SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Monday defended the removal of trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila for its Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project, saying the clearing was carried out under permits approved by the government.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has temporarily halted the tree-cutting following public backlash, although it also defended its decision to issue the permits.
The SALEX project, a major expressway development aimed at improving connectivity in Metro Manila, includes a section along Quirino Avenue linking San Marcelino Street and Roxas Boulevard.
San Miguel said the DENR authorized the removal of hundreds of trees along the project alignment, subject to replanting and other mitigation measures.
The conglomerate said it would implement a replacement program and pledged to plant 82 trees for every tree affected by the project.
The DENR said the project underwent an environmental review and that tree removal was permitted only after mitigation measures were taken into account.
Critics, however, argued that replacement planting would not immediately restore the ecological benefits provided by mature trees, particularly in densely urbanized areas with limited green spaces.
The SALEX project is one of several San Miguel infrastructure initiatives that have faced public scrutiny.
A controversial proposal to build a bridge linking Boracay Island to mainland Aklan was reported last week to have been shelved, although the company said it had yet to make a final decision on the project.
Environmental and heritage groups have also raised concerns over plans to construct an elevated toll road running along the length of the Pasig River.
San Miguel shares fell P3.80, or 5.35 percent, on Monday to close at P67.20 apiece.
