The House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 8829, the bill that seeks to ban “national photobombers,” or structures that ruin the views of national landmarks and shrines.

Voting 210-0-0 on Monday, March 15, the House passed its version of the Cultural Property Sightline Act, which aims to amend the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

The bill bans any building that could obstruct the view of cultural properties. In addition, it orders local government units to pass ordinances to protect cultural properties in their territories.

The passage of the bill comes years after the eruption of the controversy related to Torre de Manila, which towers in the background of the Jose Rizal monument, earning the title, “national photobomber.”

It started construction in 2012, but its rise was halted in 2015 with a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court, after heritage advocates challenged its construction, arguing that it ruined the view of the national shrine.

On April 25, 2017, the SC ordered the lifting of the TRO. The SC said “there is no law that prohibits the construction of the challenged Torre de Manila.” 

The House bill does not mean that no more Torres de Manila will rise, as the Senate would still have to pass its own version of the proposed legislation. Both chambers must also reconcile their versions and then submit the proposed bill for the President’s signature. – Rappler.com