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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8048

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AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF THE CUTTING OF COCONUT TREES, ITS REPLENISHMENT, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(a) Coconut tree refers to a tall pinnate-leaved palm bearing a large edible fruit called the coconut. 

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(b) Replanting program refers to the program formulated by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to replenish the coconut trees which have been permitted to be cut by the PCA.

(c) Permit refers to the written authorization of the PCA allowing the cutting of coconut trees.

(d) Economically unproductive farm refers to a coconut area where the cost of farm production and maintenance is greater than the generated proceeds or income for a period of at least three (3) years.

(e) Senescent coconut trees are coconut trees which are already overage, weak and no longer productive. 

Sec. 4. Prohibition. —No coconut tree shall be cut except in the following cases and only after a permit had been issued therefor: 

(a) When the tree is sixty (60) years old;chan robles virtual law library

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(b) When the tree is no longer economically productive;

(c) When the tree is disease-infested;

(d) When the tree is damaged by typhoon or lightning;

(e) When the agricultural land devoted to coconut production shall have been converted in accordance with law into residential, commercial or industrial areas;

(f) When the land devoted to coconut production shall be converted into other agricultural uses or other agriculture-related activities in pursuance to a conversion duly applied for by the owner and approved by the proper authorities: Provided, That no conversion shall be allowed by the PCA until after it shall have been verified and certified that for a period of at least three (3) years the majority of the coconut trees have become senescent and economically unproductive...