Ex-tourism chiefs protest Intramuros construction

Former Philippine Tourism Authority general managers yesterday called on Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano to file appropriate charges against incumbent PTA chief Robert Dean Barbers for the "illegal" construction of a sports complex within Intramuros.

In a joint statement, Lito Banayo and Nixon Kua said Barbers has authorized the construction of a sports complex in the driving range area of Intramuros even without the approval of the Intramuros Administration, PTA board. It also had no building permits from the city government, they said.

"We call on Secretary Ace Durano to file appropriate charges against Dean Barbers for violation of several laws. Records clearly show that Barbers acted without authority from IA and PTA board, of which Durano is a member," Banayo said.

Banayo cited Section 7 of Presidential Decree 1616 which states that: "No structure, including stone walls, fences, light or other fixtures, steps and paving shall be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished within Intramuros without the (Intramuros) Administration’s certificate of appropriateness as to external architectural features and its congruity with the historic district, including style, general design and arrangement, types of windows, doors, light and other fixtures and signs, material and location of advertisements and bill posters."

"Secretary Durano must not allow this illegal act of Barbers so unpunished. Barbers desecrated a historic heritage protected by our laws, violated national laws and local ordinances and ignored the disapproval of the project by the IA." Banayo said.

Durano told The STAR that he has ordered Barbers to stop the construction of the sports complex, saying the IA and the PTA board have not approved it.

"(The) Intramuros Administration disapproved that project as it does not comply with its requirements. PTA board never approved that project," Durano said.

"For these two reasons, I issued an order received by GM Barbers’ office in March 5 ordering GM Barbers to stop the construction. He has until March 26 to comply. In the meantime, (the) department (is) investigating the matter to determine proper action to take."