Cutting trees and Government agencies

EDITORIAL

Despite the total log law, it is a paradox why some government agencies like the departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Public Works and Highways allow cutting of trees which environmentalists call unjustifiable reasons.

 

In Baguio City, environment groups have been protesting the cutting of a large number of trees at the SM compound atop Session Road. SM was granted permit to cut by the DENR. Most of the trees would have been cut earlier if environmentalists didn’t sue which made a local court issue a temporary restraining order.

But last week, the regional trial court ruled in favor of SM saying the position of the environmentalists was flawed since they were not able to prove their allegations that cutting the trees would destroy the environment. Now the petitioners are planning to go to the Supreme Court.

In Central Luzon, environmental groups are protesting the plan of the DPWH to cut or “massacre” 486 acasia trees on the stretch of MacArthur Highway and have elevated their appeal to the Angeles City Green Court.

The trees have been a source of respite and relaxation for motorists who have travelled the highway due to their protective shade and greenery covering a long stretch of the road.

Several groups composing the SaveThe Trees Coalition (STC) in the province have filed a petition for injunction with temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) to save more than 500 full-grown trees, which they claim are set to be cut because of a road-widening project.

The local governments of Angeles and Mabalacatcities have also expressed concerns over the plan of the government office to fell more trees, which they have already marked with “X”.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales have announced their disapproval of the plan of DPWH. The groups’ petition said the plan contradicts the government’s mandate to protect the people.

Cecil Yumul, chairperson of the STC, said DPWH’s order violates Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states “the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

The groups have warned that that the absence of full-grown trees along the national highway will cause massive flooding and vehicular accidents.

The groups painted the trees that are set to be cut with human figures.

“These trees are more than 50 years old and had been there since the early days of the American colonial period,” Yumul said.

According to DPWH, “The felling of trees is part of the road-widening program of government to house a large number of tourists and investors arriving at Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City.”

DPWH added that the trees should be cut because they pose danger to motorists and deaths in accidents in some cases.

On November 2010, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson issued an order to prevent DPWH personnel to stop cutting of trees in Pampanga.

Don Reich De Dios, member of STC said, “The trees are close to century old already, and this is considered a tourist spot already? So, why chop it when we benefit from it?”

President Aquino’s action on the matter is needed to stop the cutting of trees along the road. He can just tell the big boss of the DPWH to scrap the project. The reason of the DPWH that the road has to be widened is flimsy as the road is wide enough. Spending millions of taxpayers’ money on this destructive project is contrary to daang matuwid.