In a statement, Monterrazas de Cebu strongly disputed the DENR’s findings that 745 trees had been cut within its property, leaving only 11 standing.
“Regarding regulatory compliance, our track record demonstrates a commitment to exceeding the required mandates,” the company said.
Compliance claims maintained
In the same statement, the developer maintained that its detention pond system’s capacity exceeds the DENR’s requirement by 51 percent.According to the company, the minimum requirement is 26,701 cubic meters, yet the system it installed has a capacity of 40,413 cubic meters.
While acknowledging “localized flooding” around its site at the height of Typhoon “Tino” on Nov. 4, the firm denied any connection to the widespread flooding that hit Liloan town and the cities of Mandaue and Talisay, which lie several kilometers away from Barangay Guadalupe.
“To suggest otherwise would be akin to claiming that a development in Tagaytay caused flooding in Makati,” the company said, noting that the locations are part of different watersheds and drainage paths.
Commitment to safety
Monterrazas reiterated its commitment to working with DENR to ensure “the highest standards of environmental integrity and community safety.”
The luxury residential project sits a thousand feet above sea level with views of Cebu, Bohol, and Mactan.
Part of the development is a 19-story hillside condominium called The Rise at Monterrazas, inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces.
The DENR earlier issued a notice of violation and stoppage order on Nov. 10 but allowed the developer to repair two retention ponds that collapsed during Typhoon Tino.
Initial findings
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Nov. 14, DENR-Central Visayas Executive Director Laudemir Salac said their initial assessment found Monterrazas in violation of 10 out of 33 conditions in its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
A composite inspection team also reported that only 11 of the 745 trees originally listed on the site remained—an alleged breach of forestry laws. Under existing regulations, the developer is required to replace each missing tree with 100 mature native trees.
The DENR has since formed a multi-sectoral team to further evaluate the project’s compliance with environmental regulations and ECC conditions.
Disputed tree numbers
Monterrazas denied claims that it cut more than 700 trees, describing the allegation as “grievously false.” The developer said only shrubs and secondary undergrowth were cleared to make way for earthworks.
Its Environmental Impact Statement submitted to the EMB-DENR indicated that the site was “predominantly covered by grass, shrubs and small plants… non-woody vegetation,” and lacked sufficient topsoil to support agricultural use.Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera confirmed that the City Council received a request from Monterrazas on Dec. 20, 2023 to cut down 108 trees, months after “The Rise at Monterrazas” was announced by celebrity engineer Slater Young.
City actions reviewed
The council ultimately allowed 41 trees to be cut and nine to be earth-balled, ordering 58 others preserved and integrated into the development plan.
Garganera said the city has yet to receive the multi-sectoral team’s findings and that Mayor Nestor Archival is drafting a letter requesting a copy from the DENR.
This is not the first time Monterrazas faced sanctions. The Cebu City government temporarily revoked its permit in April 2008 after a mudslide in Barangay Guadalupe, and again in July 2011 following flooding in nearby lowland communities.
Pledge of cooperation
In its latest statement, Monterrazas said it is ready to work with authorities and local communities to strengthen safety and resilience measures.
“Monterrazas de Cebu stands by the integrity of its works, its processes and its long-term partnership with the government and the communities we serve,” it added.
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