SC justice questions DMCI's defiance of cease and desist order vs. Torre de Manila

Metro Manila  (CNN Philippines) — DMCI representatives continued to defend its 49-storey building in the third Supreme Court hearing on the case on Tuesday afternoon (August 11).

During interpellation, Justice Francis Jardeleza challenged DMCI's decision to defy a cease and desist order issued by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

DMCI lawyer Victor Lazatin argued that the NCCA's authority only covers heritage sites and works of national artists, not on a structure like Torre De Manila which is outside the Rizal Monument's buffer zone.

Justice Antonio Carpio also pointed out that there is no law on the obstruction of the view or sightline of a heritage site.

Lazatin said this is precisely the company's position. Following the principle of "what is not prohibited is allowed," Lazatin said the construction of Torre de Manila should be permitted.

The hearing will resume on August 18, when the officials from the Manila city hall, NCCA and National Museum will testify.