DENR: Lim can't clear Harper for illegal tree-cutting

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) disputed yesterday a statement by Manila Mayor Alfredro Lim clearing Intramuros Administration chief Anna Maria Harper for cutting down 29 trees at the Plaza Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral.

“Nobody else but the court can decide whether or not… Harper will be exonerated, face a two-year jail term or pay a fine of P5,000 or both under Section 3 of Presidential Decree 953,” DENR National Capital Region executive director Corazon Davis said.

She issued the statement following reports that Lim has cleared Harper of any liability for the cutting of decades-old trees in Intramuros.

“We appreciate mayor Lim’s interest in the ‘Intramuros tree massacre’ but judgment on a case that violates our environmental laws is beyond the domain of City Hall,” Davis said.

Lim reportedly dispatched a team of investigators to the site and found that Harper cannot be blamed for the incident, saying that charges should only be filed against the contractor and the workers who cut down the trees.

Some of the fallen trees are narra and mahogany, which are considered endangered species.

Davis said the trees were only supposed to be moved, and “Harper’s people cut down 29 and not just 27 trees covered by the (DENR) permit. They also failed to coordinate with the local barangay office as required in the permit.”

“Lim’s opinion follows initial efforts by Harper to escape responsibility by laying the blame on a subordinate” who gave the order to cut down the trees.

Though she denied being involved, Harper apologized for the incident.

“We will proceed (with) filing the case in the green court despite Mayor Lim’s opinion and Ms. Harper’s apology,” Davis said. – Perseus Echeminada