SP Escudero halts new Senate building project over cost concerns

June 10, 2024 , 03:07 PM

(June 10, 2014) — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced the suspension of the new Senate building’s construction in Taguig City due to escalating costs and the need for a comprehensive review.

Following the announcement made during his inaugural flag-raising ceremony as Senate chief on Monday, Escudero addressed its officials and employees, revealing that the planned transfer to the new building will be delayed.

He emphasized the improbability of moving to the new premises by September or even by the end of the year, saying the transfer may not occur until 2025 due to various unresolved issues.

“Hindi totoo na makakalipat tayo sa bagong gusali, lupa at building ng Setyembre. Hindi rin totoo na aabot tayong makalipat bago matapos ang taon. Kahit hanggang 2025, sa palagay ko ay hindi pa rin dahil marami pang bagay na kailangang ihanda at maraming bagay rin na aming nakita at nagisnan na kailangan pang suriin at pag-aralan,” the Senate president stated.

The cost for completing the new Senate building has surged from the initial budget of P8.9 billion to an estimated P23 billion.Escudero described the cost escalation as shocking and unacceptable given the economic hardships faced by many Filipinos.

“Nung nakita ko ito, medyo nagulantang ako at hindi ko inasahan na ganoon kalaki aabutin ang gagastusin para sa ating magiging bagong tahanan,” he said.

“Sa aking pananaw, masama ito sa panlasa ng karamihan, lalong masama sa panlasa ng nakararami nating mga kababayan, lalo na sa gitna ng krisis ng ekonomiya at sa kahirapan na nakikita ng marami sa ating kababayan,” the Senate chief added.

In response, Escudero has tasked Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, the new chairman of the Committee on Accounts, to suspend any payments or construction activities pending a thorough review.

Moreover, Cayetano’s recent report highlighted an increase in project costs, quality issues, and management inefficiencies The report detailed numerous project changes that have added nearly P833 million to the original contract price.

Inspections also revealed concerns about the quality of workmanship and adherence to the original project specifications.Further, Escudero’s decision to suspend construction follows these findings and aims to address the current issues, improve project management, and ensure high-quality standards.

The Senate President has agreed with Cayetano’s recommendations to identify immediate and underlying problems and to engage a third-party construction management team to clarify and validate the project.

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