Cayetano pushes for more sustained funding for PHILVOLCS modernization

PRESS RELEASE

February 12, 2024

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano wants to see to it that there is continuous funding for the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), saying merely approving a five-year plan does not guarantee its success.

"I don't want us to just pass a specific five-year plan and then not allocate the necessary funds," he said ahead of a public hearing on Monday, February 12, 2024, on the proposed PHIVOLCS Modernization Act by the Committee on Science and Technology, jointly with the Committees on Energy, Ways and Means, and Finance.

Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Science and Technology Senate Committee, emphasized the advantages of modernizing PHIVOLCS, saying it will assist the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its infrastructure program, among others.

"Hazard mapping will aid everyone in construction, including where to build and where not to build new roads," he said.

During the Senate hearing on the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act on December 1, 2023, PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said some local government units are already using the agency’s hazard mapping for their land use planning.

The modernization aims to install 300 earthquake monitoring stations, 82 sea level monitoring stations, complete monitoring systems, geologic hazard maps, a new building with cutting-edge amenities such as research facilities, and an information and communications technology server room.

On Monday’s hearing, Cayetano will also discuss the importance of being ready in case the feared “Big One” – an earthquake that could have a magnitude of 7.2 or even higher – hits Metro Manila.

As projected by PHIVOLCS in 2016, such a temblor could cause 48,000 fatalities and 24,000 severe injuries.

Additionally, infrastructure destruction could lead to widespread power and communication failures, alongside significant economic losses estimated by the World Bank at P2.5 trillion given that the National Capital Region accounts for a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Cayetano emphasized the need to strengthen PHIVOLCS as a proactive measure.

 Itong modernization bill… I think we should really give it all the effort… It will help us in the long-term,” he said.###

Western Visayas residents receive livelihood boost through Cayetano-DSWD partnership

 

PRESS RELEASE

December 15, 2023

Hundreds of residents from the provinces of Antique and Guimaras received livelihood aid from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano on December 11 and 12, 2023.

The two-day visit of their offices in Western Visayas reached out to different sectors in partnership with the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which aims to provide capacity-building to improve the beneficiaries' socio-economic status.

On December 11, 140 women and farmers from San Remigio, Antique, received livelihood assistance of P15,000 each. Playing a vital role in making the outreach activity a success, San Remigio Mayor Margarito "Mar" Mission Jr. expressed his gratitude to the senators for the support for Antiqueños.

“We’re so grateful to all your help to my constituents here in San Remigio. The 140 beneficiaries of the livelihood program are experiencing a 360-degree turnaround in their lives because you've given them a chance to start anew,” he said.

The following day, the offices of the Cayetanos proceeded to Guimaras to extend aid to 400 women and small business owners of the province. With the assistance of Governor Joaquin Carlos “JC” Nava, deserving members of these sectors were provided livelihood assistance.

Among the beneficiaries was Roselyn Lucbane from Buenavista, who shared that she had longed to start a business but financial constraints have held her back. Now, with the support she received, it is possible for her to finally pursue her business endeavors.

“Salamat po sa binigay niyo sa amin na tulong. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo, hindi po kami magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makapag-hanapbuhay. ‘Wag po kayong magsawa na tumulong sa mga mahihirap,” she said.

From the municipality of San Lorenzo, Lylanie Ayos, another beneficiary, thanked God for using Senators Alan and Pia as instruments to positively impact and change their lives.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa pang-hanapbuhay, may pagkukunan na po kami ng pang-araw-araw namin. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Diyos dahil binigyan Niya kami ng mga tao na tululong sa amin, sina Senator Pia at Alan Peter Cayetano,” she said.

Senators Alan and Pia have been working together with different agencies to reach different provinces across the country to deliver essential aid to marginalized Filipinos. 

Days before the visit to Western Visayas, their offices had already extended assistance to Cagayan de Oro, Palawan, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).###

TO TRANSFORM THE NATION

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 26, 2023

 

 

To transform the nation, Cayetano says country has to have real change, right vision, values

 

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday said that national transformation will become a reality in the country once individuals and the government become collectively transformed and work together with the right values and vision.

