What do you think of the proposed total log ban in areas in the country that have suffered from massive flooding?

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: What total log ban are we talking about here? It’s too late. There are no more trees to cut in most of our forests.

Ryan Pahimulin, Rizal: It should have been done a long time ago. Do we need disasters to remind us of this great need?

Laws not implemented

Bien Balajadia, Marikina City: From what I know, there has been a total log ban in the country since 1992. It’s just not being implemented. What they should make is a law on “replanting” in our once-thick but now balding mountain forests. There are machineries available that can plant trees automatically.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: Many people have died from massive flooding because the solution to this problem is not being implemented. How many more people will die before we come to our senses?

Ric Vergara, Calamba: A total log ban is the only solution to the problem but I doubt if authorities could effectively implement the ban

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Flashfloods that trigger massive and destructive landslides are common in deforested areas. A total log ban in these places should be implemented.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Grade 1 pa lang ako may log ban na. Ngayon gagaradweyt na ang apo ko sa high school, may total log ban pa pala. Yung pinakamalaking sawmill dito sa Cabanatuan eh isang malaking mall na kasi kakaunti na lang ang troso sa Gabaldon.

Edwin Chinel Monares, Rizal: A total log ban is welcome, but we must remember that we already have many so many laws and policies and yet these are not implemented. I think a total log ban will just be another lip service that will only create false hopes and the public will just be frustrated if it will not be carried out. Let’s try having Bayani Fernando at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Elmo Cruz, Manila: Whether it’s a total or partial log ban, it has never been implemented at all, that is why floods and landslides are always in our midst. Authorities must enforce this log ban religiously before a great flood similar to Noah’s time happens again. The ban would be useless if government officials are blinded by the glitter of gold offered by logging operators.

Pedro Alagano Sr, Vigan City: We have enough laws against illegal logging as well as total log bans in affected areas but these are poorly implemented. Tree-planting projects and the strong implementation of existing laws along with prayers to moderate the greed of illegal loggers and their political patrons will make the difference.

Kolby Locano, Metro Manila: In our fight against illegal logging, those who are supposed to implement the laws are actually the ones breaking them. Tingnan ninyo sa Quezon province. Kapag umagos ang tubig-ulan galing sa bundok, may kasamang mga trosong naiaanod. Siguro ang mga opisyal dyan ay mga bulag o nabulag sa kabibilang ng limpak-limpak na lagay. Ang tawag sa kanila: Bantay salakay.

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: Let’s forget the proposal. I believe what we need is a strict implementation of the total log ban. Let’s not wait for more lives to be sacrificed before we face the sad truth. Climate change is real and the necessary precautions must be done now.

Just do it!

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: Implement the log ban soon, otherwise, we’ll all be sorry. 

Adam Belen, Metro Manila: Act now, why do we always have to write it on paper before we act? Use your senses. Ano ba naman yan? 

Rodrigo Calangan, Metro Manila: Make the move and no further statements. Act now, even though it’s too late. 

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: Just do it.

Carmela Ramento, Cagayan de Oro City: We can save hundreds of lives out there by having a total log ban in place. Sadly, we do not have the luxury of time. It’s time to act now.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: How many people must die or be hungry and homeless because of flashfloods and landslides before our lawmakers walk their talk?

Jun Cajucom, Metro Manila: Incidents in Ormoc and Ginsaugon have taught us valuable lessons. Illegal logging should really be stopped.

Richard Decena, Quezon City:  Huwag na po tayong mag-aksaya ng panahon at laway. Tuparin na lang po ang log ban.

Has to be a total log ban

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: It has to be a total log ban or nothing. We are now fighting against the wrath of nature and immediate attention is badly needed.

Raymar Gurrea, Bacolod City: It will only be a waste of time if the log ban is applied only to affected areas. A total log ban is a must at this point in time.

Larry Parroco, Quezon City: It has to be a total log ban, hindi lang sa affected areas. We all stand to suffer the same fate if this proposed log ban is taken lightly.

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: I think it is not only in areas always visited by floods where the government should implement a log ban but rather, throughout the country. The climate change problem is experienced worldwide and if we don’t address it now, the worst of things may soon come.

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: I thought that the log ban that is supposedly in place is a total log ban. Hindi pala at ngayon lang ito pinag-iisipan. If the proposal will be pushed, I suggest that it not only cover areas prone to massive flooding but the whole archipelago as well in order to help fight climate change.

Felix Ramento, USA: Let’s have total log ban all over the country. Let’s save our forests from greedy loggers, even before they are decimated.

Reynaldo Joaquin, Las Piñas City: A total log ban must be imposed unconditionally. Period.

Rene Poder, Manila: If it’s not a total ban, some slithering forest predators will expand the exemptions and get richer.

Good idea

Flora Nielsen, Svendborg: I think that’s a very good idea.

Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: It sounds like a propaganda campaign but let’s hope that this time, the government is sincere in imposing a total log ban.

Manny Cordeta, Marikina City: The proposition would seem too drastic but if need be, why not? Time may be running out.

Too late

Cecille Damasco, Manila: It’s too late. There are no more trees to cut in the first place.

