Requiring The Planting Of One Tree Every Month For Five Consecutive Years By Every Citizen Of The Philippines

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1153

Policy and Duty of Citizens (Section 1)
- It is the policy of the State to call upon every citizen of the Philippines to help conserve and develop the country's resources as a duty and obligation.

Tree Planting Requirement (Section 2)
- Every citizen of the Philippines aged 10 years or older, unless physically disabled, shall plant one tree every month for five consecutive years.

Planting Locations (Section 3)
- Trees can be planted in:
    a. Lands or lots owned by the citizen's family (Section 3a)
    b. Lands or lots leased by the citizen's family with the owner's consent (Section 3b)
    c. Public grounds or places such as plazas, schools, markets, roadsides, and parks (Section 3c)
    d. Public domain lands designated by the Presidential Council for Forest Ecosystem Management, such as forest lands, grazing or pasture lands, mineral lands, resettlement lands, civil and military reservations (Section 3d)

Tree Types and Maintenance (Section 4)
- The trees planted should be fruit-bearing, shade, ornamental, or forest trees.
- The planted trees must be taken care of for at least two years and replaced if they die, are diseased, or are defective.

Implementation Rules and Regulations (Section 5)
- The Presidential Council for Forest Ecosystem Management, in consultation with appropriate government agencies, shall issue rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Decree and Letter of Instruction No. 423, whenever applicable.

Penalties (Section 6)
- Any person who violates any provision of this Decree or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be punished with:
    a. A fine of not more than one thousand pesos, or
    b. In appropriate cases, disqualification from acquiring or enjoying privileges granted exclusively to citizens of the Philippines, such as the acquisition of public lands, enjoyment of a franchise to own or operate a public utility, or the grant of lease, license, or privilege involving natural resources.
    c. For a period of five years, disqualification from holding public office, graduating from any educational institution at all levels, taking any bar, board, or civil service examination, and practicing any profession licensed and regulated by the Supreme Court or the Professional Regulation Commission.

Effectivity (Section 7)
- This Decree shall take effect upon its promulgation.