Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced on Monday, April 13, 2026, that he will uphold the City Council's decision to refrain from issuing a cease and desist order (CDO) against the contentious Monterrazas de Cebu hillside development in Barangay Guadalupe. This stance comes despite earlier recommendations from city environment and building officials to halt the project due to alleged permit violations.
Mayor Defers to Council's Authority
Archival emphasized that the council has its own rationale for ruling out a CDO at this time, and he does not intend to overrule their position. In a press conference, he stated, "The council has its own reason, and I would not object to that." This move follows concerns raised by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Office of the Building Official, which flagged the project for issues such as the absence of a special hauling permit and tree-cutting clearance.
Uncertainty Over Formal Recommendations
The mayor expressed uncertainty about whether formal recommendations from these offices have reached his desk, noting, "I don't really know, I cannot find it." He explained that the matter was previously addressed through a council resolution, and he prefers not to make another decision since the council has already provided a recommendation.
Balancing Development and Environmental Concerns
The Monterrazas de Cebu project has faced scrutiny over fears of exacerbating flooding in the area. However, Archival pointed to technical reports suggesting that flooding cannot be attributed to a single development. He warned that shutting down a business without careful review could harm the city's broader interests, stating, "If we're going to close a business just because of recommendations, what will happen to the city? We need to balance what should be done."
Focus on Mitigation Measures
Instead of halting construction, Archival advocated for requiring the developer to comply with mitigation measures, such as building water catchment or detention systems. He remarked, "If Monterrazas is being asked to do certain measures, then they should comply. It is more advantageous to everybody." This approach aims to address environmental risks while allowing the project to proceed.
Political and Developer Responses
Archival also addressed Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña's earlier comment about pushing to cancel the project if flooding persists, simply noting, "That is the pronouncement of the vice mayor." Meanwhile, Mont Property Group Inc., the developer behind Monterrazas de Cebu, has scheduled a press conference for April 15 to counter what it calls misinformation on social media and present its side of the issue. In its invitation, the company described the City Council's resolution declining a CDO as "good news."
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between development interests and environmental safeguards in Cebu City, with local officials navigating complex regulatory and community concerns.
