THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office has launched a multi-agency probe into the Monterrazas de Cebu project following widespread flooding in Cebu City during Typhoon Tino.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Guadalupe has filed a resolution calling for a separate investigation into the drainage and water retention systems of Monterrazas de Cebu.
In a statement issued on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, the DENR said it has convened a Joint Inspection, Investigation, and Assessment Team composed of technical experts from the DENR 7, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) Cebu, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Cebu City, the Cebu City Government, and Barangay Guadalupe.
The team began an on-site investigation on Friday to assess the project’s compliance with the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other environmental regulations.
It will also evaluate the effectiveness of drainage, slope protection, and runoff management systems, slope stability, and the risk of landslides and flooding.
Inspectors will further determine whether there have been alterations to natural landforms, encroachments into timberland areas, or evidence of erosion, siltation, or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways.
The department has directed the project proponent to submit its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment, which will be validated by the inspection team.
The DENR warned that if violations of ECC conditions or environmental regulations are found, it will impose corrective measures, including suspension, penalties, or other legal actions.
“If the investigation finds any violation of ECC conditions or environmental regulations, the DENR will not hesitate to enforce corrective actions, including suspension, penalties, or other legal remedies as provided by law. We remain steadfast in our mission to balance development with environmental protection and to ensure that every project operates in full compliance with the law,” reads a portion of DENR’s statement.
The DENR said updates on the ongoing joint technical evaluation will be released to the public as the probe continues.
In a Facebook post on Friday, SK Chairperson Matt Estenzo said Barangay Resolution 25-145, approved on November 5, seeks accountability for the “unprecedented flooding” that inundated parts of Guadalupe and nearby barangays during Typhoon Tino.
The resolution urges the Cebu City Government, DENR, MGB, Cebu City Cenro, and Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to conduct a technical inspection of all retention ponds in the Monterrazas development.
Estenzo pointed out that flooding in Banawa Creek — particularly near MHAM College and Bo’s Coffee Banawa — has reached waist-deep levels and spread downstream to Labangon, Tisa, and Mambaling. He said the floodwaters carried traces of anapog (limestone), suggesting possible soil disturbance from upland developments.
“We must act now before it’s too late. Padayon ta for a safer Guadalupe and Cebu City,” reads a portion of Estenzo’s statement. / CDF
