‘Navy cadet’ falls to death in new Senate building site

NEWEST LANDMARK The new Senate building, though still under construction, looms large in Taguig City. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Senate President Francis Escudero on Friday ordered an investigation into the death of a supposed Philippine Navy cadet who fell to his death from one of the floors of the new Senate building under construction in Taguig City.

The incident on Thursday night was the latest misfortune to hit the multibillion-peso infrastructure project, whose rising cost prompted Escudero to put on hold its third phase last month.

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

Arnel Jose Bañas, the newly designated Senate spokesperson, said they have immediately ordered stricter security measures at the construction site at Chino Roces Avenue Extension.

Bañas said that the victim, whose identity has been withheld, entered the premises from the main gate at about 9 p.m. as construction personnel ended their overtime work.

Citing reports from the Senate security team and the police, Bañas said the man was being “chased by a companion and the security guards,” but they failed to locate him.