Senator Alan Cayetano: Prioritize relief, not political squabbles over flood projects

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano dismissed ongoing allegations from Sen. Panfilo Lacson over flood-control projects in Taguig City, stating that addressing the urgent needs of typhoon-hit communities must take precedence over political squabbles.

Speaking in a Facebook livestream on September 4, Cayetano said he could easily counter Lacson’s claims but found it inappropriate to engage in political disputes while many Filipinos continue to endure severe flooding.

“How can I talk about Taguig, the defense, and all of this, seeing that there’s so much suffering going on?” Cayetano said. “Although I can answer him point by point… there are more important and urgent things like taking care of people with immediate needs.”

He stressed that several flooded communities have yet to receive adequate relief or rehabilitation assistance, especially as recurring rains prolong the crisis. He urged the government to prioritize immediate relief alongside presser issues such as healthcare, employment, and frequent class disruptions caused by bad weather.

“Hindi pa nga nabibigay lahat ng relief. 'Yung pong sobra ang tama, tapos humupa na po or bumaba na 'yung tubig, wala pa ngang rehabilitation program. 'Yung iba, hindi pa bumaba 'yung tubig, umuulan ulit,” Cayetano added.

Accusations of ‘Trial by Publicity’

Addressing the documents Lacson recently filed with the Office of the Ombudsman, Cayetano called on his colleague to let the anti-graft body conduct its probe without turning the matter into a media circus.

He accused Lacson of pursuing a political “witch hunt” and engaging in “trial by publicity” without presenting concrete proof.

“Araw-araw for the last three months, parang striptease tapos wala namang tunay na ebidensya, panay po akusasyon,” Cayetano said, describing the persistent attacks as a targeted demolition job. “Hinahanap lang lahat eh. 'Yung kahit wala, 'yung parang naghanap ka ng multo na wala doon, gumagawa ng storya.”

Confidence in Due Process

Despite characterizing the accusations as malicious, Cayetano assured the public that he remains fully cooperative with the Ombudsman and trusts that due process will be served.

“No one is above the law. We welcome an honest-to-goodness, fair investigation,” he said, adding that he is giving the anti-graft agency the “benefit of the doubt” to thoroughly investigate all named personalities.

Cayetano expressed confidence that the investigation will ultimately clear his name and expose the political motivations behind Lacson's attacks, which he tied directly to his rise to the Senate presidency.

“Hindi n’yo napansin po, since May 11 po, halos araw-araw niya po akong tinitira, tinutuligsa? Nag-umpisa lang naman ito n’ung tumakbo po ako bilang Senate President at naging Senate President,” Cayetano noted. “We are confident that once everything is submitted, we will not only be cleared, but makikita 'yung intention ni Senator Ping.”