Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday announced the suspension of the construction and payment of the more than P8-billion new Senate building after the amount needed for its completion ballooned to a total of P23 billion.
As a result, the transfer of the Senate toward the end of 2024 or even 2025 would not be realized.
The Senate is currently renting a six-storey building in Pasay City owned by the Government Security Insurance Services (GSIS).
In last Monday’s flag raising ceremonies, Escudero told employees he was surprised with the spike in the amount the Senate would pay for the construction of its own building inside Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Escudero noted that he arrived at this decision following a recommendation from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairperson of the Committee on Accounts
The Senate President said they still need to study and review a justifiable amount to be incurred in the completion of the building, checking if the expenses could still be lowered.
Aside from the whopping amount involved in the construction, Escudero revealed receiving complaints on the new Senate offices that are smaller than their current offices. They also mentioned the very small parking space.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Escudero: Construction, payment of new Senate building suspended