Solons urge NHCP to stop Torre de Manila construction

Lawmakers on Monday called on the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to put its feet down and stop DMCI Homes from completing the construction of a 47-storey condominium building, which can be seen in the background of the Rizal Monument.

“[We’re] inclined to urge NHCP to issue a CDO (cease and desist order) on DMCI due to alleged misrepresentation,” Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, Metro Manila Development committee chairman, said noting that the property developer had failed to secure an exemption to a 2006 Manila zoning ordinance imposing a seven-storey height limit for residential projects.

The lawmaker said it was also apparent during the committee hearing that DMCI’s request for exemption did not undergo public hearings as required by law.

Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) chairperson Gemma Cruz-Araneta told lawmakers she never received an invitation to any public hearing on the developer’s petition.

“I was then working for the City of Manila as part of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission (MHHC) but I was not invited to any type of public hearing. The only time I was invited by [a councilor] was to ask for my opinion, but it wasn’t a public hearing,” she said.

Torre de Manila has been dubbed by netizens as “Terror de Manila” and “Pambansang Photobomb” because it mars the visual corridors or vista of Rizal's monument in Luneta Park.

DMCI: We complied with requirements

DMCI, however, maintained its construction of Torre de Manila was above board since it was able to secure all the necessary permits and documents.

"DMCI complied with all the licenses and permits required by the City of Manila and the national government,” said its legal counsel Leonid Nolasco.

The lawyer said DMCI also took the zoning ordinance into consideration when it applied for a building permit, but was able to secure an exemption.

A provision in the city zoning ordinance allows individuals to seek an exemption to the height restriction from the Manila Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals, to be approved by the city council.

Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz took the NHCP to task for its failure to stop the construction of Torre de Manila, which is now 23-storeys tall.

"You’ve been issuing CDOs all over the place, but why can't you stop DMCI's project despite the strong opposition from several sectors?" he asked.  

Wait for SC ruling
 
Former Manila mayor and incumbent Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, described the Torre de Manila as a “monstrosity” that spoils the iconic view of the Rizal Monument.

"We only have one Luneta, one Bagumbayan. The monument of our national hero is overshadowed by the huge building behind it. [Torre de Manila] desecrates, disfigures and disrespects the visual value of our national hero's monument," he said.

Nolasco said the construction of Torre de Manila is still ongoing.

When asked if the agency is open to issuing a CDO against DMCI to halt the construction of Torre de Manila, NHCP Deputy Executive Director Carminda Arevalo said it will wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on a case filed by Knights of Rizal against DMCI over the project.

The group said the building “should be demolished... to clear the view of the Rizal Monument and the Rizal Park for posterity."

Upon further insistence by lawmakers, however, Arevalo said the NHCP board will discuss the issue in its November 22 meeting. — JDS, GMA News