Tuesday, June 23, 2015 By JOHN CARLO CAHINHINAN Lawmakers call for demolition of Torre de Manila Tuesday, June 23, 2015 By JOHN CARLO CAHINHINAN The controversial Torre de Manila stands behind the Rizal Monument in the city of Manila. (Photo by Al Padilla/Sunnex) LAWMAKERS called Tuesday for the demolition of Torre de Manila, a high-rise condominium project of property developer D. M. Consunji (DMCI) Homes which is behind the Rizal Monument in the city of Manila. Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo said DMCI should remove the building as it affects the beauty of the country's national landmark. The controversial building has been built right behind the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park. "The nightmare of DMCI will continue if they would not totally remove it. I advise them to voluntarily dismantle it. After all, it would be a big contribution to preserve our cultural heritage and national patrimony," Castelo said. Castelo said the DMCI has violated the law since the company disobeyed the cease and desist order issued by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) last January against the construction of the condominium project. "It's very important for DMCI to know that the preservation of national culture is more important than profit. This is not just about commercialism, but the important issue here is about patrimony, preservation of our heritage and our culture," said Castelo. Last week, the Supreme Court stopped DMCI from continuing with the construction of the controversial building. Akbayan Party-list Representative Ibarra Gutierrez said the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court was for the construction. He said the court could later issue an order for the demolition of the building since it is in the prayer of the petitioners and the DMCI only had permit from the local government, not a clearance from the NCCA as provided for by law. Gutierrez was referring to the National Cultural Heritage law, or the Act Providing for the Protection and Conservation of the National Cultural Heritage and strengthening the NCAA and its affiliated cultural agencies. "We have to remember that the Supreme Court's decision on this will be a test case on how strong the national government can protect our national heritage sites and its skyline, as well as other old buildings of historical significance, against the encroachment of commercialism," said Gutierrez. Meanwhile, Castelo said the House committee on Metro Manila development will summon Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and former Mayor Alfredo next week to shed light on the construction of the building. Castelo said the testimonies of Estrada, Lim and other local officials of the City Government could help provide answers to the questionable construction of the building. Estrada and Lim both admitted giving DMCI the go signal for construction of the 49-storey building. "This not about finger pointing or blame game on who should be held responsible for allowing the construction of the Torre de Manila. This has something to do with the crafting of a new law to protect historical sites," Castelo said. (Sunnex) DISCLAIMER: Sun.Star website welcomes friendly debate, but comments posted on this site do not necessary reflect the views of the Sun.Star management and its affiliates. Sun.Star reserves the right to delete, reproduce or modify comments posted here without notice. Posts that are inappropriate will automatically be deleted. Forum rules: Do not use obscenity. Some words have been banned. Stick to the topic. Do not veer away from the discussion. Be coherent and respectful. Do not shout or use CAPITAL LETTERS! http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/06/23/lawmakers-renew-call-demolition-torre-de-manila-414814