Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang questioned Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on his call to defend Senate independence, challenging its basis after the arrest of an ally facing plunder and graft charges.

“Senate independence, independence from what? Ano ba ang pinapalagan ni Senator Alan Cayetano? Saan ba nakialam ang pangulo?” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, June 2.

[Translation: Senate independence, independence from what? What is Senator Alan Cayetano opposing? At what point did the president interfere?]

Cayetano called on senators to “stand for the Senate’s independence” and to let the chamber “go quiet” after the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada inside Senate premises.

He said the institution’s independence and the legal standing of its members should not be treated as “currencies” to be traded.

In response, Castro said the service of a valid warrant of arrest should not be interpreted as interference by the executive branch.

“Tama lamang po na i-serve ang valid warrant of arrest,” she said.

[Translation: It is only right to serve a valid warrant of arrest.]

She questioned whether Cayetano was implying that law enforcement should be barred from implementing court orders within Senate grounds.

“Ang ibig po ba niyang sabihin, dapat hindi isilbi?” Castro said.

[Translation: Does he mean that such warrants should not be served?]

Castro said all branches of government must cooperate and uphold the rule of law, warning against any perception that officials are above legal processes.

“So papaano magkakaroon ng pagtutulungan kung mayroong hindi tutupad sa batas at mayroong maghahari-harian. Hindi puwede ang ganoon, lahat po dapat ay patas,” she said.

[Translation: How can there be cooperation if someone refuses to follow the law and acts above others? That cannot be, everyone must be equal.]

Castro said no one is above the law.