Santa Fe, Cebu — Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro has directed Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar Espinosa to immediately suspend the construction of the controversial Stria Hotel and condominium project, citing multiple violations of environmental and zoning regulations.
In her August 18 letter, the governor reminded Mayor Espinosa of his duty under the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) and warned of legal repercussions if he fails to implement the suspension order.
“Failure to comply with this directive shall be deemed willful disobedience under Section 60 of RA 7160 and may compel this Office to endorse the matter to the DILG Region 7 for administrative proceedings, without prejudice to other legal remedies,” Gov. Baricuatro stated.
The Controversial Stria Project
The Stria project, developed by Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp., has been under public scrutiny since reports surfaced that its construction exceeded the three-storey clearance granted by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
Despite the clearance limitation, Stria is reportedly building an 11-storey structure along Santa Fe’s coastline — raising alarms from environmental groups, residents, and provincial officials concerned about ecological damage and regulatory circumvention.
Governor’s Orders: Suspension and Transparency
Governor Baricuatro’s directive outlines three critical actions for Santa Fe’s local government:
- Immediate suspension of construction activities at the Stria site.
- Submission of all public documents related to the project, including zoning clearances, Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), and permits, within five working days.
- Coordination with the DENR-EMB Region 7 for technical validation of the project’s compliance with environmental regulations, particularly regarding the salvage zone (easement from the shoreline) and height restrictions.
These measures, the governor emphasized, aim to protect Santa Fe’s fragile environment and ensure that developers are held accountable.
Legal Basis: Section 60 of RA 7160
Governor Baricuatro anchored her directive on Section 60 of the Local Government Code, which empowers provincial governors to discipline municipal officials for neglect of duty, abuse of authority, or willful disobedience.
By formally warning Mayor Espinosa, the governor positioned the matter within the framework of administrative accountability. Should the mayor ignore the order, the case may be elevated to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7, potentially leading to administrative sanctions.
Legal experts note that this firm stance underscores the governor’s authority to safeguard both governance and environmental integrity at the local level (RA 7160).
Environmental Concerns at the Core
Environmentalists have long warned that Santa Fe’s coastline — known for its white sand beaches and biodiversity — is under pressure from unchecked development.
Key issues raised about Stria include:
- Violation of salvage zone easements (20 meters from the shoreline under Philippine law).
- Height restrictions that limit coastal construction to lower-rise structures.
- Risk to marine ecosystems, as taller buildings may require deep foundations that disturb natural habitats.
- Carrying capacity of Bantayan Island, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously declared as ecologically sensitive.
The DENR’s Administrative Order 2009-09 limits development in protected areas, but Fifth Avenue argued it only applies to government property. Governor Baricuatro’s move suggests a stricter reading of compliance requirements, prioritizing ecological protection over developer interpretation.
For context, the DENR-EMB mandates an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) before major projects proceed, ensuring that developments align with national environmental policies (DENR-EMB).
Public Reactions and Local Sentiment
Residents and advocacy groups welcomed Gov. Baricuatro’s intervention.
- Barangay leaders in Santa Fe expressed relief, saying unchecked construction risked eroding their coastlines.
- Environmental coalitions praised the governor’s directive, framing it as a much-needed assertion of provincial oversight in light of “developer overreach.”
- Tourism stakeholders, however, remain divided: while some argue the project could boost Santa Fe’s economy, others fear that environmental degradation would harm the island’s long-term sustainability.
Santa Fe’s Role and Accountability
The spotlight now shifts to Mayor Ithamar Espinosa. His compliance — or refusal — will determine whether the construction halts and whether Santa Fe aligns with provincial and national directives.
Observers note that Espinosa is under pressure: failing to suspend the project risks not only administrative charges but also political fallout among constituents concerned about Santa Fe’s environmental future.
The Bigger Picture: Cebu’s Balancing Act
The Stria controversy mirrors Cebu’s broader struggle to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
Bantayan Island, part of a declared protected seascape, has seen a surge of tourism and resort developments over the past decade. While investments have generated jobs, they have also strained natural resources and sparked disputes over zoning, waste management, and shoreline easements.
This case echoes previous disputes across the Visayas, where local governments grappled with enforcing environmental safeguards while facing pressures from powerful developers.
What Happens Next?
With the suspension order now in place, several next steps loom:
- Santa Fe LGU compliance — Mayor Espinosa must halt construction and forward all permits to the Capitol.
- DENR technical validation — The EMB Region 7 will assess Stria’s adherence to environmental regulations.
- Possible DILG proceedings — If Espinosa fails to comply, Gov. Baricuatro may escalate the case to the DILG for administrative sanctions.
- Public scrutiny — Through platforms like Sumbong sa Pangulo, citizens can monitor infrastructure projects and flag violations (PCO).
Conclusion
Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s decisive order against the Stria construction sends a strong signal: environmental laws and zoning rules are not negotiable, even in the face of powerful developers.
By invoking RA 7160 and directing Santa Fe’s mayor to halt construction, the governor underscores both the rule of law and the province’s responsibility to protect its coastal heritage.
The coming weeks will determine whether Santa Fe’s leadership follows through — and whether Cebu can chart a path where development does not come at the expense of its fragile environment.
