CEBU – Governor Hilario Davide III said he is unfazed by threats of lawsuit after environmentalists vowed to file charges against him for supporting the cutting of century-old trees in Naga City.
“If they think they have basis to sue me and the others, let them do it, ila manang katungod (that is their right),” he said.
Davide said he supported the cutting of the old trees because of safety concerns. He said the trees with its rotten branches and twigs posed serious dangers to the safety of the commuters and residents.
He said he will ask Environment Secretary Ramon Paje to reconsider his order in revoking the special permit for cutting of trees nationwide, including the seven trees in Naga City.
Paje’s recent decision was sent to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 7 under Director Isabelo Montejo. Because of that order, the Department of Public Works and Highways halted the cutting of trees.
Davide said the DENR Region 7 has already made an assessment and found these trees decaying.
In a meeting by environmentalists and concerned government agencies, the groups agreed for a third party assessment on the condition of the ageing trees.
Davide said if the third party assessment finds that the trees are needed to be cut, he will apply a special permit with Paje for the cutting of those trees.
“Katong trees that are worth saving, pwede i-save nila. Katong trees nga di na jud mada, which are in danger of falling, these should be cut,” he said.
The provincial government earlier said it would provide 100 seedlings to replace each of the seven trees that are permitted to be cut by the DENR, and also a boom truck which will be used for this purpose. But members of the Movement for Livable Cebu, the Philippine Earth Justice Center and Fr. Robert Reyes have opposed this.
Reyes said his group is planning to file a temporary environmental protection order against the DENR and DPWH.
He was also quoted that they may also file charges against the City Government of Naga and Davide for supporting the plans by these government agencies to cut down the trees.(Xerxes Alkuino)
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