Monterrazas de Cebu can still sell amid violations probe – DHSUD

Metro Manila, Philippines – A property development in Cebu blamed for massive flooding may still sell high-end residential units unless government authorities issue a final ruling on the project’s alleged violations, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said.

The Monterrazas de Cebu, a mountainside development in Cebu City designed by celebrity engineer Slater Young, has been linked to widespread flooding in nearby communities at the height of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) earlier this month. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has launched an investigation and issued the developers a notice of violation and stoppage order.

During plenary deliberations on the DHSUD budget on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Senator Jinggoy Estrada questioned whether it was proper for Monterrazas de Cebu to continue selling properties pending the probe.

Senate finance committee chairman Win Gatchalian, defending the DHSUD budget, said the agency is awaiting the results of the investigations, noting that it only regulates the commercial aspect of the project.

”Because there’s no official communication from DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) as well as local governments in relation to their violations, their certificate of registration still stands. So, meaning they can still sell their units and their products,” Gatchalian said. 

“But as soon as there are adverse findings and their ECC (environmental compliance certificate) will be revoked or the local governments will revoke their permits, then the certificate of registration will also be affected and they will be instructed to cease the selling of their products,” he added. 

Developer Mont Property Group earlier welcomed the DENR investigation but denied cutting down 700 trees to make way for the project, saying only shrubs were cleared. It also refuted claims it is responsible for the massive flooding in Cebu, saying the heavily flooded areas of Liloan, Mandaue, and Talisay are in different drainage basins and waterways.