Senate eyes move to new Fort Bonifacio building by mid-2027

The Senate is eyeing a mid-2027 start for its long-delayed relocation to the New Senate Building (NSB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, according to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

“We’re really trying for the middle of 2027,” said Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Accounts overseeing the NSB’s development. 

Cayetano also said that they initially hoped that the Senate could begin transferring to the NSB by the first quarter of 2027, but acknowledged that complexities surrounding construction, bidding processes, and internal preparations required a more conservative timetable.

"We’re playing safe na last quarter ng 2027, kaya lang ayaw naman natin dumoble ang gastos ng lahat, pati ng mga senador na [kung aabutin pa ng] 2028,” said Cayetano on Thursday.

(We're playing it safe with a target of the last quarter of 2027, but we also want to avoid doubling expenses for everyone, including the senators, especially if this drags on until 2028.)

The new building, envisioned as a permanent, modern headquarters for the Senate, was originally scheduled for completion in 2021. Construction delays, coupled with budget scrutiny and shifting leadership priorities, became a challenge.

Currently, the Senate occupies rented space at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex in Pasay City, which lawmakers have described as outdated and no longer conducive to efficient operations.

Meanwhile, Cayetano said that he is also reviewing the Senate’s existing lease arrangement with GSIS to ensure continuity of operations during the handover phase.

“Kasama sa trabaho ko before Monday is ’yung kontrata namin sa GSIS, para hindi tayo mawalan ng opisina habang hindi pa tapos ’yung building,” he said.

(Part of my job before Monday is to check our contract with GSIS so we don’t lose access to office space while the building isn’t finished yet.)

Despite the delays, Cayetano stressed that quality and value remain the top priorities in completing the NSB.

“What I can assure you with the New Senate Building, hindi nagbabago — how do we have the best building, quality and functionality-wise, at the least price,” he said. 

(What I can assure you is that our goal hasn’t changed—to have the best building in terms of quality and functionality at the lowest possible cost.) —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News