A new conflict has emerged between the House of Representatives and the Senate over the use of public funds, with the “Young Guns” in the House criticizing the Senate’s new building project for its significant cost overruns.
Initially budgeted at P8.9 billion, the Senate building’s cost has escalated to P23.3 billion, prompting Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III to call for fiscal scrutiny within the House itself.
Pimentel highlighted the dramatic increase in the House’s budget from P16 billion to P28 billion in the General Appropriations Act of 2024.
Several House representatives, including Rep. Ramon Gutierrez, are advocating for a comprehensive review of the Senate building project to ensure prudent financial management.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez discussed other legislative priorities in their first official meeting, agreeing to set aside their differences for now.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 14, 2024
