House approves bill ‘protecting’ cultural structures from obstructions

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill that protects the physical integrity of cultural property from any kind of obstruction.

House Bill 8829 or the Cultural Property Sightline Act obtained 210 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions. The bill amends Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

The measure seeks the prohibition of any real estate development that could ruin or obstruct the view, vista, sightline, or setting of the country's national shrines, monuments, landmarks, and other cultural properties.

It also aims to expand Section 20 of the RA 10066 to include national historical landmarks, shrines, monuments, and sites that should not be relocated or altered through any substantive development that will adversely affect their visual impact.

The bill also amends Section 48 of the said law, which will prohibit any construction of structures that will cause an adverse visual impact on any cultural property.

Another important provision of the bill is that it mandates local government units to pass ordinances that will protect cultural properties in their respective jurisdictions.

To recall, the construction of the Torre De Manila, a 49-story condominium, was criticized for ruining the sightline of the Rizal Monument in Luneta.

A petition was filed before the Supreme Court seeking to halt the construction of the building.

Later on, the SC dismissed the petition and allowed the resumption of the condominium's construction. — DVM, GMA News