The New Senate Building in Taguig City. Senate PRIB/File

MANILA — The projected final price tag of the New Senate Building based on the latest estimates from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has grown to P31.6 billion for the building only, or P33.07 billion if inclusive of furniture and land, Senate Accounts Committee chair Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday.

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"It's only now that we have a timeline and overall project cost but hindi acceptable yung timeline na 3 to 4 years... At hindi rin acceptable kay Senate President at sa akin yung P31.6 billion the building cost or P33 billion na project cost," Cayetano said.

"The project total cost estimate is P33 billion if you include the furnitures and the land," Cayetano added. 

The cost estimate to complete the building is based on all information they have to date, Cayetano noted.

Cayetano showed media a September 17, 2024 letter from DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

"Anent our August 27, 2024 (Annex A) submission of the updated BCE (Budgetary Cost Estimate) for Phase III Works to Complete as of August 16, 2024, respectfully submitted is the updated BCE as of September 16, 2024, amounting to P10,094,032,726.73 (Annex B) based on the 2024 canvass prices at hand for the following scopes of work, which has a target constriction duration of 36 to 48 months," Bonoan said.

The BCE covered architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection works but excluding building electronics systems.

This is an increase from the submitted BCE for Phase III-WTC on March 20, 2023 amounting to P7,359,900,000.00 was based on previous plans and 2021 quotations for new items of work.

Bonoan in his letter said they are legally constrained to negotiate with its current contractor for Phase III-WTC. 

He also said that the current contractor is prohibited by law from participating in the public bidding for the succeeding contract after Phase III based on Rule XV-Disclosure of Relations Section 47.2.d of RA 9184 and its implementing rules and regulation.

Bonoan also said that the major components now are the aesthetic and fit out works, and the agency is not fully equipped to supervise aesthetic and interior design components.

Bonoan suggested that the Senate take on that responsibility. 

DESIGN CHANGE

Cayetano in his press conference shared that the revised timeline and cost were not acceptable.

"Kung sinasabi nila paulit ulit na 70 percent tapos na ito 50 percent tapos na ito, medyo unacceptable ang 36 to 48 months but I think that they're just being conservative considering the publicity na inabot ng new Senate building," he said.

"Yung ganoon katagal for me kasi will create more  problems, una you cannot estimate the cost na naman kung it's another 48 months and then the changes that will be taking place," he added.

Cayetano already clued the media in on a possible design change.

"Iyung session hall design nung dati it's absolutely beautiful but in terms of functionality, for example nawala yung upuan ng staff sa tabi so the senators would have been far from any staff. So whether budget hearing yan or ordinary legislation walang access sa kaniyang whether it's the departments or the resource persons or the staff just to show you na meron talagang titingnan sa designs," Cayetano said.

Cayetano said it is their preference for the Senate to move in to the new building by the end of 2026.

Cayetano said they are now studying ways to bring down the cost. He also said he will try to negotiate another timeline.

Cayetano said they will present their own timeline.

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