MANILA — Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday said he has signed a detailed architecture and engineering design of the New Senate Building.

“Pinirmahan ko na yung DAED. Detailed Architecture and Engineering Design noong isang araw ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon huwag niyo akong tanungin kung bakit, na nagkaroon ng DAED ang building na ito na dapat sana mayroon na bago pa man simulan ang mga building construction ng anumang building,” he said.

“But finally mayroon na para itong road map ika nga, hindi lamang plano kung ‘di detailed nga ‘yong unang D, detalyadong plano na ito ng building at ngayon na namin sa pamamagitan ng pag bi-bid ng mga amounts na kailangan gawin, trabahong kailangang gampanan,” Escudero added.

Upon assuming office as Senate President last year, Escudero ordered a review of the project.

Cost of new Senate building nearly tripled; 'shocked' Escudero orders review

The construction of the new Senate building in BGC began under the term of then-Senate President Vicente Sotto III and was continued by his successor, former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

In February, Escudero inspected the construction of the new Senate building and said it was not overpriced.

Escudero sees no overpricing in new Senate building

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said the building is the "most expensive" in the country.

Cayetano claims New Senate Building to cost P33 billion