By Perfecto T. Raymundo
MANILA, June 16 (PNA) — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday stopped the construction of the controversial Torre De Manila located near the Rizal Monument, Luneta Park, Manila.
This was six months after the petition against the said condominium was filed before the SC by the Order of the Knights of Rizal.
Likewise, the SC also ordered the conduct of oral argument in the case on June 30, 2015 at 2 p.m.
During the SC en banc deliberations on Tuesday, the result of the voting was 8-5 wherein the magistrates, who are in favor to issue issue a temporary restraining order (TRO), prevailed stopping the construction of Torre de Manila even if without the oral argument.
The petitioners argued that once the construction of Torre De Manila is completed, the view of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, which is considered as an important landmark or structure in the country, will be destroyed forever.
They added that the Rizal Monument should be given importance because it symbolizes the Filipino race and the nation’s identity.
They further argued that the construction of Torre De Manila violates Republic Act No. 4846, or the “Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act”, as well as RA No. 10066, or the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”, which provides protection to “National Cultural Heritages”.
They also said that even the 1987 Constitution provides for the protection and promotion of national cultural heritages.
They added that the project is also considered as an “nuisance” because based on Article 694 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, it destroys or brings about dismay to morality.
In the case of Torre De Manila, they said, it brings about dismay to every Filipino who honors the heroism of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
They added that the construction of Torre De Manila also violates the Manila Zoning Ordinance. (PNA)