By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — The Senate committee on education, arts and culture will investigate today the construction of a 46-storey condominium near the Rizal Park on Taft Avenue here.
Sen. Pia Cayetano, committee chair, urged the government to review the country’s policies on the preservation of historical landmarks.
She said the construction of David M. Consunji, Inc. (DCMI) Homes’ Torre de Manila Condominium “destroys” and “accords little respect” to the statue of the National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, and the country’s history.
The condominium, whose construction started early this year, may have violated the height-floor area ratio under the Manila Zoning Ordinance, she said.
In 2012, Manila tour guide Carlos Celdran filed an online petition to block the erection of the “ugly private” building. Some 8,000 people signed.
DMCI Homes should find a new lot for its high-rise building instead, Celdran suggested.
“Not only is this building offensive to our National Hero, our national identity, and all things good and true, but it is also a ridiculous investment,” his petition read.
Last year the Sangguniang Panlungsod here suspended the construction of the condominium for violating zoning rules and possibly ruining the Rizal monument.
This year the Manila Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeal lifted the suspension, exempting the construction firm from the local zoning laws.
“The memorial monument of Jose Rizal and its historical value must be protected to preserve its historical value,” said Cayetano./PN
