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Monterrazas Controversy Erupts After DENR Finds Widespread Violations
Photo credit: The Rise at Monterazzas de Cebu
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has uncovered what could be one of Cebu’s biggest environmental violations in recent years — and all eyes are now on the sprawling Monterrazas de Cebu hillside project.
In a radio interview, DENR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Eddie Llanedo revealed that investigators found massive illegal tree cutting and several other violations at the 140-hectare Monterrazas development. The probe was launched after flooding and soil movement swept through nearby communities during Typhoon Tino.
And here’s the jaw-dropper:
Of the 745 trees recorded during a 2022 inventory requested by Monterrazas itself… only 11 remain.
“Yes, you heard that right,” Llanedo said. “Out of 745 trees, only 11 were accounted for. That’s a clear violation of Section 77 of the Forestry Code.”
But the problems don’t stop there.
A Web of Violations
DENR’s joint inspection on Nov. 6–7 found that Monterrazas not only breached the Forestry Code — it also violated the Clean Water Act and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.
On top of that, the developer reportedly failed to meet 10 out of the 33 conditions under its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Because of the long list of violations, the Environmental Management Bureau issued both a notice of violation and a stoppage order last Nov. 10.
Flooding Made Worse?
Investigators also flagged another alarming issue: 17 detention ponds meant to control stormwater runoff during heavy rains were either damaged or severely silted, causing stormwater to flow unchecked — and worsening the flooding downhill when Typhoon Tino pounded Cebu.
“These conditions contributed to the flooding experienced downslope,” Llanedo said, pointing to Monterrazas as a major factor behind the worsening water flow.
What’s Next for Monterrazas?
Each ECC violation carries an administrative fine of ₱50,000, but Llanedo said more penalties — even potential cases — could be filed against the developer.
“May penalties, administrative penalties, and possible cases to be filed,” he said.
In a radio interview, DENR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Eddie Llanedo revealed that investigators found massive illegal tree cutting and several other violations at the 140-hectare Monterrazas development. The probe was launched after flooding and soil movement swept through nearby communities during Typhoon Tino.
And here’s the jaw-dropper:
Of the 745 trees recorded during a 2022 inventory requested by Monterrazas itself… only 11 remain.
“Yes, you heard that right,” Llanedo said. “Out of 745 trees, only 11 were accounted for. That’s a clear violation of Section 77 of the Forestry Code.”
But the problems don’t stop there.
A Web of Violations
DENR’s joint inspection on Nov. 6–7 found that Monterrazas not only breached the Forestry Code — it also violated the Clean Water Act and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.
On top of that, the developer reportedly failed to meet 10 out of the 33 conditions under its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Because of the long list of violations, the Environmental Management Bureau issued both a notice of violation and a stoppage order last Nov. 10.
Flooding Made Worse?
Investigators also flagged another alarming issue: 17 detention ponds meant to control stormwater runoff during heavy rains were either damaged or severely silted, causing stormwater to flow unchecked — and worsening the flooding downhill when Typhoon Tino pounded Cebu.
“These conditions contributed to the flooding experienced downslope,” Llanedo said, pointing to Monterrazas as a major factor behind the worsening water flow.
What’s Next for Monterrazas?
Each ECC violation carries an administrative fine of ₱50,000, but Llanedo said more penalties — even potential cases — could be filed against the developer.
“May penalties, administrative penalties, and possible cases to be filed,” he said.
Nov 14, 2025
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