Slater Young Breaks Silence on Cebu Flooding Controversy
SLATER YOUNG – An ex-PBB winner and engineer has spoken publicly for the first time regarding the controversy linking his family’s development project, Monterrazas de Cebu, to the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Tino.
The issue arose after devastating floods hit Cebu on November 4, 2026, resulting in nearly 100 deaths and widespread damage. Many residents and online users blamed the mountainside project, claiming that land development and tree cutting may have worsened the flooding.
In a video statement released on April 19, 2026, Slater expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, acknowledging the tragedy and the losses suffered. He explained that he and his family initially chose to remain silent while investigations were ongoing, even as they faced heavy criticism. According to him, they wanted facts and scientific findings to come first before making any statements.
Slater clarified that an independent study conducted by experts from the University of the Philippines found no evidence that the Monterrazas project caused or worsened the flooding. Instead, the report concluded that the disaster was primarily due to an unusually large volume of rainfall brought by the typhoon—equivalent to more than a month’s worth of rain falling in just one day. The findings suggested that flooding would have occurred regardless of the development.
He further shared that the project’s drainage and water management systems actually helped reduce the impact of the flooding. The study indicated that the site’s detention ponds were able to capture and slowly release almost all excess rainwater, preventing it from rushing downhill all at once.
Earlier, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources temporarily halted the project and conducted its own investigation, which identified some violations. However, after compliance and review, the agency later allowed the development to continue.
Slater emphasized the importance of relying on verified information and urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation. He also thanked those who supported his family during the difficult period and expressed his commitment to being part of real solutions to prevent similar disasters in the future.