Senator Alan Cayetano clarifies senators can decide on VP post

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano maintained that his fellow senators have the prerogative to accept or reject any offer to become vice president. He said his appeal for them to turn down the position should not be taken personally.

Cayetano issued the clarification after Sen. Panfilo Lacson criticized his suggestion that senators decline any nomination to replace Vice President Sara Duterte should she be convicted in her impeachment trial.

“Everyone remains free to decide. I hope we can consider the concern behind the invitation before taking offense at being asked,” Cayetano wrote in a social media post.

Cayetano explained that his earlier remarks were prompted by impeachment court presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s statement that he would reject the vice presidency because he would be among the senator-judges deciding Duterte’s fate.

“He could have kept quiet and left the possibility open. Instead, he gave people a reason to trust that his vote would not be influenced by the prospect of becoming Vice President. With so much doubt surrounding our politics, I think we need more of that,” Cayetano highlighted.

Under the Constitution, if Duterte is convicted and removed from office, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may nominate a member of Congress to fill the vacancy, subject to confirmation by both chambers of Congress.

Cayetano stressed that the president's authority to nominate a replacement would not prevent a senator from declining the offer.

"The President can fulfill his duty while a senator follows his conscience, without either preventing the other from doing what he believes is right,” he emphasized.

The minority leader also welcomed discussions about the possible political implications of the impeachment proceedings, saying disagreements should not prevent a reasoned exchange of views.

“I am glad we can discuss these questions openly, and I appreciate those who take the time to consider them calmly and carefully. We owe the public that much, even when we disagree,” Cayetano said.

“Getting offended by a question does not answer it, and making the discussion personal does little to help people understand what is at stake,” he added.