 

In an interview with reporters in Baguio City on November 25, 2023, Cayetano said his goal is to push for these in the Senate in the next few years.

 

“Transformation starts within yourself. Unless there’s transformation, bale-wala y’ung changes dahil babalik din [sa dati],” he said.

 

“And the [end goal] has to be transformation of the nation because if you change but around you the culture is the same, hindi magiging makabuluhan ang transformation kasi lalamunin ka ng sistema,” he added.

 

Cayetano related this in context of the country’s lingering problems on issues like education and the economy, coming off from the plenary debates for the 2024 national budget this past week.

 

“Maraming kailangan i-review sa itatanim [sa 2024 budget], including sa everyday needs ng mga tao. It really starts with values. I’m very happy na inamin ng Department of Education through the Vice President na the education sector is in crisis… because walang masosolve kung hindi aaminin na may problema… Challenge pa rin ang inflation at patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo,” he said.

 

He said he raised the alarm bells during the Senate’s plenary debates so that this will be urgently addressed by the government. 

 

“I want to sound the alarm bells, ngayon pa lang, because unless we fix the deficiencies in K to 12 or we take out the extra 2 years, we will not do justice to the next generation,” he said.

 

As the work continues, Cayetano said he will seek to address such persisting problems by helping the government plan and to have the right values and vision. 

“Isang pinupush ko talaga y’ung values kasi kung tama y’ung values ng tao, kung tama ang itinanim, tama ang aanihin,” he said.

 

He said this is the reason for his trip to Baguio to join a Christian conference that is focused on strategies in transformation.

 

“We are here in Baguio City today for a conference of policemen. We are here to support, pray for them, and to speak [in the conference]… There are several groups locally and internationally with the focus of national transformation right now,” he explained.

 

Cayetano said his group, transformNATION Philippines, which advocated for this by holding conferences nationwide, is also eyeing to hold a conference in the City of Pines next year. ###

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 24, 2023

Championing the Cause of Overseas Filipino Workers: Enhancing Protections and Support

The recent Red Sea hostage-taking incident involving 17 Filipino seafarers once again sheds light on the risks faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Driven by a desire to support their families and contribute to the Philippine economy, they  often encounter unforeseen dangers as they brave global challenges.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano consistently champions their cause by emphasizing the need for stronger diplomatic protection, thorough pre-departure orientation, and a robust reintegration program. 

In a 2016 speech, Cayetano said, "Our overseas Filipino workers are our modern-day heroes. They sacrifice so much to provide for their families and contribute to our national economy. We owe it to them to ensure that they are protected and well-cared for."

He has also made proposals for a 24/7 hotline and increased labor attaches — steps that have taken greater significance in the backdrop of the hostage-taking incident.

Educating OFWs about potential risks is also crucial. Senator Cayetano's push for orientation seminars and the creation of a blacklist database of employers are aimed at empowering overseas workers to make informed decisions to protect themselves against exploitation. A comprehensive reintegration program is also vital, as highlighted by Cayetano's advocacy for financial assistance, job placement, and psychological counseling for returning OFWs.

Often called the "unsung heroes" of the Philippine economy, OFWs often find themselves on the frontlines of global conflicts. Senator Cayetano's unwavering support signifies a commitment to their well-being, recognizing their sacrifices as integral to the nation's growth. In the aftermath of this recent incident, the nation must address broader challenges faced by OFWs, with Cayetano's leadership serving as a reminder of our collective responsibility to honor their sacrifices.###

Cayetano wants MTRCB to uphold Filipino values on digital content

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 15, 2023

 Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday encouraged the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to conduct a study on how it can ensure that Filipino values are maintained in digital content. 

Cayetano made the statement during the plenary debate on the proposed 2024 budget of the MTRCB.

He stressed that with the widespread use of the Internet, the MTRCB’s role in protecting young viewers from indecent content has decreased.

He encouraged the MTRCB to form a research arm that will study how it can expand its mandate under the law to cover various digital platforms, including Netflix. 

