Prohibition Against Unauthorized Destruction of Timber on Public Lands
Act No. 274, enacted on October 21, 1901, prohibits the unauthorized destruction of timber on public lands, specifically through practices like "caingins," which involve clearing land by felling or burning trees. Violators may face a fine of up to one hundred dollars, imprisonment for up to thirty days, or both, in addition to charges for any unlawfully cut or burned timber. Local authorities are mandated to arrest offenders, with a provision for leniency towards non-Christian tribes or those unaware of the law for first offenses. The law emphasizes the importance of protecting public lands and took effect immediately upon passage.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- Act No. 274
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Statutes
- Subcategory
- Acts
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
October 21, 1901
ACT NO. 274
AN ACT PROHIBITING THE UNAUTHORIZED DESTRUCTION OF TIMBER ON PUBLIC LANDS
SECTION 1. "Caingins" Prohibited. — The making of so-called "caingins," or clearings on public lands, by felling or burning trees, is hereby prohibited.
SECTION 2. Punishment, Charges on Timber. — Any person violating the foregoing provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, in money of the United States, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court, for each offense, and shall pay charges on timber unlawfully cut or burned in accordance with the rates fixed in General Order Number Ninety-two, Office of the United States Military Governor in the Philippine Islands, issued June twenty-seventh, nineteen hundred, or in lieu of such payment shall suffer one day's imprisonment for each dollar or unpaid charges.
SECTION 3. Arrest.— It shall be the duty of the civil governors of provinces, of the Philippines Constabulary, and of municipal presidents to arrest and turn over to the proper authorities for trial all persons within the territory under their respective jurisdiction who violate the provisions of this Act, and municipal presidents are hereby empowered to use the municipal police in making such arrests. cdta
SECTION 4. Non-Christians Tribes. — Where the person or persons found making "caingins" are members of a non-Christian tribe, or are ignorant of the law, they shall be dismissed with a warning, in the case of a first offense, but, upon conviction for a second offense, shall be punished as hereinbefore provided.
SECTION 5. The public good requiring the speedy enactment of this bill, the passage of the same is hereby expedited in accordance with section two of "An Act prescribing the order of procedure by the Commission in the enactment of laws," passed September twenty-sixth, Nineteen Hundred.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on its passage.
Enacted: October 21, 1901
Cite This Law
Prohibition Against Unauthorized Destruction of Timber on Public Lands, Act No. 274, Oct 21, 1901 (Philippines)
Prohibition Against Unauthorized Destruction of Timber on Public Lands, Act No. 274 (Phil. 1901)
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