‘Photobomber’ Manila building to go up

The 49-storey Torre de Manila high-rise condominium looms in the background as seen from the Jose Rizal tomb and monument at Luneta Park in Manila. Photo: AFP

A high-rise condominium dubbed “the national photobomber” will continue to loom over a historic Philippine monument after the Supreme Court struck down a bid by conservationists to have it torn down. The partially-built 49-storey Torre de Manila, which protrudes over the skyline of the capital, has risen to overshadow the tomb of national hero Jose Rizal – one of the country's most photographed monuments.

Building work has stalled for years after conservationists brought a lawsuit in 2014 complaining that the tower breached city building codes, leading the Supreme Court to issue an injunction preventing its completion while it reviewed the case.