SMC defends Quirino Ave. tree cutting amid mounting public opposition

Company says 30 trees were relocated but does not say where exactly.

San Miguel Corporation has defended its tree management activities along Quirino Avenue in Manila, saying the works are covered by permits issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and include a large-scale replanting program involving about 50,700 replacement seedlings.

The statement comes days after the DENR ordered a temporary suspension of tree-cutting activities linked to the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX), pending further review and the exploration of additional tree-saving measures such as expanded earth-balling and relocation.

The project has drawn strong opposition from environmental advocates, heritage groups, urban planners, and residents, who argue that decades-old trees play a critical role in reducing urban heat, improving air quality, and providing shade in one of the country’s most densely populated cities.

SMC SALEX said the affected trees are part of pre-construction works for the Manila segment of the planned elevated expressway, which will pass through Quirino Avenue, San Marcelino Street, and Roxas Boulevard.

The company said 94 trees were identified for earth-balling and relocation, with more than 30 already transferred to other locations in the city, though it did not specify where the trees were replanted. It added that not all trees can be relocated due to engineering constraints, underground utilities, limited road space, and the condition of individual trees.

SMC also said it is conducting a full review of affected trees and is required under DENR permit conditions to plant 50,700 replacement seedlings composed of indigenous forest species and fruit-bearing trees, to be maintained for at least three years.

SALEX is a 40.65-kilometer elevated expressway network designed to improve traffic flow between Manila, Bulacan, the port area, the Skyway System, and the South Luzon Expressway.

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