Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 4) — Newly-elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he will not allow the construction of a new “photobomber” that would disrupt the view of one of the city’s heritage sites.
At an ocular visit to Manila Zoo, Moreno told reporters that his office had gotten wind of a plan to construct a 37-story building near Quiapo Church.
“Ang unang application 9, tapos naging 12, tapos ngayon gagawin nang 37. Buti na lang di pa nafi-finalize, ang nabigyan ng permit sa nuebe, ngayon dinidiscuss yung dose, pero yung trenta’y siete hindi ata katanggap-tanggap yun,” Moreno said.
[Translation: When they first applied for permits, they said it would be nine stories, now 12, then they’re planning to turn it into 37. It’s a good thing the plans weren’t final yet. They were granted a permit for nine stories, we’re discussing the 12 story plan, but 37, I don’t think we can accept that.]
He added that the people have clearly made their feelings about “photobombing” structures, those that obscure the view of heritage sites, known.
“Minsan nang nag-alimpuyo ang damdamin ng tao sa mga photobomber issue. Kami nag-iingat. At the same time we are trying to fulfill our commitment in protecting the remaining heritage of the City of Manila,” he said.
[Translation: People had previously flew into a rage over a photobomber issue. That’s why we’re careful.]
In 2017, the Supreme Court junked the petition to halt the construction of the controversial Torre de Manila building, which was within the line of sight of the Rizal Monument. National hero Jose Rizal’s remains are interred in the monument, which is near the site of his execution by a firing squad on December 30, 1896.
Construction of the building was approved by the Manila zoning board in January 2014, after it had previously been suspended in November 2013 for violating zoning laws.
Moreno said that the Quiapo community had told him about the possible construction of a building that might go against the limit set in that particular zone.
“Dapat kasi yung katamtaman lang. At kung meron man, as a matter of commitment, pwede naming baguhin sa Konseho ng Manila ang zoning just to protect our heritage,” Moreno said on the zoning limits in the proposed Quiapo highrise.
[Translation: Buildings there have to be medium sized. And if there’s a need, as a matter of commitment, we can through the Manila City Council change the zoning in an area just to protect our heritage.]
On Manila Zoo, Moreno said that he plans to have it re-opened but only after the city has addressed the issues pointed out by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The zoo was among the areas flagged by DENR as contributing to the pollution of Manila Bay, for not having a proper sewerage system.
READ: DENR: Commercial areas, residences pollute bacteria-infested Manila Bay
