The Massacre continues: Demolishing the Old PNB building

Old PNB Building in Escolta

Manila, under the administration of Mayor Joseph Estrada continues its massacre of the city’s irreplaceable landmarks. Last year January 7, the PNB building caught on fire due to faulty electrical wiring. The building sustained structural damage and there has been incidents of falling debris the following months. It was declared condemned by the local engineering department and a hazard to the surrounding area.

This year heritage enthusiasts and experts are on the lookout for another wave of heritage massacres, similar to what happened to the Heritage Massacre of September 2014 with the recent El Hogar demolition now imminent, the loss of the Original Savory Chicken restaurant in Escolta, and the city’s plan to retake the Manila Metropolitan theatre from the NCCA.

Mayor Joseph Estrada claims the old PNB building is dangerous to pedestrians and that the age of the building plus last year’s fire had made it impossible for any restoration, to which experts disagree citing that the demolition only opens it to another condo developer to the already ever congested city. Haven’t we had enough of these condos?

Former PNB headquarters on fire

On January 7, 2015. Sometime at 2am, the Old PNB building at the historic street of Escolta, which is also served as the Old City College of Manila caught on fire. A guard working in the building, says that sometime in the morning, a sudden loss of electricity went and signs of smoke and fire arose.

The fire department was called in immediately to put out the flame. The fire quickly moved to the upper 10th floor and announced “Task Force Bravo” which means requesting for more help from other fire departments nearby. Firefighters managed to place the fire under control at about 9:19 am and announced fire out at 5pm. One firefighter was injured on the scene due to falling debris.