The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced Wednesday that it has filed a criminal case against the company behind the Monterrazas residential project in Cebu City.

At a press conference, DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Enforcement Atty. Norlito Eneran said the case stems from the Monterrazas owners’ alleged unlawful possession of implements and devices used by forest officers.

“For the Monterrazas case, we already filed a criminal case on December 3, 2025, for violation of Section 77 of Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Revised Forestry Code against the corporation,” Eneran said.

He added that the violation is punishable by two to four years in prison, a P1,000 to P10,000 fine, confiscation of prohibited items, and automatic cancellation of the permit or license.

In November, the DENR initially identified three violations committed during the construction of the high-end residential project and its retention pond. One of the violations cited was that out of more than 700 trees recorded in 2022, only 11 remained after a tree-cutting permit was obtained for the project.

The project allegedly violated Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705, the Revised Forestry Code of 1975, and Presidential Decree 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, according to the agency.

The DENR also said Monterrazas allegedly failed to secure a discharge permit as required under the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. The proposed centralized retention pond and 15 additional structures intended for rainwater capture were still deemed inadequate.

The agency further noted that Monterrazas had allegedly violated 10 out of 33 conditions under its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Mont Property Group, which owns Monterrazas, could not be reached for comment. However, in November, the company denied cutting down 700 trees.

“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.

“Pursuant to our approved Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Development Permit, only shrubs and secondary undergrowth were cleared to facilitate the necessary earthworks,” it added.

The company also explained that its Environmental Impact Statement submitted to EMB-DENR Region VII showed that the site was “predominantly covered by grass, shrubs, and small plants, with minimal to no topsoil,” and consisted mostly of non-woody vegetation.

The mountainside residential project, designed by celebrity engineer Slater Young, faced public criticism amid claims that the development worsened flooding in Cebu City during heavy rains brought by Typhoon Tino.

Mont Property Group countered that the flood-stricken areas are located in entirely 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 the proper authorities, it is important to clarify a simple geographic reality,” the property developer said.

“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,” it added.