“Since nakikita ko sa MTRCB y’ung heart na maging guardian ng values ng ating youth ngayon, let me encourage MTRCB to look at contemporary Filipino values that we can agree on, and [determine] if they (digital platforms) are allowed na kahit ano pwedeng ipakita,” he said.

Cayetano clarified that the aim is not to censor but to ensure that young Filipinos do not consume content that is violent, lewd, or against Filipino morals, especially in today's “much more confusing time” in which illegal drugs, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases have become rampant.

“It’s not more of censorship, but more of giving the young people the right ideas and information, and then they can make their own choices later on,” he said.

He said putting in P10 million to 15 million for the proposed research “will go a long way” in achieving this objective.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who presented to the plenary floor the proposed budget of MTRCB, agreed that the board is operating on “a relatively old law” and therefore “will not be able to address the challenges of the modern times and the digital age.”

“The MTRCB family is listening and I am certain that they will seriously consider the valid suggestions of Senator Cayetano,” Estrada said.

Cayetano said to ensure balanced results, the research should not rely on the personal values of the MTRCB chairperson but rather on the values of Filipino communities.

“We do have to have a standard, and siguro the first standard is the Philippine Constitution, which mentions the Lord Almighty sa preamble pa lang,” he said. 

He said the research can also keep the filmmakers updated as to the type of shows that the Filipino public actually wants.

“Hindi totoo na kailangan parating violence at sex para kumita,” he said.###

Cayetano nais itaguyod ng MTRCB ang Filipino values sa digital content

Hinikayat ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Martes ang Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) na magsagawa ng pag-aaral o research kung paano nito matitiyak na napapanatili ang Filipino values sa mga digital content na mapapanood online.

Ipinahayag ito ni Cayetano sa isinagawang plenary debate ng panukalang 2024 budget ng MTRCB nitong November 14, 2023. 

Binigyang-diin niya na dahil sa malawakang paggamit ng Internet, nabawasan ang kakayahan ng MTRCB na pangalagaan ang mga kabataang manonood mula sa mga hindi kanais-nais na content.

Hinikayat niya ang MTRCB na bumuo ng isang research arm na magsasaliksik kung paano mapapalawak ang mandato nito sa ilalim ng batas upang masakop ang iba't ibang digital platforms, kabilang ang Netflix.

“Since nakikita ko sa MTRCB y’ung heart na maging guardian ng values ng ating youth ngayon, let me encourage MTRCB to look at contemporary Filipino values that we can agree on, and [determine] if they (digital platforms) are allowed na kahit ano pwedeng ipakita,” aniya.

Nilinaw ni Cayetano na ang layunin ay hindi upang mag-censor kundi upang matiyak na ang mga kabataang Pilipino ay hindi kumokonsumo ng mga palabas na mararahas, mahahalay, o labag sa moral ng mga Pilipino.

Aniya, lalong mahalaga ito ngayong panahon kung kailan laganap na ang ilegal na droga, teenage pregnancy, at sexually transmitted diseases.

“It’s not more of censorship, but more of giving the young people the right ideas and information, and then they can make their own choices later on,” wika ng senador.

Pahayag ni Cayetano, malayo ang mararating ng paglalagay ng P10 milyon hanggang P15 milyon para sa iminungkahing pananaliksik sa pagkamit ng nasabing layunin.

Sumang-ayon si Senador Jinggoy Estrada, na siyang nag-presenta sa plenaryo ng panukalang budget ng MTRCB, na medyo luma na nga ang batas na bumuo sa MTRCB at hindi na angkop sa mga hamon ng modernong panahon at digital age.

"Nakikinig ang pamilya ng MTRCB at sigurado ako na seryoso nilang isasaalang-alang ang mga balidong mungkahi ni Senator Cayetano," pahayag ni Estrada.

Sinabi ni Cayetano na para matiyak na balanse ang lalabas na resulta, ang dapat gamiting basehan ng pananaliksik ay ang values ng sambayanang Pilipino at hindi ang personal na values ng chairperson ng MTRCB.

"We do have to have a standard, and siguro the first standard is the Philippine Constitution, which mentions the Lord Almighty sa preamble pa lang," aniya.

