CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu City Council on Tuesday stopped short of approving Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s resolution seeking to halt the Monterrazas de Cebu hillside development, opting instead to defer the matter to the Technical Infrastructure Committee (TIC) after several councilors argued that a cease-and-desist order (CDO) would be premature, selective, and legally vulnerable.
The decision came after a heated regular session during which Osmeña warned of potentially fatal consequences from unchecked hillside developments and urged Mayor Nestor Archival to issue a CDO suspending all construction activities at Monterrazas except for the construction of flood-control catchment basins.
“It’s like playing Russian roulette. The chance may be small, but when it happens, it’s 100 percent fatal,” Osmeña said, citing the Binaliw landslide that killed 36 residents despite the project being undertaken by a reputable engineering firm.
He stressed that poor communities near the project are the most vulnerable, recalling how previous developments had aggravated flooding in Mabolo, Banilad, Pardo, Colon, and Alaska.
Councilor Paul Labra seconded Osmeña’s motion, pointing to recurring flooding in Banawa.
“Right now, ting uwan na, and the flooding continues. Maghuwat pa ba ta’g naay mamatay?” Labra said.
Councilors Noel Wenceslao, Kendrick Go, Sisinio Andales, Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., and other members echoed the call for urgent action, arguing that public safety and the protection of lives should take precedence over business interests.
However, several councilors urged caution.
Councilor Dave Tumulak cited findings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), which indicated that flooding in the area stemmed largely from long-standing drainage deficiencies rather than the Monterrazas project alone.
Councilor Mikel Rama warned that issuing a CDO without a solid legal basis could expose the city to legal challenges. Instead, he proposed a voluntary “preventive” suspension of activities pending the recommendation of the TIC.
Councilors Jerry Eran and Winston Pepito backed the proposal, with Pepito cautioning against singling out one developer and creating an impression that the city government is anti-business.
Drainage concerns also figured prominently in the discussion.
Councilor Alvin Arcilla noted that Monterrazas had previously committed to installing a new drainage system, but the council had yet to receive updates on its implementation.
“Ang taga ubos, dili ka sud ilang tubig kay sealed man…Ni promise to ang Monterrazas of a new system, until now walay nadawat ang city council,” Arcilla said.
Acting Presiding Officer Councilor Philip Zafra reminded the council of its responsibility to prioritize public welfare.
“The general welfare is the paramount concern over technicalities and legalities. At the end of the day, the 18 of us here are representatives of the people, and we are answerable to them,” Zafra said.
Following a recess that lasted longer than the one minute initially called, the council ultimately decided to defer Osmeña’s resolution to the TIC instead of approving it outright.
The body also approved related measures, including Rama’s proposal for proactive coordination with affected barangays and Pepito’s motion reiterating the council’s request for a report from the TIC.
Monterrazas de Cebu, a luxury hillside development in Barangay Guadalupe, has long been criticized by residents and stakeholders over its alleged contribution to flooding in neighboring communities.
The project was previously suspended by the DENR but was later allowed to resume after authorities validated its compliance with environmental requirements.
Despite this, residents of Banawa and nearby areas continue to report flooding incidents, raising questions about the effectiveness and adequacy of the project’s retention ponds and other mitigation measures.
The debate highlights Cebu City’s continuing struggle to balance rapid urban development with public safety concerns, particularly in the wake of disasters such as the Binaliw landslide and severe flooding during Typhoon Tino.
| Written by Caecent Noot Magsumbol/FPL
