigrations shall deport them without further
28 
proceedings after paying the fine imposed.
29 
Sec. 43. liiegai Harvesting, Gathering, Coiiection, or Possession of Forest
30 
Resources as an Act of Economic Sabotage. - Any of the acts enumerated in the
31 
preceding section shall be considered as an economic sabotage when committed by:
19


1 
a. At least two (2) or more persons through an organized and systematic manner;
2 
and
3 
b. Any person, when the amount of forest resources harvested, gathered,
4 
collected, or 
possessed amounts 
to at least 
One million 
pesos 
(Php
5 
1,000,000.00).
6 
The penalty of imprisonment for twenty (20) years and 
one (1) day to forty
7 
(40) years shall be imposed.
8 
Sec. 44. Grazing Livestock in Forest Lands without Authority. - Any person
9 
found to have caused the grazing of livestock in forest lands without an authority from
10 
the DENR shall be punished with the imprisonment of two (2) years, four (4) months,
11 
and one (1) day to four (4) years and two (2) months. The livestock shall be
12 
confiscated in favor of the Government.
13 
Sec. 45. Unlawful Occupation of Forest Lands. - Any person who, without the
14 
authority from the DENR, possesses or occupies any parcel of forest land shall be
15 
punished with a penalty of imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve
16 
(12) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00)
17 
but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00).
18 
SEC. 46. Destruction of Forest Lands. — Any person who shall destroy or cause
19 
destruction within forest lands or assist, aids, or abets another person to do so, shall
20 
be punished with a penalty of imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve
21 
(12) years, and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00)
22 
but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00).
23 
Sec. 47. Unlawful Operations of Sawmills, Wood Processing Plants, and Forest-
24 
Based Industries. — Any person operating sawmills, wood processing plants, and
25 
forest-based industries without any authority from the DENR, shall be punished with
26 
a penalty of imprisonment for six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and
27 
a fine of not less than Five hundred pesos (Php 500,000.00).
28 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the accessory penalty of
29 
disqualification for holding any public office is imposed for a period of twelve (12)
30 
years and one (1) day. If the offender is an official or an employee of the DENR, the
31 
accessory penalty of permanent disqualification shall be imposed.
20


1 
All forest resources, machinery, equipment, and tools pertinent to the
2 
operations of the abovementioned establishments shall be confiscated in favor of the
3 
Government.
4 
Sec. 48. Prohibition on the Issuance of Land Tides or Tax Deciarations on Forest
5 
Lands. - All land titles and tax declaration issued over forest lands shall be deemed
6 
void ab initio. Any person who shall issue land titles and tax declarations over any
7 
forest land or a parcel thereof shall be punished with imprisonment of six (6) years
8 
and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand
9 
pesos (Php 100,000.00) nor more than five hundred thousand pesos (Php
10 
500,000.00). the accessory penalty of disqualification shall be imposed for a period of
11 
twelve (12) years and one (1) day.
12 
Sec. 49. Non-Payment and Non-Remittance of Forestry Fees and Charges. -
13 
Any person who fails to pay the amount due and payable as forestry fees or charges
14 
to the government or remit the same to the proper authorities shall be punished with
15 
a penalty of imprisonment for a period of six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12)
16 
years with a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) nor
17 
more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00).
18 
Sec. 50. Non-Estabiishment of Tree Parks and Green Spaces. - Every local
19 
government unit shall establish and maintain tree parks and green spaces pursuant to
20 
their comprehensive land use plans. Funds for the establishment and maintenance of
21 
the same shall form part of the local government unit's annual budget.
22 
Every owner of land subdivided into residential, commercial, or industrial lots
23 
shall reserve, establish, and maintain at least thirty percent (30%) of the total land
24 
area of the subdivision, exclusive of roads, service streets and alleys as green space
25 
for tree parks.
26 
No subdivision plan shall be approved by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory
27 
Board unless at least thirty percent (30%) of the total area of the subdivision has been
28 
reserved as green space. The owner must develop the green space within three (3)
29 
years from the approval of the subdivision plan.
30 
Any local government unit or owner of a parcel of land subdivided into
31 
residential, commercial, or industrial lots who fails to establish green spaces or tree
32 
parks as provided in the preceding paragraphs shall be penalized with a fine of not
21


1 
less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) nor more than One million
2 
pesos (Php 1,000,000.00).
3 
Sec. 51. Illegal Conversion of Tree Parks and Green Spaces. - Any person who
4 
shall convert or cause to convert any tree park or green space for a purpose
5 
inconsistent with that which is provided for by this Act shall be punished with a penalty
6 
of imprisonment for six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and/or a fine
7 
not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) nor more than One
8 
million pesos (Php 1,000,000.00).
9 
If the offender is a public official or employee, the accessory penalty of
10 
disqualification is imposed for a period of twelve (12) years and one (1) day. If the
11 
offender is an official or an employee of the DENR, the accessory penalty of permanent
12 
disqualification shall be imposed.
13 
Sec. 52. Arrest and Detention. - If the apprehension was conducted in remote
14 
areas far from the place where persons authorized to conduct inquest proceedings are
15 
located, the delivery to the proper judicial authorities shall be done within a reasonable
16 
time period, taking into consideration the ordinary travel time from the place of arrest
17 
to the place of delivery.
18 
In order to facilitate the delivery of arrested persons for violations of this Act,
19 
the Department of Justice shall designate in every city and province a special
20 
prosecutor who shall be responsible for filing appropriate charges against arrested
21 
offenders.
22 
Sec. 53. Public Auction of Forest Resources. - If the confiscated forest
23 
resources are in danger of deteriorating, the DENR may order that the same be sold
24 
at public auction even before the termination of the judicial proceedings, with the
25 
proceeds kept in trust to await the outcome of the judicial proceedings.
26 
Sec. 54. Authority of Forest Protection Officers. - When in the performance of
27 
their official duties, forest protection officers or other public officials or employees
28 
authorized by the DENR, shall have free access into forest lands or any parcel thereof.
29 
They are also authorized to search the exterior and interior of all vehicles
30 
suspected to contain illegally harvested, collected, or gathered forest resources:
31 
Provided, That the search is done in the presence of the apprehended persons and
32 
two (2) public local officials.
22


