Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A photo of a bustling city.
At the foreground is the Rizal Monument illuminated by lamp posts while towering skyscrapers line behind, piercing the starless night sky.
This is the artist rendition of the Rizal Monument envisioned by Torre de Manila developer DMCI Homes, fitted to its vision of co-existence between cultural heritage and progress.
“Many major cities all over the world have built around their monuments. They prove that the past and the present can go together, that heritage does not hamper progress,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday (July 1).
A presentation made by the company showed photos of national monuments locally and in other countries with buildings in clear view to further emphasize its vision.
The company said Torre de Manila was designed as part of an urban solution to house Manila’s growing population.
It also denied that it is obstructing the vista of the national monument. The controversial condominium was dubbed as the “national photobomber” on social media.
‘ ‘7’: ‘image’: ‘jcr:bbb07e25-126a-4d73-94a7-de762f5f9a81’ ‘imageCaption’: ‘ The Rizal Monument: Then (top) and an artist’s rendition
“‘View’ is subjective. It is a matter of perspective,” DMCI Homes said.
The company, however, was slammed by Sen. Pia Cayetano for suggesting that more skyscrapers be built behind the Rizal Monument.
She also appealed to the public to follow the developments of the Supreme Court case against the property developer, including the oral arguments set for July 21.
Related: Supreme Court stops Torre de Manila construction
“This latest proposal only confirms DMCI’s callousness amid mounting criticisms and objections to its project, not only from Filipinos but also from international heritage institutions like the International Council on Monuments and Sites,” Cayetano said.
“It also shows how DMCI is totally bereft of social responsibility, in light of the real and pressing need to preserve and respect our national heritage.”
The senator further criticized how DMCI encourages more property developers to circumvent Manila’s zoning laws, from which DMCI was questionably granted exemption.
“I’m sorry, but DMCI’s strategy to share the guilt around with other developers in the name of ‘progress’ would not exonerate it from its primary responsibility in the desecration of one of the most sacred icons of our nationhood.”
