The Cebu City Council will not move to halt the Monterrazas de Cebu project for now, saying a cease-and-desist order is not warranted at this stage following inspections and technical assessments.
In Resolution No. 17-3083-2026, the Sangguniang Panlungsod cited multiple factors behind flooding in parts of Barangay Guadalupe, noting that the issue cannot be attributed to a single development.
The council said findings from site inspections and briefings pointed to long-standing infrastructure gaps, including limited drainage capacity, tributary inflows, and clogged waterways.
Some drainage pipes in areas such as Guadalajara Street and Guadalupe Heights measure only 450 mm to 600 mm in diameter, which officials said restricts runoff flow.
These limitations, combined with improper waste disposal blocking waterways, have reduced the system’s ability to handle heavy rains.
“Flooding incidents… are the result of multiple contributing factors… and cannot be solely attributed to any single development in the area,” the resolution stated.
The council also reviewed earthmoving activities at the Monterrazas site, which had raised concerns about runoff and environmental impact.
However, inspections by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office and findings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau showed that the works include the construction of detention ponds.
A total of 22 ponds with a combined capacity of about 62,468 cubic meters have been built or enhanced to slow water flow and reduce downstream flooding.
The EMB described the ponds as a key component of flood management and warned that halting the project mid-construction could leave mitigation systems incomplete and potentially increase risks for low-lying communities.
Despite declining to support a shutdown, the council noted that developer Mont Property Group Inc. still lacks certain clearances, including a Special Hauling Permit under City Ordinance No. 2115.
The developer has begun addressing the requirements and indicated willingness to comply with city regulations.
The council required strict compliance and called for submission of more detailed hydrological studies to guide mitigation efforts.
It also directed local offices to coordinate with the developer on long-term drainage improvements, emphasizing that flood mitigation will require both public infrastructure upgrades and responsible private development.
Earlier calls had been made to issue a cease-and-desist order over alleged permit violations, including hauling and tree-cutting concerns.
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, however, clarified that authority to issue such an order rests with the Office of the Mayor, prompting the matter to be elevated to Mayor Nestor Archival. (LLP)
photo from The Rise Website
Comments