SC issues permanent halt order vs cutting of Baguio trees for mall expansion

BAGUIO, Philippines — The Supreme Court Wednesday made permanent the halt order against the cutting and earth-balling of trees on Luneta Hill in Baguio City, the area for the expansion of a shopping mall.

In 2015, the SC issued a temporary restraining order that prohibited SM Baguio from cutting of 182 pine and alnus trees. This was after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources allowed the cutting of trees.

READ: SC stops cutting of trees around Baguio mall

The high court made permanent the temporary restraining order in its latest ruling, said SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka.

He explained that this decision does not preclude the filing for another Environmental Compliance Certificate.

“This is without prejudice to the filing of another application for an environmental compliance certificate with existing laws and regulations,” Hosaka told reporters.

The case stemmed from a decision filed by Cordillera Global Network and Baguio residents questioning the DENR’s earlier approval.

The STAR reported that in December, the mall purportedly obtained a Court of Appeals ruling that allowed it to proceed with the cutting of trees.