Republic Act No. 9741

AN ACT IMPOSING A LOGGING BAN IN THE THIRD DISTRICT TO THE PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. A logging ban is hereby imposed within the third district of the Province of Negros Occidental.

Section 2. For purposes of this Act, "logging" shall refer to the process, work or business of cutting down trees for commercial purposes.

Section 3. The harvesting of planted species within tree plantations and the tree-cutting activities for projects approved by the government and only for basic services such as, but not limited to, public works, energy development or water utilities are exempted from this Act: Provided, That any harvesting or cutting of tree species shall comply with all pertinent environment and forestry laws, rules and regulations.

Section 4. The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Section 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,

<table data-cellpadding="5" data-align="center"> <colgroup> <col style="width: 50%" /> <col style="width: 50%" /> </colgroup> <tbody> <tr data-valign="top"> <td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><strong>JUAN PONCE ENRILE</strong><br /> President of the Senate</td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><strong>PROSPERO C. NOGRALES</strong><br /> Speaker of the House of Representatives</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on April 29, 2008 and July 28, 2009, respectively.

<table data-cellpadding="5" data-align="center"> <colgroup> <col style="width: 50%" /> <col style="width: 50%" /> </colgroup> <tbody> <tr data-valign="top"> <td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><strong>EMMA LIRIO-REYES</strong><br /> Secretary of the Senate</td> <td style="text-align: center;" width="50%"><strong>MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP</strong><br /> Secretary General House of Representatives</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Approved: November 03, 2009

GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO President of the Philippines