Cebu City Officials Seek Cease-and-Desist Order for Monterrazas de Cebu Over Environmental Permit Deficiencies
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCenro) has formally recommended to the Mayor's Office the issuance of a Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) against Monterrazas de Cebu. This action targets the high-end residential development in Barangay Guadalupe due to alleged deficiencies in required environmental permits.
Official Recommendation and Authority Clarification
In a letter dated March 3, 2026, CCenro Head Engr. Editha Peros advised Mayor Nestor Archival to take decisive action by authorizing the CDO. Peros clarified that while CCenro is responsible for monitoring environmental compliance, the executive branch holds the authority to halt project operations. This recommendation follows a series of inspections and numerous complaints lodged against the Monterrazas de Cebu development.
City Council and Building Official Involvement
On February 3, City Councilor Sisinio Andales passed a resolution urging the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to issue a CDO to suspend all activities at the project site. The developer is accused of failing to secure necessary permits, including a Special Hauling Permit and a Tree Cutting Permit. In response, on February 27, OBO Head Architect Florante Catalan explained via letter to Peros that environmental issues fall outside their primary mandate under the National Building Code, leading to the referral of the matter back to CCenro.
Joint Inspection Findings and Alleged Violations
Earlier, on January 12, a joint inspection and drone survey conducted by OBO and CCenro at the site uncovered several potential violations of city ordinances. These included alleged earth-moving activities, transportation of excavated soil, and tree cutting without the required permits. Inspectors reported that excavated materials were being hauled off-site without proper documentation. According to CCenro, the developer failed to obtain a Special Hauling Permit from the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board, as mandated by City Ordinance 2115.
Tree Cutting Permit Issues and Regulatory Compliance
Additionally, CCenro stated that they have not received any application for a tree-cutting permit from Monterrazas de Cebu. While some parts of the project commenced before the stricter tree protection ordinance (City Ordinance 2623) was enacted in 2021, CCenro emphasized that all new activities must comply with current regulations. Authorities have warned that extensive earth movement and vegetation removal could increase rainwater runoff, posing environmental and safety risks to adjacent communities.
National Attention and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The project has garnered national attention since late 2025, following severe flooding during Typhoon Tino, which prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to launch a multi-agency investigation. In December 2025, DENR filed criminal charges against the developer for alleged violations of Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705, the Revised Forestry Code. DENR Central Visayas Executive Director Laudemir Salac claimed that over 700 trees were cut without proper permits, though the developer, Mont Property Group, has denied these allegations.
