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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate probe into costs of New Senate Building sought

Senate probe into costs of New Senate Building sought

Published Jul 5, 2024 06:02 am

Sen. Robinhood "Robin" Padilla has filed a resolution seeking to look into the issues surrounding the increased costs in the construction of the New Senate Building (NSB).

Padilla cited the need to maintain the public's trust in the Senate as an institution.

Senate Resolution 1063 directs Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Padilla to handle the investigation in aid of legislation.

"Informing the public of the processes undertaken in the construction of the NSB including the increased costs, is necessary to ensure that the public does not lose its trust in the Senate as an institution," he said.

"There is a need to let the public know of the partner contractors if any, and subcontractors of Hilmarc's Construction Corp.," he added.

Padilla noted that Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero had ordered Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as chairman of the Committee on Accounts to review the cost of the NSB, as it had reportedly increased to P23 billion from an initial P8.9 billion.

He added the Committee on Accounts, in its public hearing last July 3, reported that the current total cost of the project is P23.38 billion, of which P8.9 billion is for the core and shell; P2.5 billion for the fit-out; P1.6 billion for land acquisition; and P10.33 billion for works to complete.

Padilla noted Sec. 1, Art. XI of the 1987 Constitution states that "public office is a public trust," and public officers and employees must at all times remain "accountable to the people."

"Being part of one of the main branches of the government, it is incumbent upon the Senate to set the example of transparency and accountability not only to the entire bureaucracy but more importantly, to the Filipino people," he added.

Related Tags

new senate building Senator Robin Padilla Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero
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