Experts doubt Makati building is world-class

MANILA, PhilippinesThe 11-story Makati City Hall Parking Building at the center of overpricing allegations is not world-class as it has gypsum boards for most of its internal walls and office floors covered with rolling vinyl, which is similar to linoleum, according to experts tapped by the Senate blue ribbon committee to evaluate the edifice.

Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Antonio Trillanes IV were the only lawmakers who attended the inspection of the buildings features on Monday. They were joined by engineers, an architect and a quantity surveyor.

The inspection was intended to help the committee determine whether big amounts of public funds were spent for its construction.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Junjun Binay earlier explained the P2.3-billion cost of the structure by saying that it was world-class and Makatis version of a green building.

The mayor added that the building had to be given a strong foundation because it was built on soft ground.

He and his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was the mayor when the construction of the parking building began in 2007, also denied allegations that the structure was overpriced. Both father and son are facing a plunder complaint over the issue.

Unoccupied office spaces

The building, constructed from 2007 to 2012, has a roof deck with a garden, five floors of office and storage space, though many have yet to be occupied, and six parking levels.

The Senate resource personsquantity surveyor Greg Jackson and architect Danilo Alanotook note of the vinyl flooring and the drywalls in the offices, and the finishes of the building, among other features.

Average

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Experts doubt Makati building is world-class