1 
Finally, forest protection officers are authorized to administer oaths, take
2 
acknowledgements in official matters connected under the authority of this Act and its
3 
implementing rules and regulations.
4 
ARTICLE VII
5 
ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES
6 
Sec. 55. Administrative Authority of the Secretary or his Duiy Authorized 
1 Representative to Order Confiscation. - In all cases of violations of this Act or other
8 
forest laws, rules, and regulations, the Secretary or his duly authorized representative
9 
may order the confiscation of forest resources illegally harvested, collected, gathered,
10 
possessed and those that are abandoned. This authority shall extend to all
11 
conveyances used either on land, water, or air as well as machinery, equipment,
12 
implements, and tools used in the commission of the offense and to dispose of the
13 
same in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
14 
Sec. 56. Administrative Authority of the Secretary to Impose Fines. — In all
15 
cases of violations of this Act and other forest laws, rules, and regulations where fine
16 
is the principal penalty, the Secretary, or his duly authorized representative, after the
17 
consultation with the forest-based industries affected, is hereby authorized to impose
18 
administratively the penalty consisting of the amount and the schedules of the fine
19 
which shall be officially published in a national newspaper of general circulation.
20 
Sec. 57. Fines Escaiation Cause. - The fines herein prescribed shall be
21 
increased by at least ten percent (10%) every three (3) years to compensate for
22 
inflation and to maintain the deterrent function of such fines.
23 
Sec. 58. Informant's Incentive. - Twenty percent (20%) of the value of
24 
confiscated materials shall be used as incentives to informants including forest
25 
management councils, forest management boards. They shall also be entitled to free
26 
legal assistance should cases be filed against them in the performance of official
27 
duties.
28 
Sec. 59. Suits and Strategic Legai Action Against Pubiic Participation and the
2 9 
Enforcement of this Act —
30 
a. A legal action filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure, or stifle any legal
31 
recourse that any person, institution, or the government has taken or may take
23


1 
in the enforcement of this Act, protection of the environment or assertion of
2 
environmental rights shall be governed by this Section.
3 
b. A suit and strategic legal action against public participation may be interposed
4 
as a defense by a person involved in the enforcement of environmental laws,
5 
protection of the environment, or assertion of environmental rights. The suit or
6 
strategic legal action shall be supported by documents, affidavits, papers, and
7 
other evidence. The person involved in the enforcement of environmental laws
8 
may also by way of counterclaim, pray for damages, attorney's fees and costs
9 
of suit.
10 
The court shall direct the plaintiff or adverse party to file an opposition showing
11 
the suit is not valid as a defense, attaching evidence in support thereof, within a non-
12 
extensible period of five (5) days from receipt of notice that an answer has been filed.
13 
The suit or strategic legal action shall be set for hearing by the court after
14 
issuance of the order to file an opposition within fifteen (15) days from filing of the
15 
comment or the lapse of the period.
16 
c. The hearing on the suit or strategic legal action shall be summary in nature.
17 
The parties must submit all available evidence in support of their respective
18 
positions. The party seeking the dismissal of the case must prove by substantial
19 
evidence that his act for the enforcement of this Act is a legitimate action for
20 
the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of the environment. The Party
21 
filing the action assailed as a SLAPP shall prove by preponderance of evidence
22 
that the action is not a SLAPP and is a valid claim.
23 
d. The affirmative defense of a SLAPP shall be resolved within thirty (30) days
24 
after the summary hearing. If the court dismisses the action, the court may
25 
award damages, attorney's fees, and costs of suit under a counterclaim if such
26 
has been filed. The dismissal shall be with prejudice.
27 
If the court rejects the suit or strategic legal action, the evidence adduced
28 
during the summary hearing shall be treated as evidence of the parties on the merits
29 
of the case. The action shall proceed in accordance with the Rules of Court.
30 
Sec. 60. Citizen's Suit - Any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal, or
31 
administrative action with the proper court against:
24


1 
a. Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this Act or its
2 
implementing rules and regulations;
3 
b. The DENR or other implementing agency with respect to orders, rules, and
4 
regulations issued inconsistent with this Act;
5 
c. Any public officer who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of an act
6 
specifically enjoined as a duty by this Act or its implementing rules and
7 
regulations; or abuses his authority in the performance of his duty; or in any
8 
manner improperly performs his duties under this law or its implementing rules
9 
and regulations.
10 
However, no suit can be filed until after a notice of violation is sent to the
11 
alleged offender within thirty (30) days starting from the date of the occurrence of the
12 
violation.
13 
Sec. 61. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- The. DENR, in consultation with
14 
other government agencies and relevant stakeholders charged with the administration
15 
and enforcement of this Act shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
16 
regulations within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act.
17 
Sec. 62. Transitory Provisions. - Upon the approval of this Act, the DENR shall
18 
evaluate the conditions of all forest lands covered by existing tenure instruments,
19 
agreements or contracts, permits, and the like, which shall be allowed to continue
20 
until their expiry unless otherwise earlier terminated for cause.
21 
Sec. 63. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be subsequently
22 
declared not constitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity or the legality
23 
of the other provisions.
24 
Sec. 64. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
25 
regulations, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
26 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
27 
Sec. 65. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date
28 
of its publication in the Official Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
25