House passes mandatory tree-planting bill on final reading

A bill requiring the planting of trees for any construction of residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings has come one step closer to becoming a law after the House of Representatives approved it on third and final reading on Tuesday.

Voting 217, without any negative vote nor abstention, the lower chamber approved House Bill No. 7373, or “An Act Requiring The Planting Of Trees For Any Construction Of Residential, Commercial, Industrial And Public Buildings.”

The proposed measure aims to “enhance environmental quality, mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve the environment for present and future generations.”

Once passed into a law, organizations or individuals would be required to submit a tree planting plan (TPP) in securing a building permit.

The bill also encourages the planting of indigenous species, taking into account the location, climate, and topography of the area.

The principal authors of the bill are Reps. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Gary Alejano, Nancy Catamco, Noel Villanueva, and Joseph Paduano. /atm