Cayetano: Senate shakeup must lead to real reform

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday said changes in the Senate leadership should go beyond numbers, stressing the need for genuine reform as he confirmed that as many as 10 senators could align with the minority bloc.

His statement came after Senator Tito Sotto was installed as Senate President following the ouster of Senator Francis Escudero, creating opportunities for both the majority and minority blocs to redefine their roles.

“Given the call of the time, given ang mga pangyayari the last few months, given y’ung issues sa corruption that’s tearing our country apart, it’s urgent that we not only have a functioning Senate but that the majority and minority will play its part,” Cayetano said in a media interview on September 8.

He emphasized that corruption, not political rivals, is the real adversary.

“Ang kalaban dito ay both the system that slowly crept in pero grabe talaga ang nangyayari. So, politics should be temporary but we should have real change, y’ung transformation talaga,” he added.

Asked if he would take on the role of minority leader, Cayetano said consultations are ongoing among members.

He explained that the minority bloc remains fluid, with senators from different political leanings considering their options.

Cayetano clarified that those who did not sign the resolution backing Sotto, including himself, could choose to join the minority.

“Ang bilang ko, 8, 9 or 10 [ang interesado]. Kasi nga it’s a majority-minority dito sa Senate, pero y’ung political leanings outside the Senate iba-iba, very diverse talaga,” he said.

With corruption hounding the country, Cayetano warned that if not properly addressed, it will return in worse forms.

“What’s important now is makapag-focus tayo. How do we have real change in our country na hindi y’ung parang mawawala y’ung corruption tapos babalik na mas grabe,” he said.