DENR Suspends Construction Project in Cebu for Violating Environmental Regulations

Strategic Insights -

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the suspension of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of a construction project in Santa Fe, Cebu, after allegedly violating environmental regulations. The project, 'The Stria Santa Fe Project', has exceeded the approved limit of three floors, breaching the maximum approved height of 10 meters. The DENR discovered the violation during a regional office inspection in Central Visayas and the Environmental Management Bureau. The developer, Fifth Avenue Property Development Corporation, was fined P270,000 for the initial violation and has been issued multiple notices of violation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DENR suspended the ECC of the 'The Stria Santa Fe Project' on August 15 due to violations of Presidential Decree 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations.
  • The project exceeded the approved limit of three floors, breaching the maximum approved height of 10 meters.
  • The developer, Fifth Avenue Property Development Corporation, was fined P270,000 for the initial violation.
  • The CENRO Cebu City issued three notices of violation on July 31, September 17, and December 18, 2024.
  • The developer failed to respond to the Notice of Violations, leading to a cease and desist order on May 14.
  • The DENR guarantees the public that it will continue to strictly enforce environmental laws in Cebu.
  • The project was only approved by the Protected Area Management Board to construct a building up to a maximum height of 10 meters.

Statistics:

  • P270,000: the initial fine imposed on the developer for violating environmental regulations.
  • 3: the number of floors exceeded by the project.
  • 10 meters: the maximum approved height of the building.
  • 4: the number of floors actually built by the project.
  • 1: the number of EMB reports that acknowledged the violation.
  • 3: the number of notices of violation issued by CENRO Cebu City.
  • 1: the number of cease and desist orders issued to the developer.
  • 15: the day of the month (August 15) when the ECC was suspended.
  • 2024: the year the project was found to be in violation of environmental regulations.

Sources:

  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
  • Presidential Decree 1586
  • Environmental Management Bureau
  • Protected Area Management Board
  • CENRO Cebu City