Panel returns Carbon Market ECC request to Cebu2World for reevaluation
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A Council committee here has returned Cebu2World Development Inc.’s request for a Certificate of Endorsement supporting its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) application for the Carbon Market Redevelopment Project, saying the company should first reevaluate its submission and incorporate recommendations before lawmakers take further action.
The Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Styling, chaired by Councilor Mikel Rama, stopped short of recommending approval or denial of the request.
It emphasized instead that its review focused only on procedural compliance with environmental laws and local government processes, not on the technical merits of the project’s environmental application.
The committee’s report stemmed from a letter submitted by Cebu2World Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Jynx Chanjueco requesting the City’s endorsement in support of the company’s ECC application for the redevelopment of the Carbon Market.
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No ruling on Carbon Market ECC merits
In its report, the committee clarified that it did not assess whether the project qualifies for an Environmental Compliance Certificate or whether the proposed redevelopment satisfies environmental standards.
Instead, it limited its review to explaining the legal and procedural requirements governing ECC applications.
“The Committee understands that it is only tasked to inform the relevant stakeholders on the procedural aspect” of Cebu2World’s ECC application, the report said.
It added that questions regarding the validity or propriety of issuing an ECC fall within the jurisdiction of government agencies and technical bodies with expertise in environmental regulation, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).
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Sent back to Cebu2World for reevaluation
Rather than endorsing the request, the committee recommended returning the matter to Cebu2World and Chanjueco “for their information, reevaluation, and incorporation” of the committee’s recommendations and amendments to refine the measure before further legislative consideration.
The report did not specify deficiencies in the company’s environmental documents or identify any environmental violations.
Instead, it outlined the standard process that proponents must follow when applying for an ECC under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.
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ECC remains a DENR function
The committee underscored that local governments do not issue Environmental Compliance Certificates.
Under existing environmental laws, only the DENR-EMB has the authority to evaluate applications, conduct technical reviews, and issue an ECC if a project meets environmental requirements.
The report cited Presidential Decree No. 1586, which established the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System and requires environmentally critical projects and projects located in environmentally critical areas to secure an ECC before construction or operation.
It also cited DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2007-08, which states that national agencies should not require permits or clearances from other government offices or local government units as prerequisites for processing ECC or Certificate of Non-Coverage applications.
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LGU plays supporting role
While the City Government cannot issue an ECC, the committee said local governments still play an important role in the environmental review process.
According to the report, LGUs participate in stakeholder consultations, ensure that projects comply with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and zoning ordinances, issue local permits and clearances within their authority, and provide endorsements or certifications when required.
The committee also outlined the standard ECC application process, beginning with determining whether a project falls under the Philippine EIS System, followed by an Environmental Impact Assessment, preparation of environmental reports, submission of the application to the DENR-EMB, technical review and public consultation when necessary, and finally the issuance or denial of an ECC.
For detailed procedures, the committee referred project proponents to the EMB’s Revised Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under the Philippine EIS System.
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Cebu2World sought city endorsement
In its October 7, 2025 letter to Mayor Nestor Archival, Cebu2World requested a Certificate of Endorsement to support its Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Checklist for the Carbon Market Redevelopment Project.
The company said the endorsement would certify that the proposed development conforms with Cebu City’s land use plan and that the local government has no objection to the project, as required by the DENR-EMB for its application.
Cebu2World also noted that previous developments within the Carbon Market redevelopment area had received Certificates of Non-Coverage from DENR-EMB Region 7.
The committee report now returns the request to the project proponent for further review before the City Council considers any legislative action.
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