Construction to resume on Manila’s 'photobomber' apartment building after conservationists lose bid to tear it down
Building work on the 49-storey Torre de Manila has remained stalled for years
A high-rise condominium dubbed “the national photobomber” will continue to loom over a historic Philippine monument after the Supreme Court struck down a bid by conservationists to have it torn down.
The partially-built 49-storey Torre de Manila, which protrudes over the skyline of the capital, has risen to overshadow the tomb of national hero Jose Rizal - one of the country’s most photographed monuments.
Building work has remained stalled for years after conservationists brought a lawsuit in 2014 complaining that the tower breached city building codes, leading the Supreme Court to issue an injunction preventing its completion while it reviewed the case.
But in a statement Tuesday it said it had no jurisdiction over the issue.
“The Court also found that there is no law that prohibits the construction of the challenged Torre de Manila,” the court added.
