Lim, Erap Estrada both gave DMCI permission to build Torre de Manila 

(Updated 12:36 a.m., June 19) Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and former Mayor Alfredo Lim both admitted giving developer D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI Homes) the go signal for construction on Torre de Manila, the 46-storey condominium that destroys the view of the Rizal Monument, and over which the two have been trading blame.

 

Estrada, in an interview on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho", said, however, that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines may be to blame for saying construction would not affect the iconic monument to the country's national hero.

 

In a separate interview on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho", Lim stressed that DMCI was granted an exemption from zoning laws and that the developer had complied with all requirements before construction began.

 

"Kumpleto sa papeles iyan eh. Hindi naman maitatayo iyan ng kulang ang papeles," Lim who said earlier Thursday that his administration had only approved construction of up to 19 floors.

 

Estrada, who ran against Lim in 2013 and won, however showed the media copies of the building permit that Lim signed, which indicated approval of construction of a 49-storey condominium building.

Asked to confirm that he approved construction, Lim responded: "Oo. Tama iyon. Na-aprubahan ng 49 floors dahil kasi nga nakakuha ng permiso."

DMCI promoted Torre de Manila as a 46-storey building on its website in 2014.

Lim added he and Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau head Gemma Cruz-Araneta even surveyed the area where the Torre de Manila was to be built.

He said the area where Torre de Manila was to be built was well outside Rizal Park.

 

Lim added the condominium, as well as other high-rise buildings along Manila's streets are a sign of the city's economic development.

 

Mayor Estrada has pointed out that approval for construction was given during his predecessor's time, but Lim said that Estrada's administration could have stopped construction if it found anything amiss.

The City Council did that in November 2013.

 

Estrada: Building lacked a zoning permit

 

Estrada hinted Thursday night that Lim had had approval of the condominium project rushed, and showed a copy of the building permit that had "priority" written on it.

He said the new City Council had had to have construction suspended in late 2013 because the building lacked a zoning permit.

 

"Pinatigil namin. Inayos ang zoning permit," he said.

Construction on Torre de Manila resumed in January 2014 after a zoning permit was issued. 
"Nireview at nilagay sa ayos," Estrada said.

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against construction on Tuesday and the order has prompted the brewing word war between Estrada and Lim. 

 

Earlier in the day, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno pointed out that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines also approved the project.

 

"Sila iyong ahensya ng gobyerno na nangangalaga ng mga historical sites. Sino ba naman kami para sila sitahin?" he said.

 

In a letter sent to DMCI in November 2012, NHCP said: "Your project site is outside the boundaries of Rizal Park... Hence, it cannot possibly obstruct the front view of the said National Monument." It was signed by NHCP chair Dr. Mario Serena Diokno.

 

However, NHCP's very own "Guidelines on Monuments Honoring National Heroes, Illustrious Filipinos and other Personages" said that vista points and visual corridors to monuments should be clear for "unobstructed viewing appreciation and photographic opportunities."

 

Asked whether the NHCP's position may have led to the problem that the city and DMCI face now, Estrada said: "Palagay ko yun nga rin ang problema. Nabasa din namin iyan eh."

But Estrada said that the issue is now up to the Supreme Court, which has set oral arguments on June 30. — JDS, GMA News