Review of new Senate building to focus on completion, not 'anomalies' —Alan Cayetano

The Senate accounts committee will no longer include in its review any potential anomalies in the construction of the new Senate building, according to panel chairperson Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. 

In a "24 Oras" report on Wednesday, Cayetano clarified that the committee will continue to examine the causes behind the project's delays. However, the review will not delve into any conclusions regarding possible irregularities or corruption. 

Instead, the focus will be on ensuring the timely completion of the building, which is targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

Additionally, the committee closely monitors efforts to reduce construction costs to ensure the project stays within budget.

In June, Senate President Francis Escudero sought a review of the budget for the construction of the new building, which had ballooned to P23 billion.

But Cayetano said in October that the building now costs P31 billion based on the updated plan.

Public Works Secretary Manny Bonoan also sent a letter to the Senate saying that the building could be finished within two years if everything goes well in the bidding process.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News