The Controversial Case of Torre de Manila

An Essay Explaining Why Construction of Torre de Manila should Stopped for Good
Author/s:

John Ray E. Calasicas

Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines
calasicasjohnray@gmail.com

Abstract:

This paper will discuss why Torre de Manila is not worth saving. This paper aims to explain why Torre de
Manila needs to be demolished without using the Rizal Monument as a point of view in relaying the facts
supporting the demolition of the said structure.

Keywords:

Torre de Manila, demolition, Rizal Monument

INTRODUCTION
Torre de Manila is a high-rise condominium under construction under the DMCI as the developer. It
became a highly controversial project not only because it photobombs the Rizal Monument viewing
corridor but also because of the fact that it bypass the local zoning ordinance of the city of Manila. The
developer was able to secure a construction permit and even started the construction, where in the first place
there is a standing local zoning ordinance forbidding this type of construction in the area. This proves that
the issue is bigger than what meets the eye.

CONTENT
Torre de Manila, the controversial tower to be. Is it worth saving to finish its construction or should it be
demolished. A structure that cause so much controversy even before it is inaugurated. Is it because of legal
issues? Environmental factors? Cultural factors? Aesthetic factors? Or just pure sentimentality of the
Filipinos?
Most Filipino has only the Rizal Monument as an argument in this debate. The avoidance of the point being
the Rizal Monument as an argument is observed, to avoid using the sentimentality of Filipinos as a factor. It
is to be able to determine if there are other valid points supporting the demolition of the Torre de Manila.
The main argument supporting the demolition of Torre de Manila is a legal argument between the People of
the Philippines and a big corporation. It is in simple words violated several laws, including the local zoning
ordinance that allows only schools and government buildings of up to seven stories to be built in that part of
Manila. (Inquirer 2015)
Although DMCI, the developer of the project were able to secure permits and applied for zoning variance or
exception. It became clear in hearings at the Supreme Court that, Manila city legal officer Jose Alberto
Flaminiano admitted that at the time the permits were granted, DMCI had not yet applied for a variance.
The approval of the Manila Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals (MZBAA) came in 2014. (Rappler
2015)
So how did they able to secure construction permits if they are violating the local zoning ordinance in the
first place? Is it another under the table transaction gone bad? Another corruption case which is not
uncommon here in our country. Should we let the construction continue just because it is already halfway
there? The people of the Philippines should not let this injustice push through, our government should set an
example and show the public that big corporations have no power over the law.
Our government should turn this bad events into an opportunity to show the public how our government
handles case like this against the public which involves corruption. Our government need to stop the main
problem first and foremost. Our government need to completely stop the construction and demolish the
existing structure that is already built.

The Controversial Case of Torre de Manila

An Essay Explaining Why Construction of Torre de Manila should Stopped for Good
How about the resources to be wasted if the structure will be demolished? Who is DMCI? per its website,
has constructed the largest number of commercial establishments, high-rise offices and residential
condominiums and infrastructure projects in the Philippines, as it has literally created todays Makati
Central Business and Ortigas Center financial districts, and continues to do so. (Inquirer 2015)
On top of its profitable construction business, the group is engaged, by itself or in partnership with other
companies, in mining, water supply, power generation, toll operation and other related businesses. The
conglomerate is oozing with money so much so that its founder, David Consunji, is in this years Forbes
list as one of 10 richest Filipinos based on the value of his DMCI stocks. The aggregate value of and
expected profits from Torre de Manila would probably be a drop in the bucket of the treasure chest of the
conglomerate. (Inquirer 2015)
The cost of Torre de Manila per DMCI standards, is just a low percentage to affect the people in the bottom
of their company, DMCI can afford to halt the construction of Torre de Manila without hurting their bottom
feeder workers.
Looking into it deeply we cannot fault solely on the developer for insisting this project to push through
because their main goal for this project is business, they are just doing what they are supposed to do, to get
returns for their investments. The fault must be shared to the city officials responsible for the lapses that
happened. Whether it is just lapses of responsibilities or intentional the local government must somehow
subsidize the demolition process because they are also at fault and the official responsible must be relieved
of service in order to avoid or lessen this type of controversy.

CONCLUSION
The construction of Torre de Manila is illegal and therefore should face legal actions. The construction
should be completely stopped and the existing construction remnants should be demolished. In doing so the
government can show the people how they manage such cases and setting as an example that no one is
above the law even big corporations. If the government can implement this solution this will also solve a
greater problem which is the distrust of the people in the government.

REFERENCES
Philippine Daily Inquirer (2015), What Went Before: The saga of Torre de Manila, Retrieved on March
22, 2016 from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/698994/what-went-before-the-saga-of-torre-de-manila
Rappler (2015), TIMELINE: The Torre de Manila case, Retrieved on March 22, 2015, from
http://www.rappler.com/nation/104667-torre-de-manila-dmci-supreme-court-timeline
Philippine Daily Inquirer (2015), Photobomb at Rizal monument, Retrieved on March 22, 2016 from
http://business.inquirer.net/193918/photobomb-at-rizal-monument
Philippine Daily Inquirer (2015), Photobomb at Rizal monument, Retrieved on March 22, 2016 from
http://business.inquirer.net/193918/photobomb-at-rizal-monument