Roots of the Code
What do you call the State policy that requires forest lands to be used in a way that maximizes national benefit while minimizing ecological harm?
Multiple-use policy.
PD 705 requires balancing timber, water, wildlife, and recreation use without ecological damage.
What government activity involves restoring denuded, grass-covered, or watershed areas?
Reforestation.
The State must rehabilitate damaged forest lands, especially critical watersheds.
What qualification must applicants for forest land use privileges demonstrate before permits can be issued?
Financial and technical capacity.
Only competent, well-equipped applicants may operate to avoid forest destruction.
What doctrine establishes that forest lands and natural resources belong to the State and cannot be privately owned unless reclassified?
Regalian Doctrine.
Forest lands remain public unless officially declared A&D; licenses do not confer ownership.
What requirement must concessionaires follow to ensure long-term forest productivity when conducting timber operations?
Sustained-yield and conservation measures.
Concessionaires must reforest, protect watersheds, and prevent forest degradation.
What power allows DENR to collect charges, bonds, and fees to fund forest protection?
Authority to impose forest charges and bonds.
These funds support reforestation, protection, and law enforcement.
What is the term for the system where forest harvest levels must not exceed the natural rate of forest regeneration?
Sustained-yield management.
The State may limit or reduce harvest quotas to maintain long-term productivity.
What is the term for the process where DENR documents kaingineros, settlers, and cultural minorities living in forestlands?
Census of forest occupants.
The census measures the extent of occupation and identifies environmental impact.
What offense involves cutting, gathering, or possessing timber without legal documents?
Illegal cutting or illegal possession of timber.
Penalties follow RPC theft provisions, and equipment used is confiscated.
What term refers to the slash-and-burn agricultural practice that contributes to forest land degradation?
Kaingin.
PD 705 defines kaingin as a destructive cultivation method prohibited in forest lands.
What legal rule protects long-term settlers who lived in forest land before PD 705 took effect, provided they do not expand their clearing?
Exemption from criminal prosecution for pre-existing occupants.
They are not penalized if they cooperate with conservation programs.
What enforcement mechanism allows DENR to seize logs, trucks, chainsaws, and equipment even without a criminal case?
Administrative confiscation.
DENR can confiscate items independently of prosecution.
What is the legal nature of timber licenses, leases, and permits under forest law?
They are mere privileges, not property rights.
They may be revoked or modified by the State anytime in the interest of public welfare.
What rule prevents individuals from converting forest lands into private ownership through tax declarations?
Tax declarations cannot confer ownership over forest lands.
Forest lands are inalienable unless officially reclassified as A&D by the State.
What enforcement power lets forest officers apprehend violators on the spot when illegal activities occur in their presence?
Warrantless arrest by forest officers.
They may arrest and seize forest products immediately to stop ongoing violations.