Duterte spends ‘lonely’ first night at Bahay Pangarap

President Rodrigo Duterte. MALACAÑANG POOL PHOTO

It was a “lonely” first night for President Rodrigo Duterte at the “Bahay Pangarap” (House of Dreams).

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte spent his first night at the Bahay Pangarap on Monday.

“Sabi nga niya, malungkot daw doon dahil malaki ‘yung bahay, aalog-alog, siya lang daw mag-isa. Wala daw siyang kasama,” Abella told reporters on Tuesday.

(He said it felt lonely to be in the house because it was big; the house felt empty with only him inside. He was alone, he said.)

READ: IN PHOTOS: ‘Bahay Pangarap’ in Malacañang

Duterte arrived in Manila on Monday morning after spending his weekend in Davao City.

On July 6, Christopher “Bong” Go, newly appointed head of the Presidential Management Staff, confirmed that Bahay Pangarap would be the President’s official residence.

READ: Rody’s 2nd home: Bahay Pangarap

Duterte is the second President to use the Bahay Pangarap after former President Benigno Aquino III also chose to use the prewar house.

Bahay Pangarap is situated within the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound across the Pasig River from Malacañang.

Located near the presidential golf course, Bahay Pangarap is described as having a “resort ambience,” complete with a swimming pool and a Balinese-style garden. It was renovated to add three more bedrooms to the existing master bedroom. CDG/rga

READ: #INQFact: Where did past Philippine Presidents live?