SC stops tree- cutting around Baguio mall

BAGUIO CITY -- The Supreme Court Tuesday stopped the cutting of trees on Luneta Hill here within the compound of SM mall, which was earlier allowed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to pave the way for the expansion of a shopping mall in the area.

The high court issued a temporary restraining order, prohibiting the cutting of 182 pine and alnus trees.

SC spokesman Theodore Te said the high court directed the DENR to explain why it allowed the trees to be cut.

The high court granted the petition filed by the Cordillera Global Network (CGN) and the residents questioning DENR’s approval of the cutting of trees.

In December, the mall reportedly obtained a ruling from the Court of Appeals allowing it to proceed with the tree cutting.

The CA dismissed the petition of the CGN, questioning a decision of a Baguio judge that allowed the mall to proceed with the tree cutting.