Ancestral house of Gregoria de Jesus reportedly demolished without permits

Historical advocates have expressed concern over the reported ongoing demolition of the De Jesus-Del Rosario-Lucena Ancestral House in Bilibid Viejo, Manila, once owned by Philippine revolutionary figure Gregoria de Jesus, also known as “Oriang.”

The 150-year-old structure is reportedly being demolished without the required permits or clearances.

History advocate Diego Gabriel Torres said he noticed portions of the house being gradually dismantled since March.

Barangay Captain Cecilio Mateo and the Manila Department of Engineering and Public Works confirmed that no demolition permit or historical clearance had been issued or requested for the activity.

Earlier reports said the property’s new owner is allegedly a Chinese national.

Possible violations

Article XIV, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to “foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution” of the country’s historical and cultural heritage.

This is reinforced by Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which prohibits the intentional destruction, alteration, or demolition of cultural properties without a permit from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) or other cultural agencies.

The law also bars the removal or relocation of declared cultural properties without authorization, as well as any renovation or modification that would diminish their historical value.

It applies to cultural properties owned by private individuals, corporations, or the government.

Violators face fines ranging from P200,000 to P1 million and imprisonment of two to 10 years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

GMA News has reached out to the former and current owners of the ancestral house for comment.—MCG, GMA News