Dagdag ng senador, makakatulong pa nga sa mga filmmaker ang panukalang research dahil magiging updated sila tungkol sa uri ng mga palabas na talagang gusto ng publikong Pilipino.

“Hindi totoo na kailangan parating violence at sex para kumita,” aniya.###

Better to tweak the old curriculum than continue K-12 with dismal quality

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 10, 2023

 

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday said it is much better to have a tweaked version of the country’s old curriculum than stick with K-12 and continue to experience a dismal quality of education.

“Do we want to have the form na K-12 tayo pero ganyan kababa ang quality [of education], or do we take the criticism na hindi tayo K-12 pero mataas naman ang quality? If you ask me, I’d rather not have K-12 pero higher quality,” Cayetano said during the plenary debate on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The independent senator said in the first place, K-12 has not even been “proven to be better,” citing Cuba as a country with fewer school years but with “very good educational systems.”

Cayetano said the main culprit in the learning poverty in the Philippines is the decrease in school hours over the past years under K-12. He cited the latest World Bank report on the quality of education in the East Asia and the Pacific region which showed that nine out of 10 Filipino children cannot read and understand simple, age-appropriate reading material by age 10.

Upon Cayetano’s questioning, DepEd said more than 2,800 out of 47,000 schools nationwide do double, triple, or even quadruple shifting schedules. This means students only get to learn at school for a maximum of six hours a day, compared to eight hours under the old curriculum.

“For me, one thing that will return us to the right path is having enough time for the learners to actually learn,” he said.

Cayetano also said the lack of resources is hindering DepEd from fulfilling K-12’s promise of producing senior high school graduates who are either employable or better prepared for higher education. 

He said the lack of resources was one of the reasons he was one of only two senators who opposed the approval of K-12 in 2013.

“I opposed that (K-12) saying mas gusto ko naka-Volkswagen tayo na hindi nasisiraan at maganda kaysa naka-Mercedes Benz na sira-sira at wala naman tayong pambili ng spare parts,” he said.

Cayetano said while most other countries implement K-12, it is important to study the matter more carefully and see if it is really applicable in the Philippines.

“(There are) all these international studies, but we have to look at what works for the Filipinos,” he said.###

Cayetano to DA execs: Step up, shape up

 

PRESS RELEASE

SEPT. 18,2023

Cayetano to DA execs: Step up, shape up

 Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take more proactive measures to address the state of agriculture in the Philippines as the prices of rice continue to remain high despite a price cap imposed by Malacañang.

“Step up nang kaunti,” Cayetano told Senate reporters at a press conference on September 15, 2023. “[Dapat mag]-shape up ang agriculture (department) kasi from the first year [up to now] panay agriculture na ang mga issues.”

The independent senator praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for being a sincere Agriculture Secretary intent on improving the food situation in the country, but he stressed that the DA’s officials should not rely on the Chief Executive for solutions.

He said the agriculture department needs to engage in "full staff work" and explore multiple options to address the problems.

Cayetano attributed the increase in the price of rice to various factors such as erratic weather conditions globally that have affected rice supply as well as Russia's change in its grain export deal with Ukraine which has indirectly impacted food prices worldwide.

He also pointed to India’s announcement in August that it would ban the export of rice, which he said should have triggered DA officials to take steps to secure rice supplies elsewhere.

"So noon pa lang nung pinag-uusapan ‘yan, may alarm bells na dapat sa agri department. Dapat dalawa, tatlo, lima, anim na options ang binigay nila kay Pangulong Marcos, but they tried to make him do it on his own,” he said.

While he commended the President’s efforts in securing rice imports from Vietnam, Cayetano said the DA and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should have engaged with Vietnam earlier, without waiting for high-level discussions.

He urged the DA to seek long-term solutions to stabilize food prices, emphasizing that temporary measures may not address the root causes of the problem.

 He said among these measures is the outsourcing of expertise from countries like Japan and China, where rice holds cultural significance, to develop a rice sufficiency roadmap for the Philippines.

“Kailangan ng long-term na solution here. We support him (the President) there but hopefully sa budget hearing, ma-explain na ng Agriculture Department kung ano [ang mga plans na] ito,” he said.

