📷New Senate building under construction | Wikipedia
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the Senate’s long-delayed move to its new building in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) from Pasay is now set between late 2026 and late 2027 due to the absence of a comprehensive plan and detailed architectural and engineering design (DAED).
“Ang tinatarget namin ay late 2026 or late 2027. Hindi aaga ng December 2026 at sana hindi na lumampas ng December 2027,” Escudero said during a briefing on Monday, February 10.
When asked why the relocation would take that long, Escudero said: “Kasi walang plano.”
“Ang tagal ko ng tinatanong kung kailan kami lilipat, walang makasagot. Ang tagal ko ng tinatanong magkano ba talaga ang kailangan para matapos ‘yan, walang makasagot. When we look for the DAED, the detailed architectural and engineering design, there was none. It’s been undergoing construction for the past decade or so without one,” Escudero added.
He noted that it was only through persistent follow-ups in December last year that the DAED was finally completed.
Regarding the budget, Escudero said the final costing is expected to be finalized this week.
When asked about the timing of the move concerning the 2028 elections, Escudero preferred to delay the relocation until after the elections.
He also pointed out that incoming senators often renovate their offices to suit their preferences.
“Kung ako ang tatanungin mo, 2028 na kami dapat lumipat para ‘yong mga patapos, ‘yong mga hindi na tatakbo ay hindi na gastusan pa ng pamahalaan sa mga opisina nila na anim na buwan na lang naman,” Escudero said.
“Kapag pumapalit ‘yong bagong Senator, nagre-renovate sila ng opisina. Or baka hindi niya type ‘yong kulay, malay ko ‘di ba? So maganda na siguro na 2028 na para magsimula tayo ng fresh,” he added.
As of now, Escudero said the construction of the new Senate building is still ongoing. (TCSP)
