SC to NCCA: Explain halt order vs Torre de Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) ordered the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) yesterday to explain its order last month stopping the construction of the 46-story Torre de Manila Condominium for ruining the Rizal monument’s sight line.

The justices gave the NCCA 10 days to submit an explanation for its issuance of a cease and desist order (CDO) against property developer DMCI Homes Inc., SC spokesman Theodore Te said.

NCCA chair Felipe de Leon Jr. issued the CDO on Jan. 5 while the SC has yet to rule on a petition filed by the Knights of Rizal in September last year for a temporary restraining order to stop the construction of the condominium.

The commission stands as an intervenor-respondent in the case before the high tribunal. 

De Leon said the construction of the building by DMCI violates Republic Act 10066, which protects the physical integrity of heritage sites, as well as the constitutional provision on the preservation of cultural landmarks.