Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has issued a clarification following reports claiming that he called for the resignation of national leaders—from the President down to members of Congress—and for a snap election to be held.
In his latest Facebook post on Monday, October 6, Cayetano denied making such a call, saying it is not his role to dictate what others should do.
“It’s not my job nor my intention to tell anyone what to do, to tell anyone to resign, to tell the President, the VP, Senators and Congressmen and Women to resign,” Cayetano wrote.
He added that his role as a public servant is to reflect on national problems, discern, pray, and articulate ideas that could help improve the country.
“My duty is to reflect on the problems our nation faces. Discern, Pray, Then Articulate Ideas,” he said.
Earlier, Cayetano’s brother, former Taguig City Mayor and film director Lino Cayetano, expressed support for what he perceived as the senator’s call for mass resignation, urging him to lead by example.
“If you truly believe what you say then trust and have faith that if some of the old guard step down now—it will inspire others to follow,” the younger Cayetano said.
MAKABAYAN BLOC ON CAYETANO’S REMARKS
Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc criticized Cayetano’s statements, accusing him of diverting public attention away from pressing issues such as corruption and governance.
“Cayetano is trying to divert the focus from corruption accountability to snap elections, giving the illusion that corruption can be addressed simply through the electoral process that is still dominated by political dynasties and corrupt politicians,” the group said.
“How will holding snap elections address the issue of accountability? The proposal is a distraction and a way to douse cold water on the people’s protests,” they added.