Senate President Francis Escudero announced yesterday that he has signed the detailed architectural and engineering design (DAED) for the new Senate building in Taguig City, a crucial step that was notably absent since construction began in 2019.
Speaking at a press conference, Escudero emphasized the significance of the DAED.
“This is the first time that this building has a DAED, which should have been there before any building construction even started. But finally we already have one. It’s like a roadmap, not just a plan, but a detailed one,” he said.
Escudero further explained that the DAED, secured through bidding, provides a comprehensive plan for the building’s completion.
“This was agreed through the bidding of the amounts needed, the work that needs to be done. Whatever will happen in the coming weeks, it’s because there is already a complete plan until the building is finished,” he added.
Escudero also revealed that a ceremonial signing and inspection of the building will take place next week, during which he will demonstrate why the project cannot be completed this year.
“This is so you can see what stage the new Senate building is in. So you can believe me when I say that it cannot be finished this year,” he said.
He noted that the 2025 national budget allocates P4.2 billion to the project, bringing the total funding to P23.5 billion since 2018.