Senate eyes mid-2027 transfer to Taguig building 

The Senate is eyeing a mid-2027 start for its long-delayed transfer to their New Senate Building (NSB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said on Thursday.

Cayetano, who chairs the Senate committee on accounts overseeing the construction of the new complex, told reporters that the full transfer could take between “six months to a year” due to the logistical challenges of relocating the upper chamber.

Given those considerations, Cayetano said the Senate leadership is now targeting the middle of 2027 to begin the transition, with the last quarter of the year as a safety buffer to avoid overlapping with preparations for the 2028 elections.

Timeline

“We had to factor in negotiations, bidding and the setup of offices,” he said. “We’re playing it safe with a last-quarter timeline, but we also want to avoid doubling expenses, especially for senators, if the move drags into 2028.”

The NSB, initially slated for completion in 2021, is meant to provide the Senate with a modern, permanent home.

The legislative body is currently based at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex in Pasay City.

However, it has since been marred by corruption allegations after senators discovered the ballooning costs of construction for the government building, now pegged at around P23.3 billion.

High standards

Since assuming the accounts committee chairmanship last year, Cayetano has maintained that his goal was to deliver a facility that meets high standards without unnecessary costs.

See Also

Small EV with a big statement

“We’re getting there,” he said. “What I can assure you about the New Senate Building is that our commitment hasn’t changed—we want the best building in terms of quality and functionality, at the lowest cost possible.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Cayetano is also reviewing the Senate’s lease agreement with GSIS to make sure office operations can continue during the handover.

Cayetano added that the latest technical report on the NSB’s status, prepared by his staff, is nearly complete.