Panelo: Build hospital, not a Senate building

I agree 100 percent, even 1,000 percent that the construction of the Senate Building should be put on hold. Imagine, they are spending at least P5 billion to P9 billion and they are targeting to finish the project by next year.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo on Friday said the senators should suspend the construction of the P9- billion Senate Building at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.

The money, he said, should be realigned to fund the construction of a hospital to boost the government’s campaign against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In his daily online program “Counterpoint”, Panelo also criticized the decision of the senators to push through with the construction of the new Senate Building despite the pandemic that started in March 2020.

“A groundbreaking ceremony was held February of 2020, and the pandemic started in March 2020. A senator was even quoted as saying, the pandemic should not delay the project, it should continue as scheduled,” Panelo said.

He, however, did not identify the senator. Panelo added that this is not the time to construct a senate building.

“I agree 100 percent, even 1,000 percent that the construction of the Senate Building should be put on hold. Imagine, they are spending at least P5 billion to P9 billion and they are targeting to finish the project by next year,” he noted.

The new Senate Building will even have three towers, Panelo said.

“I saw the design and the proposed new building is really huge. I am calling on our senators to suspend its construction. If the news about the construction of the Senate building will reach our people, I’m sure, they will also oppose it,” Panelo added.

Panelo said senators who are seeking reelection should consider the sentiments of the people.

“Many senators are seeking reelection and I’m sure the electorate will react to this project,” he said.

A senator was even quoted as saying, the pandemic should not delay the project, it should continue as scheduled.

“We can build a hospital just like the style in Wuhan which was constructed in 30 days. In just a month, they were able to build a hospital to respond to the pandemic. So, instead of a five-star building, let’s build a five-star hospital,” he added.

Senator Panfilo Lacson is the main proponent of the new Senate Building.