The local government of Cebu City is launching an investigation on the deaths of the 288  Indian and Balete trees which were earth-balled along the routes of the ongoing Cebu Bus Rapid Transit system construction.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama called for accountability from those responsible for the death of the earth-balled trees as he expressed disappointment on the matter and insisted that what happened was unjustifiable.

"It is unacceptable to earth-ball a tree without any follow-up action," Rama said, as he also urged that the responsible parties face administrative charges rather than criminal charges.