House ‘Young Guns’ slam Senate wasteful spending

MANILA, Philippines —  With still unresolved differences over Charter change and absolute divorce, another word war has erupted between certain members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, this time over the use of public funds.

It started with the so-called Young Guns in the House describing the P14.4-billion gap in the original cost of the new Senate building as “wasteful spending.”

This prompted Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III to tell the group of congressmen under 40 to first clean up their own backyard.

Construction of the new Senate building had an initial budget of P8.9 billion. This has now ballooned to P13 billion with an additional P10 billion required for completion, bringing the total to P23.3 billion.

“I advise the Young Guns in the House of Representatives to first look at the dramatic increase in the budget of the House from P16 billion —  as reflected in the President’s proposed budget — to the final amount of P28 billion in the General Appropriations Act of 2024,” Pimentel told The STAR yesterday.

He was referring to the proposed P16.58-billion House budget in the 2024 National Expenditure Program, which ballooned to P28.69 billion in the approved 2024 GAA.

Asked if he agrees with Senate President Francis Escudero that the building is too pricey, Pimentel said, “I agree with SP Escudero that we need to pause, study documents and then discuss the situation.”

The construction of the new Senate building is a “prime example of why stringent checks and balances are essential,” said 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Gutierrez.

“The significant cost overrun calls for a reassessment to protect our nation’s fiscal health,” he added.

A dramatic increase in spending is a potential waste of public funds that necessitates a “comprehensive review,” said Ako Bicol part-list Rep. Raul Bongalon.

“Delaying the project for a comprehensive review is a responsible decision… Public infrastructure projects should reflect prudent financial management. We must halt this project until a clear and transparent review can guarantee that the funds are used appropriately and for the benefit of all Filipinos,” said Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson