By Louis ‘Barok’ C. Biraogo
In an era where economic crises are the order of the day and where every penny counts for millions of Filipinos struggling to make ends meet, Senator Francis Escudero’s recent revelation about the staggering cost of the new Senate building in Taguig City strikes a nerve. Escudero, with his usual sharpness and vigilance, has brought to light an issue that demands urgent and rigorous scrutiny: the ballooning budget for the New Senate Building (NSB), which has now escalated to an astonishing P23 billion.
Escudero’s initiative to suspend the payments and construction of the NSB pending a comprehensive review is not only prudent but also an act of public service at its finest. This is a moment that calls for a thorough examination of how taxpayer money is being spent and whether such expenditure can be justified in light of the pressing needs of the nation.
The increase from the initial P8.9 billion to P13 billion, with an additional P10 billion required to complete the project, indeed leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, as Escudero aptly describes. This massive budget inflation should be shocking to every Filipino, especially those who toil day and night just to put food on the table.
The Legal and Ethical Imperative
Senator Escudero’s call for a review is grounded in both ethical and legal principles. The Constitution of the Philippines, under Article XI, Section 1, mandates public officers to act with accountability, responsibility, and integrity. The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) further underscores the need to ensure that government projects do not become conduits for wastage and corruption. While Escudero has clarified that he does not see any irregularities per se, the mere potential for excessive spending warrants a rigorous audit and review.
The precedent for such an audit is clear. The controversy surrounding the P2.3-billion Makati City Hall Building II, also handled by Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation, which is the same contractor for the NSB, is a stark reminder of what happens when oversight is lax. The Senate’s own investigation in 2014 into the Makati building project revealed significant issues of graft and mismanagement. This historical context alone justifies a meticulous examination of the NSB project.
The Need for Transparency and Accountability
Escudero’s directive to Senator Alan Cayetano to suspend payments and construction is a step in the right direction. The preliminary review by Cayetano’s committee, revealing “numerous variations, deviations, and modifications” that have not been properly validated, is alarming. These changes, which have added P833 million to the project cost, highlight the need for stringent checks and balances.
Furthermore, procurement delays and missteps by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that have contributed to cost overruns demand immediate attention. Engaging a third-party construction management team, as suggested by Cayetano, to validate the project technically and financially is a prudent recommendation. This approach will help ensure that the building’s final cost is justified and that the project adheres to the original design intent without unnecessary extravagance.
A Call for Broader Reflection
This situation also prompts a broader reflection on government spending priorities. At a time when many Filipinos are grappling with economic hardship, the optics of such a lavish expenditure on a government building are deeply troubling. Escudero’s observation that such a project might appear overly luxurious, akin to the high-end buildings in Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), resonates with the public’s sentiment.
Recommendations for Moving Forward
To ensure that such incidents do not recur, several measures should be implemented:
1. Enhanced Oversight: Establish an independent oversight body comprising civil society, experts, and government representatives to monitor large-scale government projects.
2. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits by the Commission on Audit (COA) and make the findings publicly accessible to ensure transparency.
3. Public Consultation: Engage the public and stakeholders in discussions about significant government expenditures to ensure that spending aligns with public interest and priorities.
4. Legal Reforms: Strengthen existing laws to penalize excessive and unjustified government spending, even in the absence of clear graft or corruption.
Conclusion
Senator Francis Escudero’s vigilance in calling for a review of the NSB budget is a commendable act of leadership and public service. It reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that government funds are spent wisely and in the best interest of the people. In times of economic distress, it is essential that our leaders exhibit the utmost prudence and accountability. The P23 billion intended for the Senate’s new home must be scrutinized meticulously, and any extravagance must be curtailed. The future of the Philippines depends on leaders who, like Escudero, are not afraid to question and hold the line against wasteful spending.
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KWEBA ni BAROK 
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