Herbert Bautista upbeat over hosting Leni Robredo, OVP

The Quezon City government welcomed in a "heartbeat" the proposal from the camp of Vice President-elect Leni Robredo to hold office at the QC Reception House in New Manila.

"Upon the text I received from Vice Mayor (Joy Belmonte), in a heartbeat I said yes. It's an honor for QC to host no less than the vice president of the republic," Mayor Herbert Bautista said on Monday.

He added he was out of the country when he received word from Belmonte that she offered the reception house to Robredo.

Contrary to reports he was unhappy with the proposal, Bautista emphasized the construction of the house was purely for official purposes such as hosting foreign dignitaries and other high-profile guests.

"This is intended for the reception of dignitaries. It's appropriate for VP Leni to stay here and make it her office... I am very much happy to host the vice president in this reception house," Bautista said.

The reception house was the same land where the 'Boracay Mansion' of Former President Joseph Estrada once stood.

Bautista noted the contractor had to demolish what remained of the original mansion because most of the walls and foundation were already badly damaged.

"The land is the former Boracay Mansion. Yung mga naiwan mga pader, wasak-wasak ito... Buong structure flattened out tapos saka tinayo ito," Bautista said.

Marigold Development had to build the house from scratch including the gazebo, where Robredo can receive guests, and quarters for the Presidential Security Group.

The current structure houses five potential offices; a gallery, three reception rooms, and the Mayor's Room where Robredo can have her office.

VP-elect Robredo can hold her office at the Mayor's Room, the largest room in the reception house | via @teejroxas pic.twitter.com/NCPvOlhNI6

— GMA News Breaking (@gmanewsbreaking) June 20, 2016

The house also has 11 comfort rooms, four of which have bathtubs.

Rene Cerad, project-in-charge of the reception house, said Robredo advised the contractor to convert all rooms into offices.

"Ayaw niya may bedroom, gusto niya puro opisina lang," Cerad said.

Rent

Bautista said the rent the Office of the Vice President will pay would be determined by the appraisal of the Commission on Audit while the paintings and furniture are owned by the QC government.

However, all artworks in the house would have to removed once Robredo takes office.

Some of the artworks include portraits of former city mayors, a painting of actress Heart Evangelista, and a painting commissioned by Former President Ferdinand Marcos to Jose Blanco on the gallantry of Filipinos in World War II. 

Portraits of QC Mayors in the QC Exec House pic.twitter.com/sulwd4YF8g

— Saleema Refran (@saleema_refran) June 20, 2016

One of the paintings inside the QC Exec House is by Kapuso Star Heart Evangelista. pic.twitter.com/AABhhlMXqW

— Saleema Refran (@saleema_refran) June 20, 2016

Painting commissioned by Pres Ferdinand Marcos on display at QC Exec House pic.twitter.com/mXs8eugze3

— Saleema Refran (@saleema_refran) June 20, 2016

Bautista confirmed meeting with Boyet Dy of Robredo's transition team on Monday morning to sort out their contract with the city government.

He added Robredo visited the 7,000-square meter property thrice but was not privy on her desired changes.

Miscommunication

Meanwhile, Bautista said the reported tussle between Belmonte and City Administrator Aldrin Cuña on whether to allow Robredo to hold office in the house was just a miscommunication.

Cuña earlier said Bautista was unaware of Belmonte's offer. Belmonte, on the other hand, denied Cuña's statement.

“Tingin ko miscommunication lang. [Belmonte] was the one who made the offer. Aldrin was more on technicalities kasi di pa tapos [ang construction], may mga gamit na ilalagay pa lang,” Bautista said.

Bautista added the development of the property is on track to be finished by the end of June. — NB/RSJ, GMA News