Philippine embassy defends holding independence event at Trump hotel

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine embassy in Washington defended yesterday the holding of the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel, calling the venue in the US capital “elegant and historic” for the milestone occasion.

“Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez deemed it fitting to hold the Philippine Embassy’s 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel, an elegant and historic venue in Washington, D.C.,” the embassy said in a statement. 

The embassy said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate not only this milestone year for the Philippines, but also the close friendship between the Philippines and the US. 

The embassy also showcased Filipino culture and cuisine, including chef Abie Mateo’s award-winning recipe for sisig from this year’s Embassy Chef Challenge. 

“The Philippine Embassy will continue to deepen its ties with the US. As a foreign mission, the Philippine Embassy does not get involved in the domestic issues of the host country,” it said.

US Sen. Bob Menendez, a ranking member of the US Senate foreign relations committee, sent a letter to Romualdez asking him to reply by July 11 to questions on how much was spent for the Philippine Independence Day reception at the Trump International Hotel and why the celebration was held there.

Menendez also sent letters to the embassies of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Malaysia requesting information about events they held at the Trump hotel as well as stays of their officials at the controversial hotel.

His letters followed one he sent the Trump organization in March requesting information about payments from foreign governments.