DENR files raps vs Monterrazas project developer
The Department of Natural Resources has filed criminal complaints against the developer of the Monterrazas residential project in Cebu City over alleged environmental law violations.
As reported by the Philippine STAR, developer Mont Property Group was charged for illegal possession of tools and equipment intended for use by forest officers on Dec. 3, according to DENR Assistant Secretary for legal affairs and enforcement Norlito Eneran.
Eneran said this is based on DENR's findings that the construction of Monterrazas de Cebu resulted in the loss of trees.
He stated the developer may also face additional charges in violation of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System Act and the Clean Water Act, as the company failed to secure a water permit and did not comply with 10 of 33 conditions under its environmental compliance certificate, which include water retention ponds, siltation, and runoff management.
Penalties include imprisonment of two to four years, fines ranging from P1,000 to P10,000, confiscation of the items, and possible cancellation or revocation of permits or licenses.
Mont Property Group has since denied allegations that the project's construction resulted in the clearing of more than 700 trees. They said only shrubs and secondary undergrowth were affected.
They also refuted claims that the project contributed to recent flooding in Cebu, particularly Liloan, Mandaue, and Talisay during Typhoon Tino, saying the flood-affected areas were situated in different drainage basins.
The Rise at Monterrazas is a 200-hectare residential condominium described as inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Its celebrity engineer, Pinoy Big Brother alum Slater Young, unveiled the project in 2023, which had already received backlash at the time.
Young has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
