Cebu City Environment Office Urges Mayor to Halt Monterrazas Construction Over Permit Violations
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) has formally requested Mayor Nestor Archival to issue an immediate stop-work order for the Monterrazas de Cebu project. This urgent appeal stems from the developer, Mont Property Group, lacking essential earth-moving and tree-cutting permits, raising significant environmental and safety concerns.
Missing Permits and Drone Inspections Reveal Violations
In early January, inspectors utilized drone technology to survey the construction site located in Barangay Guadalupe. Their findings uncovered potential regulatory breaches, including the unauthorized movement of large soil volumes without the required special hauling permit mandated by City Ordinance 2115. Additionally, city officials confirmed that no tree-cutting application has been filed for the area, despite evidence of clearing activities.
While some preliminary work commenced earlier, stringent regulations enacted in 2021 now necessitate fresh approvals for all land-clearing operations. The City Council had previously directed the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to intervene in early February, but OBO deferred the matter to CCENRO, citing that environmental issues fall outside its jurisdiction. As CCENRO lacks the legal authority to enforce a work stoppage directly, it officially escalated the request to Mayor Archival on March 3.
National Investigation and Criminal Complaints
This local action follows heightened national scrutiny triggered by severe weather events in late 2025. Heavy flooding during Typhoon Tino prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to launch a comprehensive investigation. In December 2025, DENR filed criminal complaints against the developer for alleged violations of forestry laws, accusing Mont Property Group of cutting down over 700 trees without proper permits—claims the developer has publicly denied.
Public Safety Concerns and Community Impact
Residents in proximity to the Monterrazas project express growing anxiety over their safety. The removal of vegetation accelerates rainwater runoff, diminishing natural barriers that typically absorb precipitation. This alteration heightens the risk of severe flooding and landslides for neighboring communities, exacerbating vulnerabilities during extreme weather conditions.
The project's immediate trajectory and the security of adjacent neighborhoods now hinge on Mayor Archival's response. If he deems it necessary and signs the order, all construction activities will be suspended to safeguard residents while legal proceedings advance. This decision could set a precedent for enforcing environmental compliance in urban development projects across Cebu City.
