Manila, May 27 -- Tree-cutting activities linked to the proposed 40.62-km. Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project in Manila have been voluntarily suspended by San Miguel Corporation, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowing to reassess whether more trees can still be saved through relocation and design adjustments.

During an interview on Wednesday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the DENR agreed to halt cutting operations temporarily while experts re-evaluate remaining trees under the project's approved plan.

"Gusto ko lang linawin, wala gustong pumutol ng puno, kasama na rin kami doon. Can you imagine how contradictory it is. So it pains us to also be the ones tasked (to cut trees). S...