Plan to put up sports auditorium in Quezon Memorial Circle opposed

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker opposed on Wednesday a plan to put up a multipurpose auditorium inside the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC).

In a statement, Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Winston Castelo said Quezon City 1st District Rep. Vincent Crisologo’s proposal to build a coliseum in the QMC could bring “havoc” on the “natural park and historic value of the circle.”

“The place would not be appropriate. It would compromise the beauty of the place as serene and tranquil,” said Castelo, who chairs the House committee on Metro Manila development.

In a press conference on Saturday, Crisologo, who is running for Quezon City mayor, said he plans to build an airconditioned, multi-purpose auditorium at the QMC.

“It’s a big space ano, kulang lang sa planning. Kasi ang nangyari noon, may maisipan sila [tapos] tayo rito, may maisipan sila [tapos] tayo roon. There is no general planning. So I think we should re-plan the circle,” he added.

READ: Crisologo wants re-planning of QC Memorial Circle

Crisologo stressed that while cities like Manila, Caloocan, San Juan, and Makati have their own large sports auditoriums and basketball stadiums, Quezon City does not have one.

Castelo, however, argued that QMC is a “passive park designed for walking and promenade.”

“The real purpose of that park is for tranquility and serenity. It’s a passive park where park-goers can promenade,” the lawmaker said.

Castelo also warned that the proposed project would be a “desecration of the remains” of the city’s founding father, former President Manuel L. Quezon.

The construction, he added, could also cause heavier traffic in the area, as well as destroy trees and other plants in the park.

Castelo then suggested that Crisologo’s plan could be put in “some place that would not hamper social and environmental concerns” where “free flow of parking can be ensured.” /je