Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stated that the construction of the new senate building will continue despite the order from Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero to have its budget reviewed.
Sen. Escudero stated that he was shocked that the building costs ballooned to Php 23.3 billion when it was initially priced at Php 8.9 billion. According to Sen. Cayetano during a Facebook Live, “The Phase 1 and Phase 2 have been bidded out and are already ongoing. The construction for that may proceed while we are conducting a review.”
Image via Philippine News Agency
The Phase 3 which amounts to Php 10 billion is what is currently on hold as it has not yet been bade out. Sen. Cayetano’s letter to Sen. Escudero included the cost of each phase:
- Phase I for the core and shell: P8.9 billion
- Phase II for the fit-out: P2.5 billion
- Phase III for the works to finish/complete: P10.33 billion
Image via Rethinking the Future
Image via AECOM
Image via AECOM
Sen. Cayetano urged the public not to make speculations as they are just reviewing. The new senate building is located at New Village, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig according to the Contract Agreement that was entered last March 15, 2019.
References:
Bordey, H. (2024 June 12). New Senate building construction to continue amid cost review —Cayetano. GMA Integrated News.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/909871/new-senate-building-construction-to-continue-amid-cost-review-cayetano/story/
Ramos, M. (2024 June 13). No halt in Senate office construction—Cayetano. Inquirer.net.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1951074/no-halt-in-senate-office-construction-cayetano
