Senate transfer to Taguig building eyed by 2028

MANILA, Philippines — If Senate President Francis Escudero could have his way, he would like the Senate to move to its new building in Taguig City by 2028.

Based on the progress of the building’s construction, Escudero said the structure would be completed in late 2026 or early 2027.

The new Senate building will have four towers with 11 floors each, alongside three-level basements with 1,200 parking spaces.

“The transfer to the new Senate building should be done by 2028 so that arrangement of officers should be for the incoming senators and not for those whose terms are ending. Maybe 2028 is a good time to start fresh,” Escudero said.

Shortly after assuming office last year, he ordered the suspension of construction work on the Senate building as the total projected cost had ballooned to P23.3 billion from P8.3 billion.

Escudero clarified that the suspension covered only phase three or the P10-billion additional costs.

He noted that although the P27-billion cost of the project was likely calculated based on the current price of materials, they would still seek measures to possibly lower the amount.

Based on the presentation of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Senate building construction has P8.9 billion for the core and shell, which will cover civil works worth P3.090 billion; architectural works worth P2.881 billion; electrical, lighting, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection worth P2.095 billion and variations of P833 million.

For the fit-out, the building construction will cost P2.5 billion, covering architectural works worth P1.452 billion; electrical and lighting for P466.4 million and mechanical, plumbing and fire protection for P267.636 million with variations of P124.745 million.

While it has not been approved, the DPWH said the government is poised to shell out P10.33 billion to finish the building, which would cover a design fee of P383.7 million; architectural works of P3.1 billion; electrical and lighting for P881 million and mechanical, plumbing and fire protection for P716.2 million.