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Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Arroyo wants log ban in effect immediately
MALACAÑANG appears undecided whether to support or contest the proposed total log ban in Congress stressing that the important thing is that all logging operations in the country are suspended at present.
"This would have to be vetted in Congress. There will have to be discussions. But the important action to take at this time is to suspend all activities," said Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye.
Asked if President Arroyo would certify the bill as urgent, Bunye said members of Congress know their job and would do them well.
Bunye added that it would be up to Congress to determine the type of punishment that should be imposed on those involve din illegal logging.
Arroyo last week ordered a crackdown against illegal loggers, their financiers and protectors regardless of connections or position in government. She also said illegal logging should be treated as a heinous crime.
The President also ordered the suspension of all logging operations, including the movement and transport of already available logs nationwide, particularly in the areas "very adversely affected by the recent typhoons" like Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Quezon.
Bunye said additional forest rangers would be hired, if needed, to ensure strict compliance of the ban.
"The President's order is firm and we are expecting strict compliance, especially among logging companies in areas where there has been an obvious aggravation of public safety, and where lives and property continue to be under severe threat," Bunye said.
"All allegations of logging violations will be properly investigated and we assure the public that the government will be relentless and unforgiving in pinning down those found liable for violations of law," he added.
Bunye said the administration is leaving it to Environment Secretary Michael Defensor to take the appropriate steps including the investigation of environment officials and past secretaries who reportedly ignored complaints and warnings about the effects of illegal logging operations.
Reports said the Environment Regional Office in Southern Tagalog, barangay officials from Real in Quezon and religious leaders from Infanta led by Bishop Julio Labayon had approached then Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun warning her of illegal logging activities and its possible effects. No action however was reportedly taken.
Bunye said the reforestation program would be strictly undertaken to prevent a repeat of the flashfloods and landslides. The reforestation program would be supervised by (ret.) Brig. Gen. Victor Corpus. The official development assistance from the government of New Zealand would be converted and used as reforestation funds. (JMR)
(December 7, 2004 issue)
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