Senator Robinhood Padilla has called for an investigation into the rising costs of the New Senate Building (NSB) after a heated exchange between senators.
Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1063 to ensure transparency and public trust, directing his committee to examine the increased costs, which have escalated to P23 billion from an initial P8.9 billion.
Senate President Francis Escudero had already tasked Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to review these costs, which include significant expenses for core and shell, fit-out, land acquisition, and completion works.
Padilla emphasized the importance of accountability in public office and described the exchange between senators as a sign of a healthy democracy.
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian both expressed concerns about the cost escalation and the need for comprehensive briefings for the Senate body.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 6, 2024
