PNoy's Attendance during the Multimedia Forum with Inquirer editors ..., 8 Sept 2015

• published: 08 Sep 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III Attendance during the Multimedia Forum with Inquirer editors, columnists, and reporters, PDI Headoffice, Chino Roces Ave. corner Yague and Mascardo St., Makati City Source: PTV-4 | Transcript below | Audio | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/pnoy/PNoy-Inquirer-2015Sept8.mp3 | TORRE DE MANILA Moderator: Thank you, Secretary Coloma, and welcome again to ‘Meet Inquirer Multimedia.’ It is truly a great honor for us to host today the 15th President of the Philippines and also the fifth President of the Fifth Republic, marking his fifth year in office. Welcome to the Inquirer, Mr. President. We only have an hour for our forum. Let me get things started by asking you something about history, specifically, about Torre de Manila. As a, perhaps you would describe yourself as a victim of history before you became an actor in history, what is your personal position on the construction of Torre de Manila and its impact on the Rizal monument? PRESIDENT AQUINO: I went to Paris not too long ago and in Paris, I understand, they have a rule that talks about architecture to preserve the old society and the concept of Paris. So, on one hand, I do see merit with the idea that there should be that backdrop to Rizal’s monument that should preserve what we have always known. On the other hand, I have sworn to faithfully execute all the laws of the land, and the other side does pose a legitimate question. It seems they went through all of the processes. Zoning is a mandate of the local government unit. They seem to have—at this point in time—they seem to have gotten all of the permits, so how do we balance the two? And somebody who can come up with the correct solution that addresses the rights of all and the concerns of the country in terms of preserving—how shall I put it?—the sanctity of the people that we are supposed to be emulating is the endeavor that we should really have gotten into. And that’s why we really await how the courts will also decide as to how to balance each and everyone’s rights in this particular matter ( C O N T... http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/transcript2015_sept09.htm ) ***