Gregoria de Jesus ancestral house reportedly being demolished without permits

(Photo from GMA News)

The ancestral house of revolutionary heroine Gregoria de Jesus is reportedly being demolished without the required permits, prompting concern from heritage advocates and local officials.

The De Jesus-Del Rosario-Lucena Ancestral House in Bilibid Viejo, Manila, is estimated to be around 150 years old and is linked to Gregoria de Jesus, also known as “Oriang.”

History advocate Diego Gabriel Torres said portions of the structure have been gradually dismantled since March. After raising the issue, he learned that no demolition permit or historical clearance had been issued for the property.

Barangay captain Cecilio Mateo and the Manila Department of Engineering and Public Works reportedly confirmed that no permits or requests for clearance had been filed.

The case has renewed calls to enforce the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which prohibits the demolition or alteration of cultural properties without approval from the appropriate cultural agencies.

Under the law, violations may result in fines ranging from P200,000 to P1 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Reports have identified the property’s current owner as a Chinese national, although neither the former nor present owners have publicly commented on the matter.

Authorities have yet to announce whether an investigation will be conducted. — Angelica Villanueva