Court stops construction of Intramuros sports complex

The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has stopped the ongoing construction of the controversial multi-million sports complex in Intramuros.

Manila RTC Judge Antonio Rosales directed Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Robert Dean Barbers and project contractor IA Bosque Corp. to “cease and desist” from continuing with the construction project.

In issuing a temporary restraining order, Rosales said the PTA under Barbers failed to secure the necessary permit for the construction of the sports complex.

Rosales noted that Presidential Decree 161 prohibits any form of construction or repair in Intramuros, which is considered a historical landmark without securing a development permit from the Intramuros Administration (IA). 

He issued the order based on a complaint filed by the IA’s board of administrators represented by its chairman, Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano.

When contacted by The STAR for comment, Barbers said the construction of the sports complex was “above board” and that the PTA complied with all the requirements.

Barbers also questioned that fact that another government agency sought to stop the project.

“I find it so unusual that the Solicitor General who is supposed to defend PTA is also the one representing the other government agency that is suing us. This problem should be resolved by the Office of the President and not the court,” Barbers said.

According to Barbers, the PTA asked the court to dismiss the IA’s petition for lack of merit but they were not given the chance to defend their case.

Barbers added that PTA will file a motion for reconsideration of the court’s ruling. – Mayen Jaymalin, Evelyn Macairan