CCENRO lobbies more rules for earth-balling, cutting of trees

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) has backed the passage of a proposed ordinance regulating the earth balling, cutting, or removal of trees within the city whether for residential, commercial, or public purpose.

“CCENRO interposes no objection to the proposed ordinance,” read its position paper submitted to the City Council.

The ordinance entitled “Earth Balling, Cutting, and Removal of Trees Ordinance of Cebu City” was penned by Councilor Joel Garganera.

But CCENRO has pushed for additional stipulations.

It proposed to add a provision stating that “location for earth-balled trees must be near the vicinity of the present location, and preferably in urban areas before relocating the same to the mountainous or rural areas of the city.”

Also, the inclusion of inspection fee under Section 15 of the proposed ordinance.

“Since CCENRO is tasked in inspecting the trees, and due to the limited funds of our office, we would recommend to include under Section 15, Inspection Fee in the proposed amount of P100,” CCENRO said.

But the amount is still subject to the results of the consultation with concerned agencies. The fees collected shall be deposited to the Environmental Trust Fund.

CCENRO also recommended for an inclusion of another section that contains Prohibited Acts, to wit:

“It shall be unlawful to cut trees of whatever species within the territorial jurisdiction of Cebu City without the authority or permit required in this City Ordinance.”

Under Section 18 of the proposed ordinance which covers the penalty clause, CCENRO suggested that a first, second, and third offense with corresponding fines and penalties be included.

Moreover, a compromise fee of less than P1,000 per tree was also recommended by the office.

Further, they suggested that in all offenses, the violator/s shall be given seven days from the date of issuance of the citation ticket to settle their liabilities before a case for the violation of the ordinance be filed in court.

CCENRO recommended as well for the inclusion in the proposed ordinance the establishment of a special body to be composed of representatives from relevant offices and agencies such as CCENRO, Office of the Building Official, Department of Engineering and Public Works, among others.

The office reserved the “right to present additional comments and positions on the proposed ordinance during the scheduled public hearings,” if any, for this purpose. — KQD (FREEMAN)