“In the budget hearing that’s one department I’d like to listen into and really just encourage y'ung mga taga-Agriculture na Presidente ang Secretary n’yo. Magpakitang-gilas kayo,” he added.###

Cayetano honors Secretary Ople for life-long public service, championing OFW welfare

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday expressed “profound sorrow” on the demise of Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana “Toots” Vasquez Ople, honoring his close friend as a life-long champion of the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

In a Facebook post, Cayetano’s office said Ople’s life was “dedicated to improving the welfare and protecting the rights of our OFWs, and her passing is a great loss to our nation.”

“As partners in the fight for OFW rights — long before she even joined government — she fearlessly fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking. Her work transcended borders and made a profound impact on the lives of countless OFWs and their families,” the post added.

Cayetano also relayed his condolences through Senate Resolution No. 755 which he filed on August 23, 2023, a day after Ople passed away at the age of 61.

“Despite suffering from an illness, she [Ople] did not hesitate to heed the call of public service, putting fellow Filipinos before herself – the true embodiment of kapwa bago sarili,” he said.

He also shared Ople's roles in various official capacities for more than 16 years.

“Secretary Ople served the Filipino people as Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, Head of Presidential Speechwriting Group at the Office of the President, and Chief of Staff to then-Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary and Senator Blas F. Ople,” he said.

“Reflecting her passion and commitment to the cause of OFWs, she founded and served as President of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a non-profit organization advocating for migrant workers' rights and welfare, for 18 years,” he added.

Cayetano likewise recounted the many hats Ople wore as a media practitioner, columnist to media entities, and as an anti-human trafficking advocate. “She [Ople] was the first Filipino to have been appointed to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund to Assist Victims of Human Trafficking's Board of Trustees,” he said.

Cayetano said because of her work ethic and compassion, Ople was conferred by the United States government with the “Global Trafficking in Persons Hero Award for 2013” for her persistent and unyielding effort to curb human trafficking. A Senate Resolution also recognized her efforts against human trafficking.

In Ople’s crucial role as the first-ever Migrant Workers Department Secretary, Cayetano said she was credited for rekindling the friendship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) when the Philippines then banned the deployment of Filipino workers there.

“Secretary Ople was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed for the welfare of laborers, made a career in protecting and promoting the rights of OFWs, and fearlessly fought against human trafficking,” he said.

 Mourning her demise, Cayetano said Ople’s unwavering dedication and commitment won the trust and love of fellow public servants, countless laborers, and multitudes of OFWs and their families.

“As we bid farewell, we honor Secretary Ople's unwavering dedication and commitment to our modern-day heroes. Her legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding us of the importance of justice, compassion, and relentless service to our migrant workers,” the Facebook post said.

“Rest in peace, Secretary Toots, knowing that your work lives on in the hearts and actions of those you inspired,” it added. ###

Filipino youth: You have a purpose, don’t let anyone step on your dream

Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Tuesday encouraged Filipino college graduates to embrace their “unique selling point” as they join the workforce, saying God made them “for a special purpose.”

“In navigating this world, remember you’re unique… Everything about you, hinandmade ng Panginoon ‘yan. May ipapagawa sa’yo,” Cayetano told hundreds of college graduates of the Southville International School and Colleges in his speech during their commencement exercises on August 8, 2023.

The commencement exercise was also attended by Former Senator Francis Pangilinan and SISC’s Chairman of the Board Dr. Peter P. Laurel.

 The senator, whose leadership is based on Christian faith and values, urged the graduates to listen to what their “heart and mind" are saying and not to be swayed by negative opinions.

“Don’t let anyone step on your dreams and tell you na y’ung special purpose mo wala doon,” he told them. “We are fractions in one whole. Iba-iba ang talent natin. Just like an orchestra, iba-iba ang talent natin.”

Cayetano also said education is important in fulfilling their unique purpose because it is where they get trained, acquire new skills, and hone their talents.

 He urged them to get their parents’ and religious leaders’ support for their passion, even though they may sometimes find themselves disagreeing with them. He said their elders only desire to “preserve” them and protect them from the harsh realities of the world.

