Government Says Road Project Has Proper Permit
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) defended the ongoing removal of hundreds of trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila, saying the activity is legally approved and part of a major infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity.
According to the agency, the tree-cutting operations are connected to the construction of the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx), a project designed to link the Skyway system to Roxas Boulevard.
The DENR said the operation is covered by a valid permit issued to the Southern Access Link Expressway Corp. Officials confirmed that more than 200 trees have already been processed out of the nearly 600 approved for removal.
The cutting of trees has triggered criticism online, with many residents expressing concern over the loss of shade and greenery amid Metro Manila’s worsening heat conditions and air quality issues.
The agency explained that existing forestry and environmental regulations allow the cutting or transfer of trees when necessary for public infrastructure and development projects, provided that proper permits and environmental safeguards are secured.
DENR emphasized that applications for tree-cutting permits undergo technical evaluation, coordination with local government units, and mitigation planning before approval is granted.
To compensate for the environmental impact, the project developer has been ordered to conduct large-scale replacement planting during the next planting season.
Under government regulations, around 50,700 seedlings are expected to be planted within Manila as part of the replacement program, with planting sites to be coordinated with local authorities.
Based on project information, the proposed SALEx will span over 40 kilometers and include elevated and shoreline sections connecting key areas in Metro Manila.
One of its components, the Quirino Extension, aims to connect Skyway Stage 3 to Roxas Boulevard through an elevated roadway system.
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