Isko Moreno will not allow another ‘photobomber’ in a Manila heritage site
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said Thursday that he will not allow another “photobomber” in any of Manila’s heritage sites under his term.
Moreno issued the statement after his office received a report that there are plans to construct a high-rise building that could be a “photobomber” for Quiapo Church.
Moreno said the public has already expressed dissent about structures obscuring the view of heritage sites in the city.
“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 on the sidelines of his visit at the Manila Zoo.
(The first application is for nine-story structures, then it became 12, now there are plans to raise it to 37. It’s a good thing, the permits for nine-story buildings have not been finalized. Permits for 12-story buildings are now being discussed, but I think 37 is not acceptable.)
“Minsan nang nag-alimpuyo ang damdamin ng tao sa mga photobomber issue. Kami nag-iingat. (The photobomber issue has angered the public. We are cautious.) At the same time we are trying to fulfill our commitment in protecting the remaining heritage of the City of Manila,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementMoreno said that it the residents of Quiapo had informed him about the planned construction of the 37-story building.
Article continues after this advertisementHe said the construction might also go against the limit in that particular zone. Moreno, however, did not provide more information about the construction.
“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,” he said.
In 2014, a 49-story condominium was partially built 870 meters away from the Rizal Monument and around 30 meters away from the outermost edge of the Rizal Park.
DMCI Project Developers Inc., the developer of the P2.7-billion Torre de Manila, argued that there is no legal basis to use aesthetics as a reason to stop the construction of a building.
READ: Torre de Manila developer: Photobombing not against the law
The construction, however, drew flak from various groups and several senators.
READ: Senate to probe Manila condo project
In his inauguration speech last Sunday, Moreno vowed to revive Manila’s heritage spots, particularly parks and museums. He said he wants residents of his city to rekindle their interest in historic sites. (Editor: Eden Estopace)
