Miriam wants planned car park near Banaue Rice Terraces probed

To prevent a scenario similar to the controversial Torre de Manila and the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Luneta Park, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is urging the Senate to probe into the reported plan to build a multi-level car park building near the Banaue Rice Terraces.

 

In Senate Resolution 1544, Santiago said the residents have allegedly lodged a complaint with the lfugao Regional Trial Court to stop the project citing the absence of local consultations and environmental impact assessment.

 

“[The] Banaue Rice Terraces (is) a local tourist spot inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and declared as a National Cultural Treasure by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260,” she said.

 

The residents claimed that there were irregularities involving the loan for the project, noting that the funds were disbursed by state-owned lender Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) while Ordinance No. 16, which authorized the municipal mayor to borrow the money, was still being reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Santiago noted.

 

The local government reportedly defended the construction of the parking building by saying it will encourage tourists to stay longer in the town and that consultations where held in 2013, according to the senator.

 

“The six-story car park building allegedly threatens to impede the view of the terraces, weaken its structural integrity, cause irreparable damage to the environs, and create more traffic congestion in the area once built,” Santiago said.

 

Congress must strengthen existing laws that protect heritage and cultural sites amid the rampant construction being done near important areas and landmarks, the senator said.

 

Legislation is necessary to set the guidelines for the documents that local government units must present when borrowing funds from banks, she said.

 

The 49-story Torre de Manila condominium has been tagged as a photobomber for marring the sight of the Rizal monument.

 

The Supreme Court earlier stopped the construction of the building and is now hearing arguments on the case. – Amita Legaspi/VS, GMA News