Caritas Philippines Opposes Manila Tree-Cutting, Calls it ‘Ecological Violence’

Caritas Philippines condemned the mass cutting of decades-old trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila, describing it as an “act of ecological violence” and calling on authorities to immediately halt the activity.

In a statement dated May 25, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, president of Caritas Philippines, criticized the removal of trees to make way for infrastructure development, saying it worsens the burden on communities already dealing with extreme heat, polluted air and flooding.

“The mass cutting of decades-old trees along Quirino Avenue is an act of ecological violence against the people of Manila,” he said.

Bishop Alminaza said the trees had long served as protection for commuters and residents by providing shade and helping improve urban environmental conditions.

Caritas Philippines argued that development projects should not come at the expense of environmental protection and vulnerable communities.

“Why must ‘development’ always demand the sacrifice of the vulnerable?” the bishop said, questioning urban planning approaches that prioritize vehicles and concrete infrastructure over people.

The Catholic social action organization also cited Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on environmental stewardship, warning against what it described as a “throwaway culture” that treats nature and vulnerable populations as expendable.

“The climate crisis is a present, urgent and unquestionable reality,” Bishop Alminaza said. “Every mature tree destroyed is a moral failure.”

Caritas Philippines called on public authorities and contractors to stop the tree-cutting, review infrastructure projects through the perspective of ecological justice and consult communities affected by environmental changes.

Government agencies and project proponents have emphasized regulatory compliance, saying permits were secured and mitigation measures, including plans to plant 50,700 replacement seedlings, are part of the project.

Critics, however, argue that legal compliance alone does not settle broader concerns about ecological impact and urban environmental justice.

The organization also urged the public to help protect remaining urban green spaces and demand accountability from leaders.

The tree removal along Quirino Avenue has drawn public criticism in recent days as hundreds of trees were reportedly affected by an infrastructure project linked to the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX).