Constituting the National Enfrocement Task Force on Coconut Tree Conservation

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 213 January 30, 2000

CONSTITUTING THE NATIONAL ENFROCEMENT TASK FORCE ON COCONUT TREE CONSERVATION

WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) 8048, also known as the "Coconut Tree Preservation Act 1995," mandates the regulation of the cutting of coconut trees and the conduct of a sustainable and efficient replanting program;

WHEREAS, a coordinated effort must be undertaken to ensure that the cutting of coconut trees as well as the processing transport, sale, and disposal or utilization of coconut trees by coconut lumber traders, dealers, sawmill or chainsaw operators, processors, end-users and exports, are strictly pursuant to the provisions of RA 8048 and other relevant statutes as the guidelines of the Philippine Coconut Authority; and

WHEREAS, to ensure the preservation and development of the coconut industry, there is need to constitute a national task force to ensure effective and timely coordination among government agencies, local government units, and the private sector.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the...

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This Executive Order constitutes the National Enforcement Task Force (NETFORCE) on Coconut Tree Conservation to ensure the preservation and development of the coconut industry.

Composition of NETFORCE (Section 1):
- Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
- Co-chaired by the Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority
- Members include Secretaries of various departments (Agrarian Reform, Justice, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government), Chief of Philippine National Police, Commissioner of Bureau of Internal Revenue, Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard, and Administrator of National Mapping and Resource Information Authority
- Representatives of accredited coconut farmer organizations and NGOs as deputized support groups

Duties and Functions of NETFORCE (Section 2):
- Formulate plans to control illegal cutting of coconut trees in violation of Republic Act 8048 (Section 2a)
- Organize Regional Composite Teams to execute plans, with investigators/prosecutors from Department of Justice (Section 2b)
- Establish detachment stations and designate roving inspectors/patrols to:
    i. Monitor and report cutting, processing, transport of coconut lumber (Section 2c(i))
    ii. Inspect and inquire into proper establishment and operation of sawmills, lumberyards, dealers dealing with coconut lumber (Section 2c(ii))
    iii. Arrest violators, seize illegally cut trees/lumber, power saws, vehicles used for transport (Section 2c(iii))

Authority of Local Government Units (Section 3):
- Verify authenticity of cutting permits and volume of coconut trees/lumber
- Apprehend violators, seize illegally cut trees/lumber, implements, and vehicles used for transport

Administrative Penalties (Section 4):
- Suspension or dismissal of responsible PCA official, barangay chairman/official for allowing violations or giving special treatment
- Failure to replant affected area within 3 months is prima facie evidence of violation

Support Fund for Operations (Section 5):
- PCA to allocate funds from its operating budget
- Augmented by at least 10% of fees collected from issuance of cutting permits

Implementing Guidelines (Section 6):
- NETFORCE to adopt necessary implementing guidelines