The sale and conversion of the pre-war Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) to a commercial center will push through despite stiff opposition of heritage advocates and sports organizations, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada confirmed.
Estrada said the city government intends to put to good use the land where the already derelict complex stands and turn it into something more beneficial.
“It is still owned by the City of Manila. May usufruct (rights) lang ang PSC (Philippine Sports Commission),” Estrada said of the 8.4-hectare land where the RMSC is located.
Defending the city government’s move, he pointed out that the conversion of RMSC is part of his administration’s urban development program.
“Wala nang gumagamit. Wala nang kinikita. Luma na lahat. Paano pa mapapakinabangan ng city? Wala na, antiquated na ang Rizal (Memorial Sports Complex),” Estrada said.
He said PSC needs a new world-class sports center complete with athlete villages and modern training facilities, similar to the one being envisioned on a 100-hectare property in Clark, Pampanga that will be provided by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).
Instead of continuing to be a “white elephant,” Estrada said they might as well use the property to earn income for the city government and provide needed funds for socio-development projects for the poor and underprivileged.
(JAIME ROSE ABERIA)