Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday said his departure from the Senate’s top post would not stop efforts to uncover the truth behind alleged irregularities in the country’s flood control program, framing the recent leadership battle as a larger struggle over corruption, constitutional independence, and public accountability.
In a June 17 statement on social media titled “A Grateful Heart, An Unfinished Fight,” Cayetano thanked supporters, acknowledged allies who stood by him, and vowed to continue pursuing accountability over billions of pesos intended for flood mitigation projects.
The statement comes amid an ongoing dispute over Senate leadership that Cayetano and his allies have linked to efforts to scrutinize government flood control spending.
Throughout his statement, Cayetano repeatedly emphasized that the fight was not about the Senate presidency itself.
“This was never about the Senate presidency. From the very beginning it was about the truth — the truth about the flood-control funds, the billions meant to shield our towns and our families from the waters, the protection that was paid for and never came. That is the fight that began all of this — one side wanted to bring it out, the other desperate to keep it covered. And it is a fight that we intend to continue, no title or position required,” he said.
Cayetano also questioned the purpose of the special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 17, which Malacañang said was intended to tackle urgent legislative measures.
He argued that the legislative calendar itself undercut that justification, noting that none of the President’s 21 priority measures appeared poised for passage.
“The President himself named twenty-one priority measures for passage by June, and when our leadership changed, his Palace promised the public there would be no slowdown. Yet not one of those twenty-one appears to be set for passage today,” he said.
He said instead, what will be sent into law instead is “a national orchid and two grants of citizenship.” The lone priority measure on the calendar, he added, is the Anti-Political Dynasty bill which currently sits only at interpellation
“We could have done the people’s work these past weeks — had the effort gone into governing rather than into counting to thirteen. Instead, the real work waits. Cover-up time muna,” Cayetano said.
He also questioned whether the special session was meant to advance legislation or simply formalize a change in Senate leadership.
“Which leaves one honest question. If we are serious about working, then let us pass serious bills. And if we are not — if this Special Session is only the Palace’s way of legitimizing its chosen Senate President — then the only thing special about it is that it proves our point despite all their denials,” he said.
He ended his message by vowing that his pursuit of the truth would continue regardless of who leads the Senate.
“Offices are temporary, titles are temporary, even majorities are temporary — but your right to the truth is not. I promise you, we will get to the bottom of this. We will find the Masterminds. We will hold them accountable,” he said, addressing the public.
“I may leave the position of SP, but I am honored to still be your PS — your Public Servant,” he added.