Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the controversial Monterrazas de Cebu upland project is now under national investigation, dismissing claims that the city government has been inactive.
He noted that the project was approved before his term and that the city already responded to environmental concerns, coordinating with the DENR, which filed criminal and administrative complaints against the developer for multiple violations, including tree cutting, Clean Water Act breaches, and damage to stormwater detention ponds.
Archival warned that further public statements could politicize the issue and confuse residents, emphasizing that pending national cases leave little room for additional local action.
The controversy has prompted calls from Cebu City Councilors for stricter regulation of upland projects, with proposals for a moratorium on new applications to protect watersheds and prevent flooding.
The mayor expressed support for reviewing existing projects while ensuring community safety takes priority over development.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 6, 2026
