Senate orders probe into death of man who fell off its new building

The Senate leadership orders a thorough probe into the death of an unnamed man who fell at the construction site of the New Senate Building in Taguig City on July 25, 2024. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate leadership has ordered a thorough probe into the death of an unnamed man who fell at the construction site of the New Senate Building in Taguig City.

Senate spokesperson Arnel Bañas confirmed that the unfortunate incident happened on Thursday night, citing reports from the on-site security team and Southern Police District.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Bañas said in a statement Friday.

“Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has been apprised of the incident. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation of the incident and a review of the security protocols in the construction site,” he added.

READ: Man dies after falling from New Senate Building in Taguig City

According to reports, the 23-year-old man “slipped into the construction area” around 9:00 p.m. on July 25 and was chased by a companion and the security guards but could not be found.

An hour after, the man fell off the north tower of the still-being-constructed New Senate Building, Bañas said, further citing reports reaching the Senate.

“We have instructed security to recheck and tighten control of all entrance and exit points as well as the façade barriers to prevent unauthorized entry and loitering,”  the Senate spokesman said.

“The Senate is taking this matter very seriously. We extend our full support to the ongoing investigation to find out the actual circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” he added.

The construction of the New Senate Building is under review by the current Senate leadership as questions have been raised over its ballooning cost.