By Ben Rosario
The chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development on Wednesday slammed plans to erect a coliseum at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) – site of a memorial built for Quezon City’s founder, the late President Manuel L. Quezon.
Rep. Winston Castelo
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Rep. Winston Castelo said planned coliseum, proposed by fellow QC Rep. Vincent Crisologo, would be a “desecration of the remains” of the city's founding father as the remains of the late President Quezon are buried at the Quezon Memorial Circle. His First Lady Aurora is also buried there.
Castelo added that the proposed project will only wreak havoc on the natural park and historic value of the area.
“The place would not be appropriate. It would compromise the beauty of the place as serene and tranquil,” Castelo said.
The senior administration congressman also cited the adverse environmental impact the project would have on the park, adding that the traffic problem will turn for the worse if a sports arena is built at the circle.
“Furthermore, a coliseum would require parking that the present park space cannot provide. This would just create chaos of big proportion," stressed Castelo.
Crisologo had earlier announced in a press conference that an auditorium at the QMC that will serve as an air-conditioned sports arena and multi-purpose hall is a project he will pursue should he win the election as new mayor of the city.
Crisologo stressed that while cities like Manila, Caloocan, San Juan, and Makati have their own large sports auditoriums and basketball stadiums, Quezon City does not have one.
But Castelo said Quezon City already has two huge sports arenas – the Amoranto Sports Complex on Roces Avenue and the historic Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Castelo pointed out that the Quezon Memorial Circle is a passive park designed for walking and promenade.
“The real purpose of that park is for tranquility and serenity. It's a passive park where park-goers can promenade,” he explained.
Managed by the Quezon City government, the memorial circle now serves as the venue of a flea market, a carnival, a basketball court, and several other commercial establishments.
The operation of commercial establishments has been questioned by various groups as its earnings are not being subjected to regular audit.