Cebu City Hall has escalated its regulatory oversight by forwarding seven development and quarrying projects to the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board (CCMRB) for immediate comment, recommendation, and potential action, including the issuance of cease-and-desist orders (CDOs). This move follows the identification of alleged violations of mining and environmental laws within the city.
Legal Basis and Background
According to official documents, on February 3, 2026, the City Legal Office (CLO) submitted resolutions to the CCMRB that were approved by the Cebu City Sangguniang Panlungsod on January 20, 2026. This action aligns with recommendations from the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO). The endorsements are based on Section 5 of Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2022, known as "Oplan Likay sa Landslide," which suspends all quarrying and similar activities in 30 barangays deemed at high risk for landslides. The CLO emphasized that this order remains in effect as it has not been revoked.
Specific Projects Under Scrutiny
Several projects have been flagged for violations. In Barangay Binaliw, an area prone to landslides, the San Lorenza Development Corporation is under review for earth-moving activities at the San Lorenzo Village (Woodlands Subdivision). The council has recommended issuing a CDO to halt these operations.
Additionally, JT Ayne Construction faces a recommendation to cease operations due to alleged illegal quarrying in Sityo Kainsikan. Powerplus Aggregates Systems Co. Ltd. has also been flagged for illegal operations in the same barangay.
In another case, PLD Construction and Development Inc., the developer of Villa Montana Subdivision, was found continuing soil hauling despite an expired Special Hauling Permit. Under City Ordinance No. 2115, an expired permit is considered invalid, rendering the activity unauthorized.
Further Investigations and Findings
In Barangay Budlaan, the operations of Suico’s Property in Sitio Tac-an, managed by Inday Aalliyah Enterprises, have been warned. A drone-assisted ocular inspection on December 16, 2025, revealed dump trucks and backhoes operating without a quarry permit, hauling permit, or exemption under EO 13.
Two issues have been endorsed in Buhisan. One involves soil hauling for the Hallay’s Ville project, which is recommended for stoppage, and another concerns an alleged illegal quarry and hauling operation linked to a road widening project by the DPWH Cebu City District Engineering Office. The CCENRO discovered limestone quarrying without the necessary hauling and tree-cutting permits.
Broader Implications and Calls for Action
These regulatory actions coincide with a call from Councilor Joel Garganera for a citywide moratorium on such activities, highlighting growing concerns over environmental safety and legal compliance in Cebu City's development sector.
