The viral video of earth-balling activities along Roxas Boulevard only showed a portion of the entire process, the San Miguel Southern Access Link Expressway Corp. (SMC SALEX) said amid condemnation and concerns raised on social media.

In a statement, the company said that there is a multi-step technical process being done and that qualified specialists are in the best position to determine whether approved tree relocation procedures were followed.

Inspectors from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) went to the area after the social media uproar and the SMC SALEX said it has been coordinating with government experts and even prepared to provide the documents, site records, and other information that may be required by the agency.

While DENR’s inspection and review are ongoing, the company said it reminded its contractor and field teams that all ongoing and succeeding works must strictly comply with permits, approved procedures, and proper tree relocation protocols.

“The need to improve mobility does not lessen our responsibility to protect the environment. That responsibility extends to the way work is carried out on the ground,” the company said.

SALEX is a government-approved transport project intended to help address mobility constraints while broader, long-term efforts to decongest Metro Manila continue.

The project is designed to support commuters, motorists, public transport users, cargo vehicles, and businesses across Metro Manila and nearby growth areas.

Netizens, however, questioned the earth-balling process and raised the need to protect the trees following the incident along Quirino Highway where a number of trees were reported to have been cut down to pave the way for road infrastructure.

The firm, however, stressed that preparatory and earth-balling procedures were undertaken at the site as part of the tree relocation process.

It explained that the process involves several steps, including preparatory work that may vary depending on the tree’s condition, size, species, root system, and site constraints.

“These activities must still be carried out in accordance with applicable permits and protocols,” it said.

The video, it added, also appeared to have been taken from inside an active work area, raising safety concerns over possible unauthorized access to a controlled construction site.

“Tree removal and earth-balling along affected sections are covered by the applicable permitting process and are subject to conditions set by the relevant agencies,” it said.

“Where trees are suitable for earth-balling, relocation must be done in accordance with permit conditions and environmental protocols. Where removal is unavoidable, replacement planting and other mitigation measures are required,” it added.