Senator Pia Cayetano on Friday clarified that she is currently in Singapore to support the Philippine national padel team, dismissing speculation surrounding her whereabouts.
In a nearly 30-minute livestream posted on social media on September 11, Cayetano said her trip was not meant to be kept private and expressed surprise that people were looking for information about her location.
“Balita ko, ang daming naghahanap sa akin… Para namang napakalaking sikreto kung saan ako pumunta eh hindi naman siya secret,” Cayetano said.
“Pati ba naman kung saan ako pumunta ay newsworthy na pala,” she added.
Cayetano said she traveled to Singapore to cheer for the country’s national padel squad, which is taking part in tune-up matches at the Asia-Pacific Padel Tour as part of its preparations for the Asian Games.
“I’m in Singapore, guys, and I’ll tell you why. I’m with our national team. Our Padel National Team. Alam niyo naman I am an avid supporter of our national team. Kung kaya ko puntahan kung nasaan sila para magsupport, I will do that,” the lawmaker said.
The senator said the trip had been planned beforehand and emphasized her long-standing support for Filipino athletes.
“I came to Singapore to support our national team… Hindi ho ako pumunta para sumali. Pumunta ako para mag-support ng athletes,” she explained.
She also disclosed that she had been invited to participate in a professional padel tournament but turned down the opportunity because she needed to return to the Philippines.
“It’s an honor for me na ma-imbita ako… Tumanggi na lang po talaga ako kasi hindi rin po ako pwedeng magtagal dahil kailangan ko pong bumalik,” Cayetano reiterated.
During the livestream, Cayetano introduced several members of the Philippine padel team while they prepared for their matches and reiterated her support for Filipino athletes.
“Thank you guys for all the support. Alam na alam niyo naman na support na support ko ang mga athlete. Kahit na anong maitulong ko sa kanila, kahit na busy ako. I’m an athlete at heart,” Cayetano said.
Her statement came amid questions about her whereabouts and reports connecting her and her brother, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, to issues concerning the Bureau of Immigration.