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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Alan Cayetano: Senate soon to unveil a high-quality, beautiful New Senate Building

Alan Cayetano: Senate soon to unveil a high-quality, beautiful New Senate Building

Published Dec 2, 2024 06:45 am

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, December 2 assured that the Senate will soon unveil a high-quality and beautiful New Senate Building (NSB) at the lowest possible cost.

“It’s going to be a beautiful building, maganda ang (it has a good) concept. Kaya lang realistically nagka-problema, kasi nga from as low as P8 billion, lumalampas na (ngayon) ng P30 billion (It encountered problems, because from as low as P8-billion it surpassed P30-billion),” Cayetano said in a recent interview with Radio Mindanao Networks (RMN) station managers at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City.

“I will submit a comprehensive report kasi (because) sadly, it’s coming out as the most expensive building in the Philippines, even more expensive than a five-star hotel,” the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Accounts said.

Cayetano also assured he will submit a comprehensive report to the Senate soon, detailing factual reviews and consultations, saying transparency is very important.

At the same time, Cayetano said he will see to it that the construction of the NSB would be finished under his watch.

He also revealed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expected to finalize plans by January 2025, and reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the process.

“We expect the DPWH to finalize by latest January. I promised to be transparent to the Senate so I will not hide anything. My role is to fix the plan. Fix it, get the senators to approve, then finish and put it up,” he said.

During the recent Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget for the DPWH on November 20, 2024, Cayetano said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan informed his office that Phase 3 of the project could be completed in two to three years, depending on an expedited bidding process.

To tamp down the rising costs, the lawmaker said a recent intensive meeting was held to review the project's design plans, gather feedback, and establish a realistic budget.

“Why do I want it finished? Because I don't want to pass the accountability. I will not be held responsible for what happened before me, but hold me responsible for anything that happens when we took over hanggang matapos (until it is finished),” he said.

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Senate of the Philippines new senate building Alan Peter Cayetano
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