Manila, June 25 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has not issued new permits for tree-cutting and earth-balling activities along Quirino Avenue in Manila for the Southern Luzon Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project, after its permit expired on Wednesday.

In an interview with DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito Eneran during the tree planting activity for the Philippine Arbor Day celebration in Manila on Thursday, he added that the agency's probe into the activity is nearing completion.

"Yung tree cutting at earth balling permits ay natapos na po kasi hanggang June 24 lang po siya. So as of now wala pa po tayong nai-issue na extension or new permit for earth-balling or tree cutting, and yung investigation is cu...