Cebu City Inspectors Flag Potential Violations at Monterrazas de Cebu Project
In a recent development, inspectors from the Cebu City Government have identified potential issues at the Monterrazas de Cebu project located in Barangay Guadalupe. This high-end residential site is now under scrutiny following a comprehensive site visit and drone surveillance conducted on January 12, 2026.
Drone Surveillance Reveals Discrepancies
The inspection was initiated after the City Council ordered an investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu project. Representatives for the development claimed that construction had been suspended since November 2025 due to a work stoppage order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They asserted that the current activities were solely focused on repairing retention ponds.
However, drone footage captured during the surveillance painted a different picture. The aerial video clearly showed heavy equipment, such as backhoes and trucks, actively engaged in operations. The footage revealed extensive earth-moving activities covering several hectares, indicating a scale of work that contradicted the developers' statements.
Permit Violations and Environmental Concerns
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Ccenro) and the Office of the Building Official (OBO) reported that the amount of excavated earth appeared significantly larger than what would be necessary for backfilling retention ponds. Inspectors concluded that the materials were likely being hauled off-site without the required special hauling permits from the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board (CCMRB). This is a direct violation of City Ordinance 2115, which regulates the excavation and movement of earth and minerals.
Additionally, environmental concerns have been raised regarding tree removal at the site. Ccenro noted that it has not received any application for a tree-cutting permit from Monterrazas de Cebu. While some phases of the project may have commenced before the implementation of stricter tree-protection laws under City Ordinance 2623 in 2021, any new work must adhere to current regulations. Inspectors warned that the extensive earth-moving and vegetation removal could exacerbate rainwater runoff, posing serious environmental and safety risks to the surrounding areas.
Recommendations and Next Steps
To address these safety and compliance issues, Ccenro has urged the project proponent to immediately secure all necessary permits, including those for hauling and tree cutting. The agency has also recommended that officials from Barangay Guadalupe conduct regular monitoring of the site to ensure adherence to city rules and protect the local community. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential hazards and uphold environmental standards in Cebu City.
