DPWH, DENR TOLD TO PAY DAMAGES: CA upholds ruling against illegal tree cutting in Naga

By JASON B. NEOLA

ON January 31, 2025, the Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that declared the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) special tree-cutting permits (STCPs) illegal. The decision ordered government officials to pay damages and enforce stricter environmental protections.

The ruling stemmed from a citizen suit filed by environmental advocates and residents challenging the DPWH’s removal of 186 trees in Naga City for road construction projects. The plaintiffs argued that the tree-cutting violated environmental laws and failed to meet the necessary permit conditions.

The Court of Appeals affirmed the Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) November 16, 2018 ruling, which found that the tree-cutting was not justified by public safety concerns, as claimed by the DPWH.

The DPWH failed to comply with permit conditions, including conducting public consultations and implementing environmental impact mitigation measures. In addition, the court issued a writ of continuing mandamus, requiring the DPWH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to regularly maintain and prune trees in Naga City.

A Permanent Environmental Protection Order (PEPO) was also granted to protect the last remaining mahogany tree in the affected area. Furthermore, government officials were ordered to pay ₱653,405.38 in damages, which will be placed in a special trust fund for environmental rehabilitation.

The DPWH and DENR argued that the tree-cutting was necessary for road-widening projects and that they had followed due process, citing compliance with environmental regulations, including replanting efforts. However, the court found insufficient evidence of compliance and ruled that the permits had been improperly issued.

Following the ruling, the Regional Trial Court established an Environmental Rehabilitation Committee (ERC) to oversee the restoration of affected areas. The committee includes representatives from the City Government of Naga, DPWH, DENR, the plaintiffs, and the academe. The defendants were ordered to contribute funds for environmental restoration and submit regular reports to the court.

Additionally, the court authorized citizens—including minors and future generations—to take legal action if government agencies fail to comply with the ruling. This enforcement mechanism ensures long-term accountability and strengthens legal protections for urban green spaces in the Philippines.