NEWSFLASH

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FVR DEFENDS LIFTING OF LUMBER EXPORT BAN

Malacanang, April 18, 1998 - President Ramos allayed fears that the lifting of the 110-year-old ban on export of logs will result in the denudation of the country's remaining forests.

"The government's policy of sustained development is not being violated here because the planting of replacement forests was done several years ago," the President said.

He explained that logging operations in the Philippines are now under controlled conditions and only a very small amount of lumber will be exported.

"I am saying this is a very small amount under very strictly controlled conditions primarily to provide livelihood opportunities for our people in the forested areas," he said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Victor Ramos said the export of lumber from March to December this year will help stabilize the peso and maximize earnings from local hardwood.

He also dismissed allegations by the opposition Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino that the lifting of the export ban is another scheme to raise campaign funds for the administration party LAKAS-NUCD.

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