QUEZON City, Philippines (August 25) – DMCI Home’s latest one-tower condominium development known as Torre De Manila is under heavy criticism for defacing the view of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park. The 49-storey building, located along Taft Avenue, Manila City is set to rise high behind the statue honoring the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and it had gone viral on the internet and received various comments from the netizens. The building has been termed by the critics as “Terror De Manila” and a “National Photo Bomb” right after cultural activist Carlos Celdran launched an online petition for the suspension of the construction of Torre De Manila.
An intriguing question is why the National Historical Commission of the Philippines or NHCP and Manila City Hall gave their approval despite said building being located in a heritage zone?
This Torre De Manila does not only destroy the view of our hero’s monument but also the view of other historical landmarks. Should it be removed?
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines or NHCP together with the Manila City Hall is said to have given its permit to DMCI Homes for Torre De Manila’s construction, neglecting the law and guidelines they themselves made for the protection of these monuments. The heritage law states that a heritage zone “shall refer to historical, anthropological, archaeological, artistic geographical areas and settings that are culturally significant to the country, as declared by the National Museum and/or the National Historical Institute” (now NHCP).
Now with this law declared by NHCP, how can Torre De Manila be able to build its promising 49 story building? There are requirements needed for one building to be constructed and it is a surprise up until now that the developer of the building was able to provide everything that the government needed in order for them to have a permit. What’s more surprising is that the Manila City Hall and National Historical Commission of the Philippines gave their approval for its construction.
Also, the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, under Article 14, contains provisions which protect the country’s cultural heritage. Section 15 provides that “The state shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.” Section 16 also provides that “All the country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under the protection of the state which may regulate its disposition.”
There were no proper forum conducted but the developer was accused of violating zoning laws. The information provided beforehand didn’t mention the possibility of photo bombing Rizal’s monument in Luneta. The local authorities also didn’t realize that until the actual building’s construction started.
Melvin Balagot, the Manila City Hall official who was tasked to issue building permits was quite correct when he said that the problem with some people is that they want development but they make another issue. But, he is also quite wrong when he insisted that procedures were followed; thus, the construction was approved. Was it approved based on his personal judgment or based on laws and statutes?
Whether or not the building will be turned over in 2017, let’s continue to sign the petition for its suspension in constructing the Torre De Manila but then on the other hand, we still has to respect the decision of the people involved in this issue.
(written by Joana Joyce T. Marcaida, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)
