Cayetano to newly elected barangay officials: Help transform the Philippines into a drug-free country

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday urged newly elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to join the fight toward a drug-free Philippines.

“Magtulong-tulong tayong gawing drug-free ang Pilipinas,” Cayetano told the more than 300 newly elected barangay chairpersons and kagawad of the City of Taguig during their oath-taking ceremony on November 12, 2023.

In his keynote speech, Cayetano identified illegal drugs as a “red line” local officials must never cross or tolerate as it “does not bring any good” to the community.

“Lalo na po na ang klase ng droga na available sa ating mga kababayan ay shabu. Scientifically proven po y’un na sinisira po y’ung utak, nagkakaroon ng violent tendencies, nakakakita ng wala naman,” he said.

The senator said an effective way to beat illegal drugs in the country is to “minister” to the users and pushers, rather than just running after them.

“Malungkot, nawawala sa kanyang sarili, namomoroblema, gutom, walang hanapbuhay – these are some reasons kaya kumakapit sila sa droga,” he said.

“Lahat ng paraan para mawala ang droga, gagawin natin,” he added.

Cayetano also urged the newly elected officials of the city not to succumb to illegal gambling establishments and businesses that promote “immorality” as means of generating revenue for their barangays because they “erode the [City’s] values.”

“There are 1,001 ways na ma-increase ang pondo ng inyong barangay,” he said.

“Ang gusto po ba natin ay panay saya ng laman na kanya-kanya [tayo] at bahala na anong mangyari sa Taguig, or gusto ba nating family-oriented ang Siyudad natin na dedicated sa Panginoon?” he added.

Taguig, also known as a 'Probinsyudad' under the leadership of the senator's wife Mayor Lani Cayetano, is known for its strict prohibition on the construction of bingo houses, cockfighting arenas, casinos, and motels.

“Sana po magkaisa tayo na ang Taguig ay para sa Diyos at ibe-bless ang bawat pamilya,” he said.

Cayetano also addressed the almost 300 newly elected SK officials during their oath-taking on Sunday night, urging them to “keep their integrity” and serve as good examples to their fellow youth.

“Because being a public servant is so personal, it is very important that you keep your integrity. Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no,” he said, quoting from the Book of Matthew in the Bible.

“You have to be the example kasi elected kayo. Remember, people follow what we (elected leaders) do,” he added. ###