Escudero signs architectural design of new Senate building
NEWEST LANDMARK The new Senate building, though still under construction, looms large in Taguig City. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday said he signed the first detailed architectural and engineering design (DAED) of the new Senate building (NSB) in Taguig City.
“This is the first time. Do not ask me why, but this is the first time that the building had a DAED when it should have even before they began the construction of the building,” he said in Filipino at a press conference.
According to the Senate chief, the DAED would serve as the road map of the building.
He also bared that a ceremonial signing, along with the building’s stakeholders, would be conducted at the NSB next week.
Last February, Escudero said the earliest that senators could transfer to the NSB would be in December 2026, the latest in December 2027.
As for the reason for the delay, the Senate chief pointed to the lack of the building’s DAED.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, in October said the NSB costs a whopping P33 billion, clarifying that this amount includes furniture and land.
He said if these are not included, the building alone would cost P31.6 billion.
“The cost estimate to complete the building is based on all information we have today without any design changes,” said Cayetano then.
“The cost estimate to update the building was updated with 2024 prices and it comes from various sources, suppliers, consultants,” he added.
READ: DPWH: NSB total project cost could balloon from P25B to P27B
The issues surrounding the building first erupted after Escudero ordered a review of the establishment’s cost.
This came after Cayetano informed Escudero about an apparent “dramatic increase” in the building’s construction rate.
