MEMBERS of the so-called “Young Guns” in the House of Representatives have expressed their approval of former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s statement supporting the decision of the new Senate leadership to suspend construction of the New Senate Building in Taguig City pending a comprehensive review.
Assistant Majority Leaders Jay Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District), Paolo Ortega V (La Union, 1st District), and Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Party-list), and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez also thanked Sotto for shedding light on the issue, particularly the escalating costs that have alarmed both past and present Senate leaderships.
Khonghun said Sotto’s endorsement of the suspension is a significant validation of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s prudent decision.
“It is only right to re-evaluate such a major project, especially given the alarming increase in costs. Transparency and accountability must be our top priorities,” Khonghun said.
Ortega said it was indeed shocking to hear that the project’s cost had escalated to P23.3 billion, nearly three times higher than the original cost of P8.9 billion.
“We welcome former Senate President Sotto’s support for this review, as it reassures the public that their leaders are vigilant and committed to safeguarding public funds,” Ortega pointed out.
Bongalon said Sotto’s acknowledgment of the need for scrutiny and his reference to past issues with the project contractor, Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., highlight the importance of the suspension.
“It’s good news for the Filipino people that such concerns are being addressed promptly. This ensures that both the Senate and the public are kept informed and vigilant,” Bongalon remarked.
Gutierrez emphasized the necessity of exercising prudence and transparency in the use of public funds, strongly advocating for a comprehensive review of the project.
“Sotto’s call for transparency and accountability deeply resonates with us,” he stated.
“We welcome former Senate President Sotto’s stand and fully support the initiative to scrutinize the new Senate building project. It must adhere to the principles of accountability and fiscal responsibility. We must ensure that every peso is spent wisely and in the best interest of the Filipino people,” Gutierrez said.
In a radio interview, Sotto underscored the importance of reviewing the project’s escalating costs and expressed his approval of Escudero’s decision as “good news.”
He said, “Magandang balita na nalaman natin ito. Kami mismo nagulat sa estimate na ‘yan. ‘Wag naman ganun. Maganda na rin na nalaman kaagad ng taumbayan ‘yan, at nalaman din na nakabantay ang Senado.”
Sotto was the Senate President when construction of the new Senate building began in 2019, with Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson serving as the chairman of the Committee on Accounts, overseeing the project.
Sotto recounted Lacson telling the DPWH, the project manager, “Patawarin n’yo ‘to,” indicating that the project would not be overpriced.
The former Senate chief also said he then expressed his reservations about the winning bidder, Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., the same company involved in the allegedly overpriced construction of the P2.3-billion Makati City Hall Building II from 2008 to 2013.
Sotto recalled that Hilmarc’s promised, “Pagbubutihin namin. Babawi kami dahil nasira kami sa Makati Building.”
