‘Matanda na, sinungaling pa’ — Erap to Lim

From left: Secretary to the Mayor Edward Serapio, Councilor Joel Chua, and Dennis Lacuna, chief of the City Planning and Development Office. (Photos by Ronelle Socao, Tony Cunanan / Joseph Estrada official Facebook page)

MANILA — Incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada called former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim a liar during a press briefing Thursday.

The press briefing was held to clarify issues after the Supreme Court issued a restraining order against the construction of the 49-story Torre de Manila along Taft Avenue.

“Matanda na, singungaling pa (He’s already old and he’s still a liar)” Estrada said, referring to Lim.

According to Estrada, Lim authorized the construction of Torre de Manila in 2012 by vetoing Manila Councilor DJ Bagatsing’s Ordinance 8310, which carried instructions from the National Historical Commission. The ordinance prohibits the construction of any structure that may disrupt or obstruct any historical site.

The local government of Manila issued DMCI’s zoning permit on June 19, 2012. The building permit followed on July 5, 2012.

In previous reports, Lim claimed that he only approved the construction of 19 floors. Estrada, claiming that Lim was lying, showed the media the original copy of the permits issued in 2012.

Estrada admitted that he would like the construction of Torre de Manila to resume because it would generate thousands of jobs and even more revenue for the city, but he said the local government will heed the Supreme Court’s decision — even if the SC calls for the demolition of the condominium.

DMCI, who owns the condominium project, has earned flak from numerous concerned organizations, heritage advocates, tourists, and locals. Torre de Manila has been dubbed as the “national photobomber” because its height and size have drastically altered the skyline or background of the Rizal Monument.