DMCI: We complied with law for Torre de Manila permits

Property developer DMCI Homes dismissed the alleged lapses in the permitting process for the construction of the controversial Torre De Manila project in Manila.

 

"We'd like to reiterate that from the time of Mayor Alfredo Lim to Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, we've always done or provided everything that was required of us as far as compliance is concerned," DMCI Homes spokesperson Florence Loreto said. 

 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the zoning and building permits the Manila City government had issued for the 49-storey residential building that supposedly mars the visual corridors of the Rizal Monument in Luneta. 

 

Under the Lim administration, the Manila City Planning and Development Office granted DMCI Homes a zoning permit despite the project exceeding the floor-to-area ratio prescribed under the Manila Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance of 2006. 

 

The company had filed no application for variance or exemption from the provisions of the ordinance, when the city government issued zoning and building permits for the Torre de Manila project. 

 

The city government under the leadership of Lim never called out DMCI Homes for any deficiency in its application for permits, Loreto said. "We would’ve proceeded differently if that wasn't the case."

 

When the Estrada administration ordered a review of building permits issued under the previous administration including that for the Torre de Manila, the company sought for exemption and the city council ratified the permits.

 

"This only shows a clear intent to follow the rule of law right from the start," Loreto said.

 

DMCI Homes also remained firm that no law protecting virtual heritage zones was violated with the construction of Torre de Manila and that the project area was classified as a university cluster zone.

 

"There is no mention of a histo-cultural zone or PUD where the project is located. This issue only highlights the need for clear, specific and coordinated laws and guidelines," Loreto said.