The Manila Times
ENVIRONMENTAL group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (PNE) has alleged that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is not true to its mandate of protecting the environment by serving the interests of big corporations. PNE’s statement came after the DENR approved the cutting of over 200 trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila for the construction of San Miguel Corporation’s Southern Access Link Expressway (Salex) project. Kalikasan PNE’s national coordinator, Cathleen de Guzman, told The Manila Times that the people “can already see whose interests” the DENR is serving. “Stop being a mere rubber stamp for greedy corporations that prioritize profit over people and the environment, while depriving communities of their right to a safe and healthy environment,” de Guzman said. De Guzman also urged the DENR to side with communities instead of large businesses linked to environmentally destructive projects. “Instead of siding with big corporations, they should uphold their mandate to protect the environment and the welfare of communities,” she added. She further accused the agency of functioning as a “corporate public relations machine” that helps improve the image of companies and projects allegedly responsible for environmental destruction and the displacement of communities. “Now that the public can more clearly see the failures of the DENR as an agency, we hope this becomes a push for them to finally carry out their mandate properly,” de Guzman added. On Wednesday, the agency said it will temporarily halt the operation that plans to take down about 400 trees for the project.
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