Lot ownership is not equivalent to logging authority

Dear PAO,

I am an owner of a lot where trees are planted. Interestingly, I was informed that I cannot simply cut the trees that I planted within my property without prior government authority. To my mind, it seems like such a prior requirement amounts to an unlawful taking or restriction to my property rights without just compensation. Am I right to consider it so?

Pablito

Dear Pablito,

The answer to your query is no. For your guidance, worth mentioning are the words of the Supreme Court in the recent case of Sama vs. People (G.R. 224469, Jan. 5, 2021), ponencia of Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, viz: