Senator Alan Peter Cayetano provided updates on the ongoing independent review of the New Senate Building (NSB) project, expressing concerns about the timeline and cost estimates.

“Since we started the review of the project, we haven’t made any accusations or allegations, we’re just fact-finding,” Cayetano said in an interview on October 10, 2024.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Accounts, which is responsible for overseeing the NSB review, Cayetano mentioned that his office received a letter from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

The letter indicated that the estimated construction time for Phase 3 of the building is now expected to take 36 to 48 months. This does not include additional work such as aesthetic details, interior finishing, and building electronics systems.

Cayetano criticized the extended timeline, calling it unacceptable and responding to the DPWH by requesting a review of the construction schedule. He pointed out that this time frame could be sufficient to complete an entirely new building.

He also explained that the Revised Detailed Architectural and Engineering Designs (R-DAEDS) for the project were only completed last month. Before Cayetano took over as chair of the Accounts Committee, there was no established budget or finalized architectural and engineering plans for the NSB.

The senator shared that the projected cost of the building has now reached P31.67 billion, or P33.07 billion if the furniture and land are included.

“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 said.

To improve efficiency, Cayetano mentioned that his committee is working on establishing a “new” Senate Coordinating Team (SCT) to streamline internal processes and has requested the DPWH to take similar steps.

“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 main goal is to reduce costs significantly without sacrificing the quality and safety of the building.

“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,” he said.

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