The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) on Friday disclosed multiple violations committed by The Rise at Monterrazas de Cebu in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

DENR-7 Assistant Regional Director Eddie Llamedo confirmed that Monterrazas de Cebu violated Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

Of the 745 trees recorded in 2022, only 11 were found standing in 2025 based on the DENR’s tree inventory.

He added that the developer also violated Presidential Decree 1586, which established the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, and Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

“Our analysis shows that the 18,500 cubic meters — or the retention ponds established and those still to be established — should be able to catch water to eliminate or prevent runoff from flowing downslope,” Llamedo said.

He stressed that Monterrazas needs to upgrade its water retention ponds.

“What we saw were only 12 retention ponds. Is that enough? It doesn’t seem sufficient. They need to upgrade,” Llamedo insisted.

The Rise at Monterrazas de Cebu is a 140-hectare condominium development in Barangay Guadalupe.

Llamedo added that the developer lacked the discharge permits required under the Clean Water Act. These permits serve as legal authorization from the DENR to release wastewater or effluents into water bodies and specify allowable discharge volume and quality to safeguard public health and the environment.

Inspectors also found that 17 detention ponds in the area were heavily silted, with uncontained surface runoff flowing into nearby waterways. Some ponds were damaged, causing water to spill downslope and affect lower communities.

When a detention pond is filled with silt, it loses its capacity to store water effectively.

Llamedo clarified, however, that the five areas most affected by floods were located 5.4 to 11 kilometers from Monterrazas, suggesting that distance may have influenced the extent of impact.

Due to the violations, 8990 Development Corporation, the developer of Monterrazas de Cebu, was summoned on 13 November 2025.

Llamedo urged developers, engineers and architects of upland projects to revisit their designs to account for heavier rainfall and the increasing effects of climate change.