It’s called the “Mandatory Tree Planting for Every Motor Vehicle Sales Act” and has been filed for debate in the House of Representatives by local congressman, Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.
If it goes on to become the law, all “dealers and retailers” involved in the sale of motor vehicles shall be required to plant 10 trees for every sales transaction, within six months of the vehicle sale. The initiative seeks to boost reforestation, to mitigate the effects of typhoons in flood-prone areas of the country.
The term “motor vehicle” was defined as any self-propelled four-wheeled road vehicle designed to carry passengers such as sedans, SUVs, pick-ups while the term “dealers and retailer” includes those who sell new motor vehicles directly to the public or retail buyers.
They can’t just pick a spot, plant 10 trees, and call it a day though. The locations and even types of trees will be determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Failure to act will warrant a maximum fine of up to 30,000 pesos (approx RM2,500).
The Philippines is one of the most hard hit countries by typhoons in this region. According to the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre, the countries endures an average of 20 typhoons per year with June till September being the most chaotic months.
In 2012, Time Magazine reported that the Philippines was the most exposed country in the world to tropical storms.
