REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Osmena Pushes Halt To Monterrazas Development
Photo credit: Cebu City News
Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has renewed his call for stricter safeguards at the Monterrazas development project, warning that delaying action on potential risks could have serious consequences for nearby communities.
In a statement released on June 15, Osmeña said public attention should not be the deciding factor in addressing safety concerns, stressing that government officials have a responsibility to act on known risks before tragedy strikes.
“The issue of Monterrazas is not currently in the public eye, but I don’t care,” Osmeña said. He argued that failing to address a known problem despite being aware of it could amount to negligence.
The vice mayor pointed to a proposal he made in 2018 while serving as mayor, when he sought a moratorium on the construction of buildings taller than what the city’s lone 18-story ladder truck could effectively reach during emergencies. At the time, he said, critics labeled him as anti-business and anti-development.
Osmeña recalled that years later, a fire broke out at a 35-story condominium in Cebu City, a blaze he described as difficult to control because of the building’s height. Fortunately, he noted, the structure was still under construction and had no occupants.
He questioned what the outcome might have been had residents already been living in the building.
Drawing a parallel to the Monterrazas project, Osmeña said his proposal is straightforward: complete the required water catchment systems before any further earth-moving activities are allowed.
He maintained that all development work should be placed under a cease-and-desist order until those measures are finished.
According to Osmeña, the issue goes beyond construction schedules, business interests, or project timelines. He said the primary concern is public safety, particularly for residents living in communities below the development site who could be affected by potential hazards.
“The people most at risk are often those who have the least influence,” he said, referring to low-income families living near the area.
Osmeña vowed to continue speaking out on their behalf, saying that those communities deserve a voice in decisions that could affect their safety and well-being.
In a statement released on June 15, Osmeña said public attention should not be the deciding factor in addressing safety concerns, stressing that government officials have a responsibility to act on known risks before tragedy strikes.
“The issue of Monterrazas is not currently in the public eye, but I don’t care,” Osmeña said. He argued that failing to address a known problem despite being aware of it could amount to negligence.
The vice mayor pointed to a proposal he made in 2018 while serving as mayor, when he sought a moratorium on the construction of buildings taller than what the city’s lone 18-story ladder truck could effectively reach during emergencies. At the time, he said, critics labeled him as anti-business and anti-development.
Osmeña recalled that years later, a fire broke out at a 35-story condominium in Cebu City, a blaze he described as difficult to control because of the building’s height. Fortunately, he noted, the structure was still under construction and had no occupants.
He questioned what the outcome might have been had residents already been living in the building.
Drawing a parallel to the Monterrazas project, Osmeña said his proposal is straightforward: complete the required water catchment systems before any further earth-moving activities are allowed.
He maintained that all development work should be placed under a cease-and-desist order until those measures are finished.
According to Osmeña, the issue goes beyond construction schedules, business interests, or project timelines. He said the primary concern is public safety, particularly for residents living in communities below the development site who could be affected by potential hazards.
“The people most at risk are often those who have the least influence,” he said, referring to low-income families living near the area.
Osmeña vowed to continue speaking out on their behalf, saying that those communities deserve a voice in decisions that could affect their safety and well-being.
Jun 16, 2026
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