FACT: ML Rep. de Lima urges DENR to halt mangrove earthballing

A post by a Facebook page named “Science Department” shared that Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima called for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to suspend the relocation of mangroves until the department conducts more comprehensive consultations and studies for the matter.

CLAIM:

The post claimed that de Lima urged the DENR to halt the earthballing of the mangroves, as she wondered why a memorandum was issued despite the lack of research or consultations from scientists.

RATING:

Fact

CONCLUSION:

De Lima indeed urged the DENR to cease the earthballing of mangroves, urging for a thorough examination of the measure before being executed.

THE FACTS:

• The DENR released a memorandum dated October 8, 2025 titled “Interim Operational Guidance and Conditions on the Earth-Balling and Relocation of Mangroves in Exceptional Circumstances.” The memorandum allows for the earth-balling and relocation of mangroves for infrastructure projects endorsed by government authorities, which groups say is a dangerous loophole.
• De Lima asked about the status of the said memorandum, wondering why it was issued despite the lack of scientific studies. She also inquired about the survival rate for the mangroves, which she says should have been confirmed or verified first before allowing the issuance of the said memorandum.

BOTTOMLINE:

The information in the post is true. De Lima indeed called for the halting of the mangrove earthballing.