LMP prexy wants old trees cut

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines has finally made up his mind to support the cutting of century-old acacia trees along the south highway.

Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, who earlier refused to take a stand, now sees the need to cut these trees in the cities of Carcar and Naga and the town of San Fernando which were identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as defective since they have been posing danger to human.

The cutting of trees has already been halted after DENR recalled the cutting permits following a series of protests conducted by the environmental groups.

 “Unya kanang mga kahoya gabok na ra ba na. Kung naay madisgrasya, naay madat-ugan, makapugong sila kung naay kinabuhi makalas? Kinsa may basulon? Ang mga mayor,” Diamante told The FREEMAN, in a phone interview.

Diamante added that the cutting of these trees along the roads would also pave the way for development projects such as road widening. He said widening would address traffic congestions.

He said majority of the mayors are in favor of cutting the trees for public safety and progress.

 “Bisan kinsa pa nga mayor pangutan-on. Kung development na gani sa lungsod, di pwede ibalhin ang kalsada para lang anang kahoy,” he said, adding that local government units can even plant thousands of trees to replace those which have been cut but not along the roads.

Diamante further appealed to the environmentalists to also consider the general welfare of the public and the opinion of the majority which the local government units are mandated.

 “Ang atong gitan-aw diha welfare sa kadaghanan, dili welfare sa usa ka tawo. Wa mi nagpasagad. Ang kanang mga environmentalists, ilang gitan-aw ang ilang kawsa ra, wa sila magtan-aw sa opinion sa majority,” Diamante said. (FREEMAN)