NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Cayetano Shares Concerns Over New Senate Building's Timeline And Cost: 'We're Just Fact-Finding'
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano provided an update on Thursday regarding the ongoing review of the New Senate Building (NSB) project, expressing concerns about the updated timeline and cost estimates. Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Accounts, assured that the review remains factual and independent, stating, "Since we started the review of the project, we haven't made any accusations or allegations, we're just fact-finding."
During an interview on October 10, 2024, Cayetano revealed that his office had recently received a letter from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), forwarded through Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero. The letter contained new projections for the NSB’s Phase 3 construction, estimating it would take between 36 to 48 months. This timeline doesn’t even include the aesthetic, interior fit-out works, or the Building Electronics Systems, prompting concerns from Cayetano.
"The timeline is unacceptable," Cayetano said, explaining that he quickly wrote back to the DPWH to ask for a shorter construction period. He pointed out that 36 to 48 months is enough time to complete an entirely new building.
Another issue brought up was the building’s Revised Detailed Architectural and Engineering Designs (R-DAEDS), which were only finalized last month. Cayetano noted that before he took over the Accounts Committee, the NSB lacked both a set price and finalized plans. Now, with the updated designs in place, the projected cost of the building has ballooned to P31.67 billion, or P33.07 billion when factoring in furniture and land.
"It's only now that we have a timeline and overall project cost, but hindi acceptable y'ung timeline na three to four years. And hindi rin acceptable kay Senate President y'ung P31.6 billion na building cost or P33 billion na total project cost," Cayetano stressed.
To address the red tape and delays, Cayetano said his committee is working on creating a new Senate Coordinating Team (SCT) to streamline internal processes. He’s also urging the DPWH to establish a similar team on their end to ensure smoother coordination. "We're going to put up a new Senate coordinating committee kasi nga maraming, for lack of a better word, red tape, too many people, and too many levels. But we're asking the DPWH to mirror y'ung gagawin namin kasi paikot-ikot din sa iba't ibang proseso nila," he explained.
Cayetano emphasized that the goal of the review is to bring down the cost significantly without compromising quality and safety. He said, "Ang trabaho ko is to give an honest report that is comprehensive and factual, and to present to the Senate President and to all the senators a plan na matapos ng pinakamaganda sa least cost y'ung Senate building."
For now, the Senate Committee on Accounts continues its fact-finding mission, committed to ensuring that the NSB project will be completed both cost-effectively and efficiently.
During an interview on October 10, 2024, Cayetano revealed that his office had recently received a letter from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), forwarded through Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero. The letter contained new projections for the NSB’s Phase 3 construction, estimating it would take between 36 to 48 months. This timeline doesn’t even include the aesthetic, interior fit-out works, or the Building Electronics Systems, prompting concerns from Cayetano.
"The timeline is unacceptable," Cayetano said, explaining that he quickly wrote back to the DPWH to ask for a shorter construction period. He pointed out that 36 to 48 months is enough time to complete an entirely new building.
Another issue brought up was the building’s Revised Detailed Architectural and Engineering Designs (R-DAEDS), which were only finalized last month. Cayetano noted that before he took over the Accounts Committee, the NSB lacked both a set price and finalized plans. Now, with the updated designs in place, the projected cost of the building has ballooned to P31.67 billion, or P33.07 billion when factoring in furniture and land.
"It's only now that we have a timeline and overall project cost, but hindi acceptable y'ung timeline na three to four years. And hindi rin acceptable kay Senate President y'ung P31.6 billion na building cost or P33 billion na total project cost," Cayetano stressed.
To address the red tape and delays, Cayetano said his committee is working on creating a new Senate Coordinating Team (SCT) to streamline internal processes. He’s also urging the DPWH to establish a similar team on their end to ensure smoother coordination. "We're going to put up a new Senate coordinating committee kasi nga maraming, for lack of a better word, red tape, too many people, and too many levels. But we're asking the DPWH to mirror y'ung gagawin namin kasi paikot-ikot din sa iba't ibang proseso nila," he explained.
Cayetano emphasized that the goal of the review is to bring down the cost significantly without compromising quality and safety. He said, "Ang trabaho ko is to give an honest report that is comprehensive and factual, and to present to the Senate President and to all the senators a plan na matapos ng pinakamaganda sa least cost y'ung Senate building."
For now, the Senate Committee on Accounts continues its fact-finding mission, committed to ensuring that the NSB project will be completed both cost-effectively and efficiently.
Oct 11, 2024
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
