It has sparked outrage among environmentalists and the general public.
In an interview on Wednesday, May 27, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said that the three-cutting activities in relation to the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project in Manila have been voluntarily suspended by the San Miguel Corporation.
According to him, they have agreed to halt cutting operations temporarily, while the DENR and other experts re-evaluate plans for the remaining trees under the project’s approved plan.
In recent days, trees were cut down along the Quirino Avenue in the City of Manila in connection with the project, which caused an uproar from residents and netizens online who have emphasized the need for more trees, with the worsening urban heat and rains during wet season.
“Gusto ko lang linawin, wala gustong pumutol ng puno, kasama na rin kami doon. Can you imagine how contradictory it is. So it pains us to also be the ones tasked (to cut these trees). So masakit at mabigat na tungkulin ng DENR na mag-issue ng tree-cutting permits,” said Cuna.
The Environment chief also defended the issuance of tree-cutting permits and noted that it was released following an environmental review.
Cuna noted that the DENR checks the mitigation hierarchy, with avoidance on topx followed by minimization.
In avoidance, the agency checks whether the project can take place without the need to cut trees. When not possible, minimization will see the affected trees assed for possible transplantation.
And as part of mitigation measures for the SALEX, Cuna said all 50,700 seedlings will be planted in various spots around the city, such as Intramuros, Mehan Garden, the former Post Office, and center islands throughout the city.
Previously, the DENR issued a statement on Monday (May 25) said that there are “strict safeguards” on the Quirino Avenue project, which will “ensure transparency, accountability, and long‑term ecological recovery.“