House panel to invite Isko Moreno to hearing on Torre de Manila controversy

A House panel will seek explanation from Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno regarding the city council's decision to revise the local zoning policy, which paved the way for the construction of the controversial Torre de Manila building.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, chairman of the committee on Metro Manila development, told reporters Thursday that Moreno will be among the key city officials who will be invited to appear on its next hearing on the condominium's construction, temporarily scheduled for next week.

"We hope that he will tell everything to the best of his knowledge so that we can be enlightened why DMCI was allowed to construct its condominium building, which is now an eyesore to Dr. Rizal’s monument,” he said.

DMCI refers to D.M. Consunji Inc., the property developer in the condominium project.

Aside from Moreno, the committee has also invited Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and his predecessor, Alfredo Lim, to shed light on the controversy.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza, a former Manila mayor, earlier called for Moreno to be invited to the House panel's succeeding hearings, saying he is more knowledgeable and competent to answer questions on the city's zoning policy as he is the head of the Manila City Council.

He said the vice mayor should explain why the new rules now require contractors and developers to secure clearance from the city council before proceeding with their projects.

Atienza claimed Moreno initiated the move to revise the original zoning policy used in granting building permits to favor DMCI.

Under Ordinance 8119, otherwise known as the Manila Comprehensive Land Use Plan, buildings can go beyond the allowable height limit if the developer seeks an exemption from the Manila Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals (MZBAA).

In November 2014, the Manila City Council unanimously voted to suspend the DMCI's building permit for Torre de Manila after it was found to have violated local zoning rules and following uproar of from the public and heritage conservationists.

But on January 24, 2015, the MZBAA reconsidered the suspension after DMCI appealed for an exemption to local zoning laws.

The necessary permits were eventually granted to DMCI for the Torre de Manila project and it was cleared of any violation of the National Building Code.

The Supreme Cour last week issued a temporary restraining order barring DMCI from proceeding with Torre de Manila's construction “until further notice from the court.” —KBK, GMA News