DMCI seeks damages from NCCA

MANILA, Philippines — DMCI Homes Inc., developer of the controversial Torre de Manila, is seeking damages from the National Commission on Culture and Arts over an order halting the building's construction.

DMCI counsel Robert Dio earlier questioned the NCCA for issuing a "cease-and-desist" order against Torre de Manila before the Makati City Regional Trial Court.

Dio argued that the NCCA is not authorized to stop the construction of Torre de Manila, allegedly desecrating the national heritage structure Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, Manila.

The lawyer also also claimed that the cease-and-desist order was only decided by NCCA chair Felipe de Leon and known by the entire board of the NCCA.

READ: NCCA orders halt in construction of Torre de Manila

The NCCA has neither filed its reply on the case despite DMCI's appeal to nullify the order before the Makati court.

In June, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the construction of Torre de Manila deemed to have ruined the view of the skyline behind the Rizal Monument in Manila.

On Tuesday, the high court resumed the third round of the oral arguments on the case against Torre de Manila filed by fraternal organization Knights of Rizal with Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in attendance.