He challenged the graduates to continue learning and to “personally discover” how “seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness” leads to the fulfillment of their personal goals in life. 

Cayetano also expressed hope in the next generation, saying they hold the future of the country in their hands. “We, the senators, are excited to see what the future holds for you,” he said. ###

Filipinos in America

10,000 Filipinos face deportation as US changes immigration policy

By Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) | Updated September 6, 2017 - 6:05pm

 37  943 googleplus1  0 

Standing on the step to the County Administration building, several groups address the crowd during a rally to show support for DACA in San Diego on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Almost 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or overstayed their visas could see their lives upended after the Trump administration announced Tuesday it is ending the Obama-era program that protected them from deportation. Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP

MANILA, Philippines — An estimated 10,000 Filipinos may be deported as the United States rescinds a program allowing undocumented immigrant children to stay legally in their country.

US President Donald Trump announced the formal dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which has given nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation.

Trump gave the US Congress six months to come up with a law that would prevent the deportations of many as the people covered by the program.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

I look forward to working w/ D's + R's in Congress to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

READ: Trump expected to end program for young immigrants

DFA on standby to assist Filipinos facing deportation

The Philippine government will assist Filipinos who will be affected by the revocation of the DACA program, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

"We will authorize, with certain limitations, the use of the Assistance to Nationals Fund and the Legal Assistance Fund to assist immigration-related cases such as those arising from the decision of President Trump to revoke the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals or DACA," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

The Philippines' top diplomat urged members of the Filipino community in the US to remain hopeful and to actively support the passage of new laws that would assist those who will be affected by the policy change.

"In any event, we are ready to welcome and assist our kababayans in whatever way we can if they are returned to the Philippines," Cayetano said.

According to Chargé d'Affaires Patrick Chuasoto of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., the DACA program provides temporary legal status, allowing qualified immigrant children from the Philippines and other countries to stay, study and work in the US.

The DACA program was part of an executive order that former US President Barack Obama issued in 2012 to protect undocumented immigrant children from deportation.

About 310,000 out of the 3.4 million Filipinos in the US are undocumented, Chuasoto said.

Statement of Senator Cayetano on vote to Gina Lopez

Office of Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

5 May 2017

Statement of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on vote to Gina Lopez

Good evening everyone! Greetings from Geneva. 

I will always decide on what is right and not what is popular. 

I'm not surprised to see so much support and so much opposition to the voting of the C.A. re DENR Secretary Nominee Gina Lopez. I thank those who are open minded and asking why? I'm not surprised that Sec.Gina and her group will go so low as to cast aspersions on why I voted the way I did and even accuse me of being in the pockets of the mining industry.

Since the 2007 campaign my stand on responsible mining and the strictest,highest standards for industries that affect the environment has been consistent.

At the time of the voting, I felt that for me to explain my vote at that time would be like rubbing salt in a wound, because I would have to enumerate all the reasons why she is not fit to be DENR secretary. I felt it would be cruel to reject then put her down. 

Yet she now singles me out when a vast majority of the CA voted to reject (after giving her a year to prove herself) her appointment.

I want to clarify that I gave Ms. Lopez enough chances to dispel fears that she would not observe the legal process in regulating the mining industry. I supported her in closing down mining sites that were not compliant with the highest standards. Moreover, illegal mining and logging continue to proliferate,while other sectors that need both strict regulation continue to destroy the environment.

Unfortunately, the Secretary was adamant in defending her illegal actions. If she had carried on with her mindset, it would have embarrassed the Duterte Administration sooner or later. She would have placed the administration in a predicament that would be hard to defend. 

I respect Ms. Lopez's passion as an advocate for the environment, but she fails to understand that she cannot arrogate unto herself Constitutional powers reserved exclusively for Congress. 

Many officials have invoked good intentions when they violated our anti-graft and corruption laws, and President Rodrigo Duterte was left with no choice but to terminate them. Ms. Lopez's recent acts already bordered along these lines. Going by her unwillingness to comply with institutional processes, she is not fit to head the DENR. She would have embarrassed the President in no time. 

