The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has confirmed that it has filed criminal charges against the company behind the Monterrazas residential project in Cebu City.
The controversial mountainside development—designed by celebrity engineer Slater Young—drew heavy criticism after several areas in Cebu experienced severe flooding during a recent storm.
In a press conference, DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Enforcement Atty. Norlito Eneran said the agency filed a complaint for violations of the Revised Forestry Code against the corporation on December 3.
Last month, the DENR initially identified three violations committed during the construction of the high-end residential project.
One of these findings showed that of the 700 trees recorded in 2022, only 11 remained after the issuance of a tree-cutting permit—a claim denied by the project’s developer, Mont Property Group.
It will be recalled that around 100 people were reported dead due to widespread flooding in Cebu.
