By J. Jala |11:27 PM January 14, 2020
Bohol Provincial Board Member Mimi Boniel asked why the trees in front of Bohol Cultural Center were cut despite the absence of permit.
In her privilege speech on Tuesday, she was concerned on the cutting of the trees that triggered public outcry especially on social media.
“Why not wait cutting permits be issued by DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) prior to the act?” asked the second district lawmaker.
Furthermore, Boniel posted on her Facebook page that she was also surprised when the trees were cut.
“After my MPA class in UB, went to 2nd district for an invitation…saw a post in fb and was tagged, went right away to Tagbilaran City just to see the veracity of the post in which SP was put into verification whether or not the cutting of old trees was approve,” Boniel’s post read.
“FYI (For your information) SP (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) did not approve any!🤔🤔🤔”, she added.
The office of the Provincial Engineering and the Bohol Environmental Management Office are required to submit its reports to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regarding the alleged illegal cutting of trees.
READ: Old trees cut in front of Bohol Cultural Center
Kaimito and mahogany trees perished, while two trees later identified as a narra tree and aguho (pine tree) were spared.
“Why was so urgent of such request that the concerned parties did not even bother waiting for us to grant approval despite seeking it in the first place? Are we a rubber stamp legislative body to be taken lightly?” Boniel said.
According to reports, the Provincial Engineering Office has ordered the contractor to cut the trees as a “judgment call” for it accordingly posed danger to pedestrians especially students who pass by the area.
The SP is waiting for the consolidated reports on January 24 before it lays down its recommendation in aide of legislation.
