Cayetano to Congress: Give the President Emergency Power Vs Traffic ASAP!

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

26 August 2016

Cayetano to Congress: don't prolong Filipinos' suffering; give the President emergency powers vs traffic ASAP

The longer it takes for Congress to grant emergency powers to the President, the longer it will take to resolve the country's perennial traffic and congestion problem.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano issued this warning during last Thursday's (August 25) Senate committee hearing on the proposals to give the President emergency powers to address the crisis.

Cayetano urged his colleagues at the Senate to immediately pass an emergency measure soonest to end the traffic mess.

"For every one month na hindi maibigay ang emergency powers, additional three to six months sa implementation ng (infrastructure) projects," he said.

"Marami kasi sa ating kapwa senador ang nag-iisip na kung one month delay, one month lang. We need to explain na hindi ganun. The earlier (the President) gets the emergency powers, the more na mabilis ang momentum of real change," he added.

Cayetano also appealed to members of the House of Representatives to fast-track the passage of a counterpart bill in the Lower House. "Nakiki-usap tayo sa House of Representatives na sabayan at bilisan din nila ang pagpasa ng panukalang ito," he said.

Cayetano was among those who filed a measure at the Senate seeking to fix the country’s worsening  traffic situation.

He filed Senate Bill No. 999 or the "Freedom from Traffic and Congestion Act of 2016," which seeks to authorize the President and heads of transport-related executive agencies to utilize necessary resources and employ executive actions to address the crisis.

Cayetano said that giving emergency powers to the executive branch would speed up the procurement of transport and infrastructure projects, which will pave the way for the construction of faster and more reliable transport services throughout the country.

SBN 999 will empower the executive branch to override various transport agencies’ regulations, licenses, and procedures, exercise right of eminent domain by expropriating private property, and be exempted from procurement laws and Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs), which usually delay infrastructure projects.#

Grant and Expand President's Emergency Powers

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

9 August 2016

Cayetano: Grant & Expand President’s Emergency Powers to end traffic, congestion ASAP

Making good on his vow to help President Rodrigo Duterte fulfill a campaign promise that their tandem made in the last elections, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is proposing a measure that would give the President wide-ranging emergency powers to address the country's traffic crisis.

The senator on Monday (Aug. 8) filed Senate Bill No. 999 or the "Freedom from Traffic and Congestion Act of 2016," as he vowed to put in effect a "more holistic and inclusive approach" to address the worsening traffic and congestion problem.

What makes Cayetano's bill different from similar proposals is that it aims to address not only land transportation traffic, but air-based and sea-based transport congestion as well.

Additionally, SBN 999 shall cover not only Metro Manila, but all other urbanized areas that experience the same level of traffic and congestion, such as Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Metro Cebu.

Citing a report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Cayetano said the cost of traffic in Metro Manila could likely increase from P2.4 billion to P6 billion a day if left unresolved. This means that low-income households will have to allocate more of their income for higher transport costs, he said.

"Traffic does not plague Metro Manila alone. It also affects other highly urbanized cities with no relief in sight," Cayetano added. "Worse, our kababayans in other regions have to wait for Manila to solve their problem. This is the fate that awaits other highly urbanized cities in the years to come if we do not create changes now. We should prevent a repeat of the past administration's fiasco. We can't wait for two years just to finish procurement procedures. Let’s expedite the construction of major infrastructure projects to ease traffic congestion."

Cayetano further noted how severe congestion in NAIA’s major runways has caused regular delays in flights, disrupting people’s productivity and work flow while also affecting the country’s image before the international community for having one of the world’s worst airports.

“The country’s traffic problem, both land-based and air-based, in Metro Manila and in other highly urbanized cities, has assumed the nature and magnitude of a public calamity,” said the senator. "The situation has reached crisis levels and this requires no less than emergency powers for the President and concerned agencies if we are to provide urgent relief to our people’s suffering,."

If passed, Cayetano's bill shall give emergency powers to the President, along with heads of executive departments and agencies related to the transportation sector, to urgently utilize necessary government resources, employ executive actions, and reconfigure and harmonize government projects with the goal of addressing the crisis. It will take effect for three years.

SBN 999 shall authorize the executive branch to direct the formulation of a "comprehensive, integrated and sustainable Decongestion and Transportation Network Reform Plan," which will provide a roadmap for the national and local transportation system - land, sea, and air - to decongest Greater Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities. The Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall be the designated Traffic Czar to oversee the implementation of the plan. 

Upon filing his bill, Cayetano stressed the need to adopt a strong system of transparency in addressing transport woes. He said any emergency measure proposed to solve the crisis should be powerful enough to prevent oligarchs from securing government projects to advance their own interests. 

“We assure the public that we will put in effect adequate safeguards to guard against graft. We believe that the President will deal harshly with any person or agency that abuses these powers for their own gain,” he said. 

The senator repeatedly said decongesting the National Capital Region (NCR) by providing sufficient transport infrastructure and linkages in other regions is the first step towards decentralization and attaining inclusive growth. During their campaign, the Duterte-Cayetano tandem presented various proposals to achieve this goal, such as constructing a Mindanao railway system and a Panay railway system, rehabilitating airports and seaports, and developing the Clark International Airport as an alternative to NAIA, among others.#

No More Excuses and Stop Inconveniencing The People!

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

2 June 2016

Cayetano to Gov't agencies: No more excuses, stop inconveniencing the people, cut the red tape

"No more excuses. Cut the red tape bureaucracy. Stop buderning the public with poor public service. Provide the people with swift, courteous and efficient services."

