Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano assured his colleagues that he believes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sincerity when he said the recent controversial standoff in the Senate grounds was not an attack from the executive branch.
“I don’t doubt the sincerity of President Marcos when he called to check if we were safe and to assure us that it wasn’t an attack from the executive department. I don’t doubt that, that’s why we’re waiting for the full investigation,” he said
“There are matters that when discussed in public will cause more alarm and confusion rather than clarity. But that doesn’t mean na parang walang nangyari [as if nothing happened],” Cayetano added.
During the session, Sen. Pia Cayetano turned emotional in response to Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ remarks condemning the gunshot scare at the Senate on May 13.
“Simula noong Lunes, ang pinapakita natin ay para bang walang nangyari,” Hontiveros said. “Na para bang hindi nabastos ang ating institusyon.”
[Translation: Since Monday, we have been trying to make it seem like nothing has happened…It’s as if the institution was not disrespected.]
In response, Cayetano said: “Takot na takot po ako na kailangan ko na magpaalam sa mga anak ko. Para sabihin niyo na walang nangyari, napasakit para sa amin na nandito.”
[Translation: I am terrified that I have to say goodbye to my children. For all of you to say that it’s as if nothing happened, it’s offending for those of us here.]
She also revealed her frustration over the now-minority bloc members: “Yung dating majority group, walang ni-isa sa inyong nangamusta sa’min [The previous majority group, not one of you asked how we were doing.].”
“You have your own story, I respect that, but please respect my own story,” Cayetano added.
The exchange was a continuing discussion from the whirlwind of events last week that saw the reappearance of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on May 11 to vote for the removal of then Senate President Tito Sotto. Dela Rosa has gone into hiding again.
The Senate placed Dela Rosa under its protective custody and stayed for two days, only to leave again hours after an exchange of gunshots between in-house security and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation.
