THE Cebu City Council is cracking down on mountain developments to prevent environmental disasters. Following a series of inspections, the council has recommended "cease and desist" orders (CDOs) to stop work on six major projects in the city’s upland areas. Legal experts are also reviewing a seventh case involving a government road project that allegedly skipped important environmental permits.
Protecting the mountains
The crackdown is based on Executive Order 13, also known as "Oplan Likay sa Landslide." This order was created to protect 30 mountain villages from landslides by suspending quarrying and earth-moving activities. Because these rules are still in effect, the City Legal Office (CLO) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) are taking action against companies that have ignored the suspension.
Projects facing shutdown
The City Council identified six specific projects for immediate closure:
• San Lorenzo Development Corp.: For earth-moving at San Lorenzo Village in Barangay Binaliw.
• Hallay’s Ville Project: For hauling activities in Barangay Buhisan.
• Suico’s Property / Inday Aalliyah Enterprises: For illegal quarrying in Barangay Budlaan.
• JT Ayne Constructions: For illegal earth-moving in Barangay Binaliw.
• Powerplus Aggregates Systems: For illegal earth-moving in Barangay Binaliw.
• PLD Construction and Development Inc.: For hauling at the proposed Villa Montana Subdivision in Binaliw.
In one instance, investigators used drones to catch dump trucks and backhoes operating without any permits. In another, a company continued to move soil even though its hauling permit had already expired.
Government projects under review
Even government-related work is under the microscope. A road-widening project by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Barangay Buhisan is being investigated for illegal quarrying. Reports show the project failed to get the required hauling and tree-cutting permits. While it isn't part of the initial six shutdown orders, it has been sent for a special legal review.
Why this matters today
These actions follow warnings from city leaders about the dangers of building on steep, unstable slopes. In December 2025, Councilor Joel Garganera called for a total halt on upland developments, citing the high risk of landslides that could threaten lives and homes. By enforcing these mining and environmental laws, the City aims to ensure that development doesn't come at the cost of public safety. / CAV