Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday, October 23, called on Filipinos to stay vigilant and focused on holding accountable the true masterminds of corruption, instead of being swayed by political distractions and noise that divert attention from the real issue.
Cayetano warned that the government’s current anti-corruption efforts are turning into a “circus”, damaging the country’s image and taking the spotlight away from those truly benefitting from systemic corruption.
“Eyes on the ball tayo, liligawin tayo ng mga mastermind,” he told reporters. “Hindi sustainable y’ung paraan kung paano natin na-aaddress ang massive corruption. We have to be decisive, kailangan may major reforms, tunay na pagbabago. Kailangan may makulong.”
The senator cautioned that corruption cases are increasingly being handled with political bias, creating confusion and eroding public trust in government institutions.
“Napaglalaruan tayo and I am fed up with being played around with,” Cayetano said.
As an example, he cited the case of Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva, whose case was previously dismissed. Cayetano stressed that this issue should not distract the Senate or the public from addressing genuine corruption concerns.
Recently, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla insisted on enforcing a 2016 dismissal order against Villanueva over the alleged misuse of his 2008 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) when he was still a congressman. However, former Ombudsman Samuel Martires clarified that the case had already been dismissed in 2019 after Villanueva’s motion for reconsideration was approved.
“Klarong-klaro po iyan. Wala siyang (Remulla) isusulat sa Senate President sapagkat na-dismiss na y’ung kaso na yan,” Cayetano emphasized.
He added that turning corruption issues into public spectacles weakens government institutions and tarnishes the country’s reputation among investors and overseas Filipinos.
“The way we’re doing it na parang circus araw-araw, lubusang naapektuhan ang image ng ating bansa,” he said.
Cayetano urged the public to remain alert and to direct their demands toward genuine accountability and reform, rather than falling for political theatrics.
“Hindi ako tumanda sa public service at pulitika para paglaruan ng mga corrupt. Let’s not be distracted. Ang tunay na laban ay laban sa mga mastermind, hindi sa mga palabas,” he declared.