Manila, June 25 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking into the timeline surrounding the establishment of the San Mateo landfill in the province of Rizal following concerns that it is located within a protected area.

In an interview during the tree-planting activity in celebration of the Philippine Arbor Day on Thursday, DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito Eneran explained that establishing the facts of which came first would determine whether there are potential violations of environmental laws.

"Isa yan sa mga titingnan natin kasi alam naman natin sa batas, hindi ko lang sure kung ano yung nauna, yung declaration na protected area yung lugar or yung pag-establish ng sanitary landfill (That's one of the ...