Manila: State workers' pension fund manager GSIS has turned over stewardship of the famed "Coconut Palace" to the Office of the Vice-President (OVP), thus providing the country's incumbent and future vice-presidents with an official residence.
"Today, Vice-Presidents will now have an official residence that gives honour to the second highest seat in the land," Vice-President Jejomar Binay said during ceremonies marking the transfer of stewardship of the "Coconut Palace" from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to the OVP.
Symbolic seat of power
Although the symbolic seat of authority in the Philippines had traditionally been the Malacañang Palace in Manila, the OVP does not have a permanent home.
Prior to the move to the "Coconut Palace" in Pasay City, the second highest elected leader of the land held office at just about any respectable location in Metro Manila.
Binay and his 15-member staff are due to transfer next month to the Coconut Palace after refurbishing works are finished.
"The Coconut Palace gives the Office of the Vice President the dignity that has been lacking for the past years," Binay said.
Designed by Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa, the Coconut Palace was built during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos.
It was originally intended to serve as accommodation for Pope John Paul II when the latter visited the Philippines in 1981. The pope however, refused to stay at the manor.
