The developer of Monterrazas de Cebu has welcomed the investigation into the controversial hillside development project in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City but denied allegations it caused the massive flooding in Cebu during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

It also denied cutting 700 trees to build the project.

In a statement posted online, Mont Property Group said it is committed to working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure rules are complied with.

“Monterrazas de Cebu welcomes all impartial investigations by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). We are committed to work with the agency to ensure the highest standards of environmental integrity and community safety across Cebu’s hillside developments,” it said.

“We must, however, categorically refute premature pronouncements by the DENR regarding alleged tree cutting activities. The claim that Monterrazas de Cebu cut down more than 700 trees is grievously false, and we are confident that any evidence that may be presented to assert this narrative can easily be disproven,” it said further.

Earlier, DENR said the development violated the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines (1975) because of 745 trees in 2022, only 11 have been found standing in 2025, based on the agency’s tree inventory.

But Mont Property Group said only shrubs and secondary undergrowth were cleared to facilitate the necessary earthworks.

“Pursuant to our approved Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Development Permit, only shrubs and secondary undergrowth were cleared to facilitate the necessary earthworks. The duly submitted Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) - DENR Region VII even reflected that the site was predominantly covered by grass, shrubs, and small plants, with minimal to no topsoil, and the area could not support agricultural activity and was characterized mainly by non-woody vegetation,” it said.

FLOODING

At the height of Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025, massive flooding in Cebu displaced families, submerged homes, and wiped communities out. At least 150 people were killed and at least 112 were missing based on data from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) as of November 11, 2025.

The devastation also put the spotlight back on Monterrazas as people claimed the development may have contributed to the flooding.

Mont Property Group said that while “we acknowledge the localized flooding observed in our vicinity,” Monterrazas could not have caused the massive flooding in areas kilometers away from Barangay Guadalupe because these areas fall under completely different drainage basins and natural waterways.

“We are likewise aware of the misinformation circulating online that incorrectly attributes the widespread flooding across Cebu to our development. While we acknowledge the localized flooding observed in our vicinity and continue to coordinate with proper authorities, it is important to clarify a simple geographic reality. Monterrazas de Cebu is located in Barangay Guadalupe, which is several kilometers away from the heavily flood-stricken areas in Liloan, Mandaue, and Talisay, which unfortunately suffered the most severe impacts. These areas fall under completely different drainage basins and natural waterways,” it said.

“To put this in context, it would be akin to suggesting that a development in Tagaytay City caused flooding in Makati City. The locations, watersheds, and flow paths simply do not intersect,” it pointed out.

COMPLIANCE

Mont Property Group said its track record demonstrates “a commitment to exceeding the required mandates.”

“For instance, in flood mitigation, the DENR required a total detention pond capacity of 26,701 cubic meters for the property. Monterrazas proactively installed a system with a capacity of 40,413 cubic meters, representing a 51% increase over the required standard,” it said.

Earlier, too, DENR-7 Assistant Director Eddie Llamedo said Monterrazas de Cebu needs to upgrade its water retention ponds. 

“Ang nakita namin is only 12 retention ponds. Sapat ba yun? Parang hindi siya sapat. Dapat i-upgrade,” Llamedo said in a report on 24 Oras.

“Ang analysis, is itong 18,500 cubic meters or itong mga na-establish or to be established pa na mga retention pond that would somehow catch yung mga water para ma-eliminate or ma-prevent yung run-off going down,” he said.

Mont Property Group said it stands by its work, processes, and partnership with the government and the community.

“Monterazzas de Cebu stands by the integrity of its work, its processes, and its long-term partnership with both the government and the communities we serve. We remain deeply mindful of the hardships caused by Typhoon Tino and extend our sincere concern to the families working to recover from its impacts. As part of our commitment to community partnership, we are ready to collaborate with local authorities and residents on efforts that further strengthen safety and resilience in our surrounding areas,” it said.