By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has called for the suspension of the construction of the new Senate building in Taguig City due to escalating costs and the need for a comprehensive review.
Escudero announced this during the flag ceremony on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The Senate chief expressed shock and disbelief at the high projected costs needed to complete the new Senate building.
“Nung nakita ko ito, medyo nagulantang ako at hindi ko inasahan na ganun kalaki aabutin ang gagastusin para sa ating magiging bagong tahanan,” Escudero 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,” he added.
Escudero debunked the rumors that the Senate will be transferred in September.
“Hindi totoo na makakalipat tayo sa bagong gusali, lupa, at building ng Setyembre. Hindi rin totoo na aabot tayo 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 din na aming nakita at nagisnan na kailangan pang suriin at pag-aralan,” Escudero said.
Initially budgeted at P8.9 billion, Escudero revealed that the cost of the project has now ballooned to P13 billion, with an additional P10 billion required for completion, bringing the total to P23 billion.
(el Amigo/MNM)
