Transfer of Boni Shrine opposed

Caloocan Rep. Enrico Echeverrri has bared his opposition to the transfer of the 96-year-old Bonifacio Shrine in Monumento in the wake of a plan aired by City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo giving way to the expanded line of the Metro Railway Transit (MRT).

Echiverri, Malonzo’s former executive secretary and a long-time friend, said the historic shrine is probably the only historical landmark of which the city can boast.

"Transferring the monument would not be advisable considering its significance to the city populace, particularly for those who have a sense of history," Echiverri said.

"Tinkering with it just to give way to the expansion plans of the MRT, connecting its present line at EDSA to the existing Light Railway Transit (LRT) North Terminal along Rizal Avenue Extension, is something we should think about not only twice but many times over," added Echiverri.

Echiverri said Malonzo’s proposal to transfer the monument could be acceptable if there are no better alternatives.

Even before the controversial issue hit the streets, Echiverri said he has proposed the construction of a circumferential subway for pedestrians to ease the flow of traffic in the area.

Malonzo said earlier that his proposal was just an idea he floated and is not yet final. He reiterated that instead of criticizing him, his critics should come up with better solutions. — Jerry Botial