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A member of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association says its demolition of Manila’s oldest Chinese temple on March 15 was not illegal.
Chong Hock Tong Temple, built in 1878, was being managed by the PCCA. It also owns and manages Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.
Coconuts Manila visited PCCA’s office this morning and we were directed by the receptionist to “Mary,” who refused to give her full name and position, but gave us a statement nonetheless.
According to her, the temple was on private property and the group was well within its right to do what it see fits. She said the structure was in such a bad state that if there were people inside the temple when the roof collapses, it would be a bigger tragedy.
We asked “Mary” to produce plans for a replacement temple but she was unable to show us anthing. She also said she did not know if and when reconstruction of of the new temple will start.
This afternoon, we visited the PCCA office again and was able to talk to Mario Ong, secretary of the PCCA, who repeated what “Mary” told us.
He also confirmed that PCCA has contacted builders from mainland China to handle the reconstruction. To prevent termite infestation they will now use stone columns instead of wooden ones. Another significant change is that aside from bricks, etched stone panels will now be used on front facade, particularly on the entrance.
Ong mentioned that construction could begin within two months, but he failed say how long construction will take.or when the new temple will be inaugurated.
A staff of the Chinese Cemetery office also told us that they were issued a demolition permit.
Chong Hock Tong Temple was one of the very few remaining pre-war structures in Manila. Closely associated with the Tsinoy community, it was never declared a historic landmark by the government.
Located inside the Manila Chinese Cemetery, it’s architecture has been described as “reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves.”
Despite that, it had some touches that made it distinctively Filipino: behind the display of various Buddhist images in the main altar, you could see in the background a row of Catholic images such as that of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
The images that used to be inside the temple have been stored inside a tin shed next to the cemetery’s administration building. Also in storage is the statue of Gobernadorcillio Carlos Palanca Tan Quien Sien, who has been credited for building the temple.
A conservation group has issued a statement to Coconuts Manila regarding the demolition of the Manila’s oldest Chinese temple, which we reported yesterday.
“We are saddened to hear about the demolition of Manila’s oldest surviving Chinese temple at the Manila Chinese Cemetery and shocked at the level of ignorance regarding heritage conservation in the country,” says Heritage Conservation Society president Ivan Henares.
“Just because there were termites is not a valid reason to demolish the entire temple. Clearly there was a violation of RA 10066. We will ask the NCCA or National Museum to issue a Compulsory Repair Order so that those responsible will be compelled to rebuild the temple to its original design & specifications,” he added.
Republic Act 100066, also called The National Heritage Act of 2009, was approved during the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The oldest Chinese temple in Manila was demolished on March 15, 2015 — caretakers at the Manila Chinese Cemetery, where the temple is located, told Coconuts Manila that the building had been infested with termites.
This story has been updated with quotes from Mario Ong, secretary of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association.
