Big business group hits TRO vs Torre

It stressed that the project “followed all the rules and complied with all relevant laws” and thus obtained a building permit for a 49story residential condominium in July 2012 (during the term of then Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim).

It also pointed out that the Rizal Monument was declared a national monument on April 13, 2013, and that Torre’s location (Barangay 660-A, Zone A, Ermita; behind the old Jai Alai property) is not designated as a heritage zone, cultural property or historical landmark.

The company also maintained that the National Historical Commis- sion of the Philippines issued a clearance for the project on Nov. 6, 2012, saying it was outside the boundaries of Rizal Park, “well to the rear of the Rizal Monument and hence cannot possibly obstruct the front view.”

As to criticism that the project “photobombs” or ruins the background of the iconic Rizal Monument, it said: “View is subjective. It is a matter of perspective. Since the housing project is around 800 meters behind the Rizal Monument, finding good and unobstructed angles when taking photos of, or with, the monument could be easily done.”

“There is also no legal definition or regulation for ‘visual corridors’ in the Philippines,” DMCI added.

It also cited national monuments in other countries that are “visibly surrounded by tall buildings” but have remained historical, cultural and tourism treasures “despite such obstructions.”

The examples given were the Heroes of Iquique Monument in Chile, the Monument to the People’s Heroes in China, the National Monuments of Indonesia and Malaysia, the Angel of Independence in Mexico, and the National Monument on Dam Square in the Netherlands.