The Monterrazas development in Cebu City has been allowed to resume operations after environmental regulators lifted a stoppage order following a compliance review focused on corrective measures, site inspections, and required safeguards.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Central Visayas said the clearance came after evaluating whether the project complied with conditions under Presidential Decree No. 1586, which governs environmental requirements for development projects.
The process began with verification of the developer’s settlement of violations, including payment of penalties linked to earlier environmental compliance issues.
Regulators then proceeded with on-site inspections to determine whether required corrective works had been completed.
According to EMB-7 Regional Director John Edward Ang, field checks confirmed the completion of 23 detention ponds with a combined capacity of about 52,468 cubic meters, which were required to manage runoff and reduce flooding risks.
The inspection also covered slope stabilization, erosion-control systems, and completion of excavation works, all of which were part of conditions imposed after earlier violations were flagged.
After confirming that these measures were in place, the EMB evaluated whether the systems were functioning to regulate surface water flow during heavy rainfall conditions.
With compliance verified, the agency lifted the cessation of operations order but maintained that the project remains under continuing monitoring, including submission of as-built plans, maintenance programs, and hydrologic data.
The Monterrazas project was halted in November 2025 after regulators cited environmental violations, including vegetation loss and issues involving parts of its drainage and detention systems.
It also came under scrutiny following concerns raised over stormwater performance during Typhoon Tino, which caused flooding in nearby areas.
Despite the lifting of the suspension, the EMB stressed that continued compliance monitoring will remain in place to ensure long-term effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Following the clearance, developer Slater Young issued a video statement addressing the project’s status and the findings that preceded the EMB decision.
Young said he chose to speak only after technical assessments and independent studies had been completed, including a review from the University of the Philippines.
He said the study concluded that the Monterrazas development did not cause or worsen flooding during Typhoon Tino and emphasized that findings were based on hydrological analysis and site data.
Young also explained that the project’s stormwater management system, particularly its detention ponds, was designed to temporarily hold large volumes of rainwater and release them gradually to reduce downstream impact during heavy rainfall events.
He said the system’s design allows it to capture a significant portion of excess runoff during extreme weather conditions, preventing sudden water surges into surrounding communities.
Young added that while technical findings support the project’s compliance, he understands that public concern remains, especially among residents affected by flooding events during Typhoon Tino.
He said discussions around the project should continue to be guided by scientific assessments and completed studies, noting that engineering solutions were put in place to address drainage and runoff concerns from the outset of compliance requirements. (LLP)
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