Senator Robin Padilla has submitted a resolution calling for a Senate inquiry into the cost of the new Senate building (NSB).
Although the Senate Committee on Accounts, led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, has already initiated an inquiry, Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1063, which directs the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to conduct a similar investigation. Padilla chairs this committee.
“Informing the public of the processes undertaken in the construction of the NSB, including the increased costs, is necessary to ensure that the public does not lose its trust in the Senate as an institution,” Padilla stated in the resolution.
“There is a need to let the public know of the partner contractors, if any, and subcontractors of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp.,” he added.
Public Accountability
Padilla emphasized Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which states that “public office is a public trust” and that public officers must always be accountable to the people.
“Being part of one of the main branches of the government, it is incumbent upon the Senate to set the example of transparency and accountability not only to the entire bureaucracy but more importantly, to the Filipino people,” Padilla said.
Cayetano began the inquiry into the new Senate building last Wednesday after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero ordered a review of the construction costs, which have reportedly reached P23 billion. Senator Nancy Binay, who previously chaired the Senate accounts committee, contends that the cost is only P21 billion.
Proposed Briefing
In a virtual interview, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian suggested holding a briefing with all senators to discuss the details of the new Senate building and to determine how to proceed.
“I prefer to focus on ways to move forward. A briefing session with all 23 senators to discuss the building’s status and identify cost-saving measures would be beneficial,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian believes the recent tensions between Binay and Cayetano stem from miscommunication and misunderstanding.
“They are my friends. My advice to them is to talk things out. I know their intentions are for the Senate’s benefit. Let’s focus on that and have a constructive discussion,” he said.