By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Sept. 8 (PNA) — President Benigno Aquino III prefers to wait for the court decision regarding the construction of the 46-storey Torre de Manila condominium and its impact on the sightline of the Rizal monument in Luneta Park, Manila.
In an interview at the head office of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) on Tuesday, the Chief Executive said there is really a need to balance the issue of preserving historically important monuments and to follow local government laws.
He cited a rule in Paris, France that says, “Talks about architecture to preserve the old society and the culture of Paris.”
“So on one hand, I do see merit with the idea that there should be that background to Rizal’s monument that you preserve what we have always known. On the other hand, I have sworn to faithfully execute all the laws of the land, and the other side, does fall a legitimate question,” he said.
The Knights of Rizal has filed before the Supreme Court (SC) a request for the issuance of an Order for “complete demolition” of the unfinished condominium building being put up by DMCI Homes since this allegedly desecrates the view of the iconic Rizal monument.
The President noted that “it seems they (DMCI) went through all of the processes.”
“Zoning is a mandate of the local government unit. They seem to have gotten — at this point in time — all of the permits. So how do we balance the two?” he quipped.
“That’s why we really await how the court will also decide as to how to balance each and everyone’s rights in this particular matter,” he added. (PNA)