The tree-cutting activities along Quirino Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and other roads affected by the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project have drawn criticism from environmental groups and concerned residents. Many of the trees, some believed to date back to the American colonial era, were removed to make way for the expressway, which aims to connect Skyway Stage 3 to Roxas Boulevard and the Port of Manila.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the project's proponent, said the activity is part of the approved site clearing needed for the expressway's alignment and was carried out in accordance with safeguards imposed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Among these conditions is the company’s commitment to plant 50,700 replacement seedlings as part of its environmental compliance obligations.

“The clearing works are needed to build the elevated expressway along the approved alignment. Several design options were studied, and the current alignment was found to be the most feasible because it meets structural and engineering requirements while reducing displacement of residents and avoiding wider disruption to public and private infrastructure,” said SMC.

The seedlings will be planted in sites designated by DENR-NCR and maintained over a mandatory three-year period.

An example of earth balling activity

Not all trees can be ‘moved’

One of the most common rebuttals online to SMC's tree-clearing activities has been the use of earth-balling, with many netizens sharing photos and videos from countries such as Japan, where mature trees are relocated instead of being cut down. In simple terms, earth-balling involves carefully extracting a tree along with its root ball using specialized equipment so it can be transferred to another location.

SMC, however, said the process is not applicable to every tree. According to the company, each tree undergoes an assessment to determine whether relocation is feasible, with only a limited number meeting the requirements for successful transplantation.

“Earth-balling is being pursued where technically feasible, but not all trees can be relocated using this method. The process requires unearthing and preserving the root system, which may involve extensive excavation and may not be viable in areas with limited road space, underground utilities, nearby structures, or trees that are not suitable for transplantation.”

The company also said it is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the affected trees, including their species, age, health, condition, and treatment, to provide an accurate account of which trees were removed, relocated, or replaced, and identify further ways to minimize impact.

SMC said it is working with the DENR and other government agencies to enhance its greening program, including the possible use of larger saplings, community greening projects, and shade-tree planting where feasible. The company added that the replacement planting forms part of its environmental commitments under the SALEX project, a 40.65-kilometer elevated expressway network designed to ease congestion and improve connectivity across key areas of Metro Manila.