Council flags construction condominium-mall in Busay

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has flagged the construction of a 33-storey condominium tower to be complemented with a shopping mall, citing risks of paralyzing mobility in the area and potential compromise of the city’s zoning compliance.

This stemmed from the privilege speech of Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, who presented the project by Grand Land Inc. in partnership with the Gaisano Grand Group before the body.

In his speech, the project has drawn scrutiny from councilors who raised issues ranging from traffic congestion and zoning compliance to water supply and environmental risks.

The council then agreed to summon representatives from the City Administrator’s Office, City Planning and Development Office, Cebu City Transportation Office, Department of Engineering and Public Works, Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and officials of Barangay Busay for an executive session to dive deeper into the project’s compliance and implications on March 3, 2026.

Alcover first cited concern over the narrow and steep roads of the barangay’s neighboring areas, particularly in the Transcentral Highway - factors, he added, that could lead to traffic congestion should the mall component of the development be realized.

He urged a halt to the mall development until a credible traffic impact assessment, environmental review, and alignment with the city’s CLUP are ensured.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, for his part, also pressed for clarity on parking provisions and water sources for the planned 900 condominium units, noting that upland areas such as Busay already face water scarcity.

“Where are you going to get water for 900 units? There’s no water in Busay,” Osmeña asked, underscoring resource constraints.

Councilor Sisinio Andales countered Alcover’s position, saying the project would bring economic activity and jobs, particularly benefiting residents of Lahug and Busay.

He argued that development should not be disrupted when it promises opportunities for tourism and livelihood.

Councilor Joel Garganera, however, stressed the environmental dimension, even recalling that he had called for a moratorium on upland development in light of earthquake risks and warning that hillside projects must be revisited to ensure safety.

Councilor Harold Go confirmed that the project had earlier secured a variance from the zoning board but emphasized that final approval rests with the council.

He noted that the developer should be given a chance to explain its compliance measures before the body.

Just last week, Councilor Nice Archival, in an interview, revealed that she has been considering an ordinance to limit building heights in upland areas to three floors, citing earthquake and landslide risks.

She said hillside communities are vulnerable and must be protected through stricter regulations on construction.

For Alcover, the issue is not about rejecting progress but ensuring that development remains responsible, sustainable, and aligned with Cebu City’s long-term land-use plan. — Preciosa Bacalso