Press Release
November 6, 2007

SEN. PIA ON 'TOTAL' LOG BAN PROPOSALS
Excerpts from interview with Sen. Pia S. Cayetano

Q: Please briefly describe what transpired in the hearing...will your committee push for a total log ban?

SPSC: The hearing covered all bills on sustainable forest management, total log ban, urban greening and protection of forest reserves. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is actually being done, but all the resource people agree that the problem really lies in the implementation. The only way it could work is through multi-sectoral support and participation. But the problem is going down to the grassroots, that each citizen will realize the need to protect our forest reserves. Until and unless that happens, the national government has no capability to oversee the whole thing.

What we would like to accomplish is to pass an SFM bill but that may take time for it would be quite comprehensive. But as a stop-gap measure, one option is to pass an immediate "total" log ban bill. If we look at the total log ban bill, it's so simple. It actually bans logging only in virgin forests for 25-30 years, although I believe this should be banned forever. We're talking about virgin forests, watersheds and protected areas na hindi na talaga dapat ginagalaw.

Q: So hindi talaga total log ban dahil may exemptions?

SPSC: Yes, strictly speaking, it's not a "total" log ban. It actually distinguishes between protected forests and production forests, which is the position taken by the Philippine Foresters Association that we should delineate (these two types of forests) once and for all.

Q: How will this affect the state of our forest reserves...

SPSC: Once you make it clear that logging will be non-negotiable in virgin forests, watershed areas and forest reserves, then our forest reserves shouldn't go any lower. If you make it clear, then our existing forest cover, virgin forests and watersheds won't be touched. Currently it's 7.2 hectares, hindi na dapat mabawasan iyon. Hindi na 'yon bubaba at dapat madadagdagan pa.

Q: What would happen to TLA (Timber Licensing Agreement) holders?

SPSC: All TLA holders have been converted to IFMAs (Integrated Forest Management Areas). They can only cut down what they have planted. But the NGOs tell us na 'yun nga ang batas, pero hindi 'yun ang nangyayari. One of the panelists was requesting a full-blown hearing. I can hold hearings but I fear that the interest will not be sustained. What we can do is to do our little part, pass the law and educate and increase awareness at the local level.

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