Alvin Legarse, Bulacan: Log ban? Bakit, may mga puno pa ba sa mga gubat natin? Noon pa sana naisip yan.

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: Nature will take back anything we’ve take away from her. This proposal should’ve been done a long time ago.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Yes, it’s long overdue. The lack of enforcement of the total log ban not only affects our economy but also causes loss of lives and property.

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: It’s too late. Massive floodings have caused so many deaths already and the number of casualties will rise further unless a total log ban is strictly imposed.

Denny Muñoz, Metro Manila: It’s long overdue! All past presidents are to blame for being insensitive to the needs of Mother Nature. Politics played a vicious role in the proliferation of illegal logging cases. Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn must be accorded a medal of honor for requiring his constituents to have a yearly tree-planting project. All other mayors nationwide must follow suit and soon we shall, once again, breathe fresh air.

Jun Montebon, Parañaque City: Is it not yet too late? Other than loggers, there are the charcoal suppliers who denude our forests. Their appetite for trees regardless of size knows no bounds.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: This is long overdue. Complement a total log ban with the planting of more timber trees. More trees are needed even in areas that are not flood-prone to at least moderate the changing climate. Also, workers in logging companies should be given alternate jobs or means of livelihood so that they will not be forced to cut trees illegally.

Better late than never

Liezl Macasu, Manila: Bakit ngayon lang, dapat noon pa. Pero sabagay, hindi pa naman huli ang lahat, go go sa total log ban!

Edwin Castillo, Batangas:  Better late than never. Mother Nature is showing her wrath through climate change for cutting trees without replacing them.

Common sense

Teresita Apognol, Metro Manila: It’s common sense.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Kailangan pa ba itanong iyan? Joey Salceda, the “super-economist” governor of Albay, should have implemented that long beforehand to spare his province from floods. Why did he not do that? P-Noy, in reaction to the floodings in Albay, said he will prosecute illegal loggers. It means there are many illegal loggers in Albay.

Nothing will happen

Edgardo Adocal, United Arab Emirates: Nothing will happen. It will only be “ningas cogon”. No president from previous administrations ever succeeded in putting an end to illegal logging in the past. I don’t think P-Noy can do it. Para siyang bumangga sa pader.

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: Panahon pa ni Heherson Alvarez sa DENR, pinanukala na ito. Mahigit na atang sampung kalihim ang sumunod sa kanya, ilang presidente at Kongreso na rin, but to no avail. Paano kasi ang nasasagasaan nila ay mga sponsor din nila yata sa pulitika, di ba?

Nestor Chan, USA: Well, I think it’s not totally achievable.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Whether we have a total or partial log ban, for as long as there are rebels, whether NPAs or Muslim guerillas, the ban will not be successful. Like a termite colony, we will not be able to eliminate the pests for as long as the queen is alive. We have to dig her out.

Ed Gulmatico, Abu Dhabi: This is hypocrisy at best. How many times in the past has this total log ban been proposed both by Congress, DENR and elected local officials especially in areas where massive floodings, mudslides and landslides occurred? Massive flooding will be part of our lives as long as these dishonorable officials’ thirst for flooding their pockets with evil money taken from illegal logging is not quenched.

Eufrocino Linsanga, Isabela: I may be one of those doubting Thomases on the proposed total log ban. I hope I am wrong but come summer, all the issues will again be dead.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: It’s always like this - after a devastating flood and a killer landslide, a respite or a total log ban is proposed. Then what? Wala lang.

Political will is needed

Louie Vallo, Pangasinan: Let us see if the P-Noy administration has the political will to pursue and enforce it. Matagal nang may ganyang mga proposal from previous administrations pero di maisa-katuparan dahil maraming kaalyado ang masasagasaan. I hope this is not another lip service from the current administration.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Former DENR Sec. Alvarez’s anti-logging program never succeeded because of our greedy and corrupt public officials. Ngayon pa kaya sa panahon ni Aquino?

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Are there still trees standing in our denuded forests? The only virgin forest is in Subic, which could not be touched by loggers because the place was under the Americans. Why limit the log ban to areas affected by flooding? Most cities in the Philippines are flooded during heavy rains. A log ban must be nationwide. But it will be difficult to implement because there is too much money in logging. A one-month logging permit cost millions decades ago, what more today? National and local officials make millions annually from illegal logging. The ones who implement the laws are the same people who protect the criminal loggers.

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: Let the proposal be implemented with strong political will. And while this is being done, let’s also plant more trees.

Plant trees

Antonio Villanueva, Laguna: We must plant trees in our balding mountains like Mt. Pulag, which has been ravaged by loggers, kaingeros and forest fires.

Education is the key

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: Massive flooding is a social problem created by man because of his earthly cravings. Therefore, there is a need for every citizen to educate himself about the laws of nature. No one can go against the laws of nature, unless he himself wants to be a victim.

Lucas Banzon Madamba, Laguna: What matters is that people should know how to deal with situations involving massive floodings.

Lessons should be learned

Loi Castillo, Davao City: We should learn from natural calamities and politicians should heed the advice of planners not to allow their constituents to build communities along river systems and flood-prone areas. It always goes back to the one who approves these projects.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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