SC stops cutting of trees in Baguio

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court on Tuesday stopped the cutting and balling of trees at the Luneta Hill in Baguio City.

“The Court issued a temporary restraining order against respondents from further cutting of trees and earth balling on Luneta Hill, effective immediately and until further orders from the court,” high court’s Information Chief Theodore Te said at a press conference.

The high court also ordered respondents led by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje to comment on the petition filed by the Cordillera Global Network (CGN).

CGN went to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed its petition. The CA said the group failed to prove that cutting of trees would bring “irreparable” harm to the local environment and the city’s heritage.

Following the appeals court ruling, mall giant SM has decided to cut 60 of the 182 trees at a section of the mall compound on Luneta Hill, provoking protests from various groups in Baguio City.  AC