PHFive college students in Manila have petitioned the Supreme Court to issue a temporary environmental protection order (Tepo) to halt the mass cutting of trees along Quirino Avenue for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx) project. They argue that the removal of over 300 mature urban trees is irreversible and cannot be compensated by future replanting efforts. The students previously filed a petition with the Manila Regional Trial Court, which was dismissed due to a technicality related to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which limits the issuance of Tepos to higher courts. The students' legal team challenges this provision, arguing it grants excessive judicial protection to the SALEx project at the expense of environmental preservation. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna temporarily suspended tree-cutting activities, though over 200 trees had already been removed. The students emphasize the constitutional right to a healthy environment and vow to continue fighting for future generations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the students' concerns regarding environmental impact and the government's defense of the tree-cutting project. It includes direct quotes from both sides and does not exhibit overtly biased language or selective sourcing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal,宪
