THE “Young Guns” of the House of Representatives strongly responded to recent statements made by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III regarding the controversial new Senate building project, saying the senator was diverting the issue.
“Almost everybody are in praise of Senate President Chiz Escudero’s decision to suspend construction of the new Senate building pending comprehensive review. All except Senator Pimentel who, last we heard, was still the Minority Leader. What gives?” House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun said.
“Instead of hitting us, congressmen, the good Senate Minority Leader should welcome our move to applaud the decision of the new Senate leadership to uphold the principles of good governance. Hindi talaga namin maintindihan kung bakit nagagalit sa amin si Senator Pimentel,” Khonghun added.
House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Jil Bongalon (Ako-Bicol Partylist) said it was unnecessary for Pimentel to divert the issue by comparing the budget of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“One thing is clear: the House of Representatives, with its over 300 members, does not have a P23-billion building project. Senator Pimentel’s attempts to divert scrutiny from the Senate’s controversial expenditure by highlighting the House’s budget increase are unfounded and misleading,” Bongalon, a lawyer, said.
“Public funds must be utilized transparently and judiciously, irrespective of the agency or branch of government,” he added.
The Young Guns noted that it is not their responsibility to defend the allocation and expenditure of the Senate’s budget.
“There is no need to be onion-skinned about the criticisms aimed at the Senate’s spending. As public officials, we must all be open to scrutiny, especially when it concerns the use of taxpayers’ money,” said Rep. Rodge Gutierrez,
also a lawyer, (1-Rider Partylist).
“The public deserves to know why the cost of the NSB has escalated so dramatically, and your role as a Senator should include ensuring accountability and transparency, not merely defending controversial projects,” Gutierrez added.
“Senator Pimentel’s defense of the Senate’s budgetary allocation on its new building is unnecessary. What we need is transparency and accountability. The question remains: why has the NSB’s budget ballooned to P23.3 billion, from its original allocation of P8.9 billion?” said Assistant Majority Leader and Rep. Paolo Ortega (La Union).
“Senator Pimentel’s remarks are a distraction from the core issue. It’s about the responsible use of public funds. We, the Senate and the House, should all work together to ensure fiscal responsibility,” Ortega added.
