Save Army Navy Club, lawmaker urges SC

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) should save the old Army Navy Club building in Manila from destruction by issuing a special writ of national heritage to its developer, Rep. Rodel Batocabe of party-list group Ako Bicol said yesterday.

“While other nations are trying to save their national heritage, the Philippines is destroying them as in the case of the Army Navy Club,” he said.

“Something has to be done to preserve historical sites and buildings. We must protect our historical and cultural landmarks. I’m confident that the Supreme Court would act on the issue if a case is filed,” he aded.

He said the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) should file such a complaint pursuant to its mandate of protecting and preserving national heritage.

He added that a writ of national heritage is similar to a writ of kalikasan (nature), which is a legal remedy to protect the environment.

Batocabe, who is a member of the tourism committee of the House of Representatives, noted that the SC has issued a writ of kalikasan in some meritorious cases.

“The NHCP should not take the destruction of the Army-Navy Club sitting down,” he said.

Another House member, Terry Ridon of party-list group Kabataan, said the NHCP should maintain the cease and desist order it issued against the club’s developer unless it commits to restore it original façade. 

While the structure is a reminder of US military rule in the country, he said he does not agree to its destruction to give way to the construction of a casino-spa-entertainment complex.

“It should be retained to remind Filipinos to never again allow US intervention in the country. Thus, we cannot simply allow this demolition to continue,” he said.

He added that he would ask the House committee on Metro Manila development to look into the destruction of the Army Navy Club and similar historical sites in Manila and other parts of the country.

Developer to restore building

Meanwhile, the Oceanville Hotel and Spa said in a statement that it is just into the restoration and development of the historic building.

“Our mission is to restore the historic building as a prime Manila landmark,” Oceanville vice president Mark Paz said.

The firm also denied reports it is interested in bidding in state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (PAGCOR’s) new project, which involves leasing out casino space.

“This is a piece of misinformation and we categorically deny any interest in the project,” Paz said.

PAGCOR chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr. has been quoted that all new casino projects will be rebidded and go through the proper bidding process.