P-Noy signs law vs illegal cutting of coconut trees

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has signed into law a measure strengthening the government’s drive against the illegal cutting of coconut trees.

Republic Act 10593, signed by the President last May 29, authorizes the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to arrest those who cut coconut trees illegally as well as stop unauthorized transport of coconut lumber.

The full text of the new law was published in The STAR last June 7. The new law amended Republic Act no. 8048 or the Coconut Preservation Act enacted in 1995.

The PCA is also empowered under the law to investigate suspected violators, apprehend anyone possessing coconut lumber without the necessary permit, search and seize a vehicle with illegally cut or collected coconut lumber, and stop the transport of unauthorized coconut lumber.

The PCA is now authorized to confiscate and forfeit in favor of the government illegally cut, collected or abandoned coconut lumber as well as the equipment or machinery used for gathering them.

Violators face two to six years imprisonment as compared to the one- to six-year prison term provided for under the 1995 law.

Under the new law, fines range from P100,000 to P500,000, from only P50,000 minimum fine set in the old law.

If the offender is a corporation or a juridical entity, the official or officials involved are the ones to be held liable. Government personnel found in cahoots with illegal loggers also face dismissal.

An applicant can only secure a permit to cut if he has secured from the barangay captain a certification under oath that he has planted the equivalent number of coconut trees he intends to cut.

If no replanting is done as verified by the PCA, the barangay captain who issued the certification would face three to seven-year imprisonment or fines ranging from P100,000 to P1 million.

The barangay captain will also be disqualified from holding public office upon conviction.

The new law also raises the application fee for a permit to cut coconut trees to P100 for every tree to be cut from the previous P25.