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El Hogar, the embattled riverside building in Binondo that has been giving cultural heritage advocates many sleepless nights, is going to be saved by no less than the government.
A source close to Coconuts Manila tells us that Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada appears to have played a key role in stopping the demolition of the building.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, he says, is prepared to purchase the 1914-built structure.
Mayor Erap and NHCP are now ironing the details.
On Jul 7, NHCP isssued a cease and desist order against contractors New Golden City Builders after they were reported to have dismantled some of the building’s grillworks.
New Golden City Builders is the sister compnay of Ritz Premiere Corporation, said to be the current owner of El Hogar. Philippine Daily Inquirer has named a certain Manuel Sy as the owner of Ritz Premiere Corp.
To learn more about the history of El Hogar, read our story about its founder and builder Don Antonio Melian.
You can also read our list of 15 heritage buildings in Metro Manila that need to be rescued.
