Senator Cayetano urges government leaders to set aside differences and focus on disaster response

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday urged government leaders to move beyond political disagreements and prioritize urgent national concerns, including disaster response operations in Mindanao and worsening economic pressures affecting Filipino households.

Cayetano said the government should remain focused on saving lives and restoring livelihoods, especially following a recent earthquake that affected communities in Mindanao.

He stressed that political disputes in the Senate should not slow down emergency response efforts or legislative action.

“What's more urgent? You can postpone a hearing but you cannot postpone a rescue mission. You cannot postpone y’ung paghahatid ng mga relief,” he said.

The senator emphasized that while discussions over Senate leadership continue, these should not hinder the passage of needed legislation or coordination with the executive branch.

“If there's needed legislation, good. We will meet right away. Wala tayong dapat conflict kung may kailangan ang ating bansa. Whether it's legislation, whether it's a meeting na LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council), dapat tanggalin [muna] ang pulitika,” he said.

Cayetano also dismissed suggestions that the Senate has halted its work due to internal leadership issues, pointing out that committee activities can proceed even during a sine die adjournment.

“But aside from that, let's remember that the committees can continue to work,” he said.

As an example, he pointed to a hearing conducted by Senator Pia Cayetano after adjournment, saying it demonstrated that legislative functions continue despite political friction within the chamber.

He further warned of mounting economic challenges in the coming months, including rising fuel prices, increasing fertilizer costs, and pressures on food supply, which he said could worsen before improving.

“The economic crisis is here. And every month until the end of the year, it will get much worse before it gets better,” he said.

Cayetano said these overlapping challenges highlight the importance of cooperation among government institutions to address urgent national needs.

“In that sense, kailangang magtulong-tulong talaga ang ating bansa,” he said.

-Paraluman News