Duterte makes fun of US at hotel launch

President Duterte on Wednesday ribbed the United States at the grand opening in Manila of a boutique hotel, formerly the historic Army and Navy Club building.

With the US Embassy just a stone’s throw away, Mr. Duterte joked it was “very consoling” that the former social club of American military men was now “in the hands of the Chinese.”

The historic building underwent a P2.4-billion restoration and opened its doors on Thursday as the Rizal Park Hotel. It is now operated by a company owned by Chinese-Filipino businessmen.

“The American-owned Army and Navy Club, it’s now so beautiful, much maybe prettier than the original one,” the President said.

“What is very consoling is that all of the American properties are already in the hands of the Chinese… Very good,” he said, to the laughter of those present.

Mr. Duterte’s quip came after he called on the United States on Monday to return the Balangiga church bells that were taken by American soldiers from Samar province in 1901.

The Rizal Park Hotel is located beside the US Embassy and to the right of Quirino Grandstand.

“The revival and restoration of this iconic and historical landmark are the manifestations of our common desire to promote and preserve our vibrant culture and rich history,” Mr. Duterte said.

“The vision and effort it took in conserving this heritage site are truly admirable,” he said.

He noted that the restoration project was undertaken despite “the tremendous cost and risk it might incur.”

“Restoring a building is more generally expensive than constructing a new one,”  Mr. Duterte said.

He praised businessman Simon Lee Paz and Ocean Hotel and Spa Corp. for their “commitment and patience to restore the Manila Army and Navy Club building.”

“Their painstaking effort reflects their deep respect for the significant historical meaning in transforming and revitalizing this edifice,” he added.

“They regained and added more value to this long-neglected place.”