A Catholic bishop has questioned government permits covering the cutting of more than 218,000 trees for mining projects in Palawan.
In a pastoral letter, Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa expressed alarm over special tree cutting and earth-balling permits issued for mining-related activities in several parts of the province.
Citing publicly available records and consolidated data, he said the permits cover at least 218,854 trees in areas including the towns of Aborlan, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza and locations linked to Mt. Bulanjao.
“It is troubling that agencies tasked with protecting the environment are perceived as strict with ordinary citizens, yet seem lenient and accommodating toward large mining companies and powerful people,” Mesiona said in Filipino.
The bishop said such perceptions have led some people to believe there are “two kinds of laws” in the country — one for the wealthy and powerful, and another for the poor.
While acknowledging that the final number of trees affected could change after further reviews, Mesiona said the larger issue is whether natural resources are being managed responsibly and with respect for future generations.
“It takes many years for a tree to grow,” he said. “That is why it is painful to think that thousands of trees that have grown on our beautiful island over decades, and even centuries, could be cut down in such a short time.”
Mesiona emphasized that forests do more than beautify the landscape, helping regulate water systems, absorb carbon dioxide, protect wildlife habitats and support human communities.
He also stressed that environmental degradation often harms poor and marginalized populations first, making ecological protection both a social and moral responsibility.
Palawan, often described as the country’s last ecological frontier, is home to some of the Philippines’ richest forests, watersheds and biodiversity hotspots.
The bishop called on government agencies to review existing permits, fully disclose related documents, determine whether approvals comply with Palawan’s mining moratorium ordinance and pursue stronger legal protections for forests.
