Section 1Sec./Art. 1

Section 4 of Republic Act. No. 8048, also known as the "Coconut Preservation Act of 1995″, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"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 in the case of tall varieties, and at least forty (40) years old for dwarf varieties;

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

"(c) When the tree is severely disease-infested and beyond rehabilitation;

"(d) When the tree is severely 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 or where the coconut farm is not adaptable to sound management practices on account of geographical location, topography, drainage and other conditions rendering the farm economically unproductive; and

"(g) When the tree would cause hazard to life and property.

"No other causes other than those abovementioned shall be considered as a valid ground for cutting."