Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said on Tuesday, July 9, that there's no longer a need for him to mediate between two veteran senators over the New Senate Building (NSB) review.
"Hindi na marahil siguro mag-12 taon na si Senator Nancy dito sa Senado, mag-15 taon na si Senator Alan dito sa Senado mga beterano na maituturing ang dalawang senador at alam na nila kung ano ang dapat at nararapat (I don't think there's a need [to mediate] since Senator Nancy has been in the Senate for 12 years, Senator Alan has been here for 15 years, these two senators are considered veterans and they already know what to do)," he said in a press conference.
Escudero also stated that he had already explained the main reason for the hearing which was the uncooperativeness of the Department of Public Works and Highways. After the first hearing, he said that they have been more cooperative and hopes this development continues.
"‘Yung nangyari noong nagdaang hearing sana hindi na mangyari muli sana manaig ang pagiging kalma sa panig at parte ng dalawa naming kasamahan dito sa Senado (I hope that happened in the past hearing won't happen again and that both of our colleagues would remain calm during the hearing)," he said.
"Ulitin ko ang pakay at layunin nito ay simple lamang naman alamin at tiyakin ang gastusin ay maayos, tama at maghanap ng paraan kung paano ito mapapababa (I'll say it again, the purpose of this hearing is simple: To determine the cost is accurate and to find ways to lower the amount)," he added.
Binay has filed an ethics complaint against Cayetano at the office of Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges following their heated exchange in the first hearing.
The Senate Committee on Accounts will conduct the continuation of the hearing on Wednesday, July 10.
Escudero said that it's now up to Tolentino to schedule a hearing but he also mentioned his primary task would be to reconcile the two senators.