Bishop hits cutting of 218,854 trees for Palawan mining projects

MANILA, Philippines — Puerto Princesa Bishop Socrates Mesiona raised questions on the government permits that allow the cutting of 218,854 trees for mining projects in Palawan.

In a pastoral letter, Mesiona said there are special tree cutting and earth-balling permits issued for mining-related activities in several parts of the province.

According to CBCPNews, Mesiona cited public records and consolidated data indicating that the cutting or earth-balling of trees are allowed in Aborlan, Brooke’s Point and Bataraza towns as well as in other locations linked to Mt. Bulanjao.

“It is troubling that agencies tasked with protecting the environment are perceived as strict with ordinary citizens, yet seem lenient and accommodating toward large mining companies and powerful people,” Mesiona said in Filipino.

Such perceptions, he added, have led some people to believe there are “two kinds of laws” in the country – one for the wealthy and powerful, and another for the poor.

Mesiona called on government agencies to review existing permits, fully disclose related documents, determine whether approvals comply with Palawan’s mining moratorium ordinance and pursue stronger legal protections for forests.

While acknowledging that the final number of trees affected could change after further reviews, Mesiona said the larger issue is whether natural resources are being managed responsibly and with respect for future generations.

“It takes many years for a tree to grow. That is why it is painful to think that thousands of trees that have grown on our beautiful island over decades, and even centuries, could be cut down in such a short time,” Mesiona said.

He added that forests do more than beautify the landscape as they help regulate water systems, absorb carbon dioxide, protect wildlife habitats and support human communities.

The bishop noted that environmental degradation often harms the poor and marginalized populations, thus making ecological protection both a social and moral responsibility.

Palawan, often described as the country’s last ecological frontier, is home to some of the Philippines’ richest forests, watersheds and biodiversity hotspots.