CEBU, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 director Isabelo Montejo admitted that he has yet to discuss with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III the issue concerning the over 300 trees cut without a permit in Barangay Jampang, Argao allegedly to give way to a road opening project.
“We still have to look for a common free time for us to discuss the matter. But I talked informally with the governor last week during the presentation of the Yolanda rehabilitation plan with the presence of Secretary (Panfilo) Lacson,†said Montejo.
A case was filed by DENR-7 against Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos along with other officials for violation the moratorium on cutting of trees along state tree plantation, among others.
Galeos sought a temporary restraining order from the court after the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Argao issued a notice to stop the road opening project.
The provincial government has provided legal assistance to Galeos. DENR has opposed the petition for TRO stressing that the environment agency does not aim to strip the local government unit of its police power but rather reiterated its mandate to implement laws protecting the environment particularly prohibiting cutting of trees especially in government tree plantation.
“I do not see the fact that we are all from Argao as a matter that affects the situation. I am friends with both of them. This has not affected our friendship. But I have to do what I am mandated to do. I am bound to implement the laws that protect the environment,†Montejo explained.
Galeos used to work for the engineering department of DENR Central Visayas before becoming a local government official.
Montejo said the last time he spoke with Galeos was immediately after the tree cutting incident in April. — (FREEMAN)