DPWH to finish tree-cutting Dec. 17
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that they have until December 17 this year to finish the cutting of the more than 500 trees along the Manila North Road.
However, DPWH Regional Director Ronnel M. Tan, said they intend to finish the work before the deadline.
Tan said his office noted a plan of the Pangasinan provincial government to stop the cutting of trees by filing a petition seeking the court to issue a temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction.
Had there been a quorum in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last Dec, 2, it would have passed a resolution authorizing the office of Governor Amado Espino Jr. to file a petition before the court aimed at restraining DPWH from further cutting the trees.
Tan recognizes the right of the provincial government to file the petition and DPWH will be obliged to respond but until the an injunctions or restraining order is issued, the clearing and cutting of trees will continue.
Explaining the tree cutting along the MNR, he said DPWH is just implementing the approved work plan in widening the MNR to ensure the safety of motorists.
He said only trees within the 20-meter road right of way are being cut.
The tree-cutting started in 2013 consistent with the permit issued by the DENR and was halted only when the permit expired.
The ongoing tree cutting, Tan said, is being supervised by officials of the DENR and the trunk of trees that were cut are all hauled to the premises of the DENR. (Leonardo Micua)
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