Binay on Escudero halting new Senate office: ‘Huwag umasa sa mga Marites’

June 10, 2024 , 10:07 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(June 10, 2024) – Sen. Nancy Binay on Monday blasted Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero for seemingly relying on gossipmongers in halting the construction of the new office of the Senate.

Escudero ordered the stoppage of the project in Taguig due to what he described as “OA” (overblown) increase in the budget for construction.

“Sa totoo lang, nagulat din ako kung saan nanggagaling ang info ni SP Escudero with regard the new Senate building,” said Binay in a media release.

According to Binay, the budget of P8.9 billion was outlined by former senator Ping Lacson in 2019. She clarified that the figure only covers the “core and shell” of the four-tower building, with the interior and fit-outs as separate expenses.

Escudero, however, said the budget has ballooned to P23.3 billion.

Binay previously headed the committee on accounts, which is in charge of the Senate’s budget, expenses, audit, and other fiscal activities. She said Escudero could’ve simply communicated with her directly about the project.

“Mas malinaw at factual info ang maibibigay ko, kaysa umasa siya sa mga Marites at mga bubuyog na bumubulung-bulong,” added Binay. “I am just a call or text away.”

“Marites” is a Filipino slang term for gossipmongers.

Escudero also claimed that the new building has little to no parking space. But Binay refuted this.

“Merong three-level basement parking ang Senate building sa Taguig. Fake news ‘yung walang parking,” stressed Binay.

She stressed the urgency of completing the construction by 2025 to avoid unnecessary expenses. She added that all senators had been invited to inspect the site.

The building is being constructed by Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation, the same firm investigated by the Senate in 2014 for alleged graft related to the P2.3 billion Makati City Hall Building II.

(PM)

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