We are all for alleviating poverty and the strict enforcement of our laws, but we cannot and should not do so by being whimsical in imposing regulations that violate Constitutional processes. 

I hope that the President will appoint another Ms. Lopez with the same zeal, yet still mindful of the requisite that one must be faithful to the mandate and dictates of our laws and processes.

Link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1398465326912911&substory_index=0&id=368498793242908

Philippines is not about hatred or violence

 Office of Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

03 February 2017

“Come to the Philippines and please look at us from a different perspective.”

This was the message of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to the delegates of the National Prayer Breakfast being held in the United States, consisting of leaders from different religious and business groups across the globe.

 “We invite you to come to the Philippines and see for yourselves that the Philippines is not about hatred and violence as being shown in the international media." 

He encouraged the foreign leaders to come and visit the country to discover for themselves the natural beauty of the country, and get to know Filipinos who are loving, kind and hospitable.  

Cayetano also took the opportunity to discuss to the international community his insights on the Philippine war on drugs. 

“The war on drugs is not a war to kill criminals,” Cayetano clarified.  

He explained that the anti-drug campaign is not a war against life but a war to fight for the lives of all Filipinos. 

Cayetano noted that the Philippine government and even President Duterte have acknowledged that there are law enforcers who abuse their power, but he added that this should not be a reason to stop the entire drug campaign in general. 

He said, “President Duterte is being potrayed in the international community as a 'violent' man. But a 'violent' man does not want peace for anyone." 

He added that, in contrast, "Our President is doing everything to make the peace talks successful, achieve lasting peace, and win the war against illegal drugs,” the Senator added.  

Cayetano compared the rogue cops in the law enforcement agencies like the PNP to the corrupt personnel in tax agencies. 

“When tax collecting agencies become rigged with corruption, we did not tell them to stop collecting taxes, but we cleansed the agencies,” he said.

Cayetano explained that there may be weaknesses in the systems and opportunities for corruption and abuse but the important thing is that the cleansing is on-going.  

Finally, he urged the participants in the National Prayer Breakfast to pray for the Filipino leaders to gain wisdom and fear of the Lord as the Philippines continues to address the problem of illegal drugs. #

Independent Probe on Mamasapano Essential

Office of Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

26 January 2017

Cayetano: Independent probe on Mamasapano essential

The truth will prevent a repeat of another Mamasapano

"Let the independent commission get to the truth quietly and without politics."

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stressed this as he welcomed the order of President Rodrigo’s Duterte creating an independent commission that will investigate the gruesome Mamasapano massacre that led to the deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos. 

“Together with President Duterte, I have witnessed how the families of SAF’s Gallant 44 have suffered,” said Cayetano. “For the past two years, justice continues to elude them and they have yet to receive the full assistance that was promised to them,” he added.

“Many have pledged not to forget and vowed to do everything for justice to be served. I am one of them,” the senator said.

The senator further said he is saddened by the disappointing reaction of some of his colleagues, belittling the presidential initiative, labeling it merely as a political diversionary tactic. 

Senators Antonio Trillanes and Leila De Lima accused the administration of using the reopening of the investigation of the Mamasapano massacre as a way to divert attention from allegations of abuses. 

“It is hypocritical on the part of Senators Trillanes and De Lima to oppose the reopening of the investigation, when they pretend to be the staunchest advocates of human rights and justice,” the senator lamented. 

Cayetano noted how the two senators repeatedly accuse the administration of condoning human rights violations, but are now the first to turn a blind eye to the SAF families’ call for justice. 

In his speech before the SAF families and the President in Malacañang, Cayetano said he believes President Duterte is the right person to get justice for SAF 44 but at the same time finding the right balance in pursuit of true and lasting peace.

He called on the public to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to resolve the case.

"While I remain confident in President Duterte’s commitment to deliver on this promise, I also urge the Filipino people to support the administration’s fight for justice,” said Cayetano. 

"I continue to pray for the families of the gallant SAF44. Rest assured that change, justice, and compassion are real and within reach under the Duterte leadership,” he intoned. ###