This was the statement issued today by Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano to all government agencies.

Cayetano said that all government agencies must become "ambassadors" of the "real change" that the people are expecting from the incoming Duterte administration. "It's time to end the long lines in all frontline services, expedite the issuance of driver's licenses, licensed plates, passports and other public documents necessary for people to do their work and conduct business," he said.

"It's time to end the awful public service which the government is infamous for," Cayetano added.

The Senator said that he is also supportive of President-elect Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte's push for a "three-day-window" to process business permits and clearances. Cayetano said that the proposal is part of their campaign platform to eliminate corruption and the barriers for small businesses to prosper.

Duterte and Cayetano are also studying the possibility of crowd-sourcing the best ideas for red tape reduction similar to the what is being done by the European Commission, which holds a competition "aimed at identifying innovative suggestions for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy stemming from European law."

"We would like to involve the people and civil society as red tape deprives the people of quality public service and in forging positive dynamics between the government and its citizens. Worse, it breeds a deep culture of corruption and indolence that is hard to eliminate," Cayetano explained.

"We start the process of real change by starting with how the government relates with the people. We begin by providing the people the services they truly deserve from their public servants," Cayetano concluded. 

Cayetano Wants to Build Strong Majority for Duterte's Legislative Agenda

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

24 May 2016

Cayetano wants to build a strong majority for Duterte's legislative agenda

Barely a month after the 2016 national elections, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano reiterated his assurance to help President-elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte in formulating his legislative agenda.

“Bilang kasama niya araw-araw sa kampanya, ako po ang nakarinig ng mga pangako at mga nais na pagbabago ni President Duterte sa ating bansa,” Cayetano said.

"Build a strong majority"

When asked whether he was interested in the Senate presidency, Cayetano said he wants to focus more on building a strong majority that will help Duterte realize his plans of creating real changes in the country.

“Everyone is interested in the Senate leadership. Wala pa akong nakitang senador na hindi interested maging Senate President. However, it's not really a matter of kung sinong magiging Senate President. It’s a matter of forming a strong majority that can deliver the culture the effectiveness and efficiency. Sa bigat ng legislative agenda ni President Duterte, kailangan ng majority na 15-18," he added.

"Go beyond committees, unite under Duterte's legislative agenda"

Cayetano, however, said that he is not inclined to help in building a majority if the discussions will be limited to who will head the chamber's respective committees. "We should go beyond the committees and positions and discuss the important measures that should be passed by the Senate under President-elect Duterte. Sa aking palagay, kahit sabihin nilang ako ang Senate President, pero hindi sila magko-commit sa legislative agenda (ni President Duterte), hindi ko rin kukunin ang pwesto,” he added.

Among the key measures that Cayetano intends to push in the next Congress are the implementation of a nationwide curfew for minors and liquor ban, increasing the salaries of police officers, improved internet connectivity, and phasing out labor contractualization. They also plan to conduct consultations with regard to their federalism proposal by the middle of Duterte's term.

Meanwhile, in reaction to the plan by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to run for Senate president, Cayetano said he would rather speak for himself and not for his colleague. “I will let Sen. Koko speak for himself. Malinaw ang kanyang announcement. We talked once. Nagkakaintindihan naman kami at malinaw ang direksyon namin as a group,” he stressed.

Duterte respects Senate independence

Cayetano explained that while Duterte has not publicly announced whom he would endorse for the Senate leadership, the President-elect has made it clear in private discussions whom he wants for the post. “The President will not have an official candidate. Pero meron siyang napupusuan. President Duterte is not declaring public support because he respects the independence of the Senate,” he said.#

Senator Peter Cayetano On The Result of the Vicepresidents Race

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

12 May 2016

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on the result of the VP race

It is often said that the voice of the people is the voice of God. In this regard, I humbly concede my vice presidential bid to Rep. Leni Robredo, who, by all accounts and with 96% of the votes already tallied, is our country's presumptive Vice President-elect. Rep. Leni is not only leading the race, she has clearly won it.

While losing an election hurts, nothing is more painful than the sight of a divided country. Thus, I call on all the other candidates to respect the people's will and rally behind presumptive President-elect Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte and his presumptive Vice President-elect Leni Robredo.

Let us begin the journey toward healing and unification.

I am confident that Vice President-elect Leni will likewise respect and value the people's will by giving her full support to the country's new President and his vision to end the disorder in the people's lives and introduce real change to our country.

I call on the people to rally behind our newly elected leaders. It is in this crucial hour that our voice is needed the most. Let us work together and let the process of real change begin. 

Netizens and Social Media News Proclaim Cayetano Winner of VP Debate

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

11 April 2016

Netizens, social media news proclaim Cayetano winner of  VP debate Social media was abuzz with the first and only Vice Presidential Debate organized by the Commission on Elections and CNN Philippines last April 10, especially with the performance of Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.  Cayetano swept the seven (7) rounds of Rappler's online polls, mirroring the performance of his running mate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte, in the two previous presidential debates. The figures Cayetano obtained were as follows: Round 1 – 47.17% Round 2 – 50.78% Round 3 – 47.62% Round 4 – 41.12% Round 5 – 54.88% Round 6 – 41.57% Round 7 – 51.3% "Editors' pick" Cayetano was also picked by Rappler's editors as the overall winner of the debate, citing his consistency in talking about his platform of government with Duterte, as well as his clear message of political will and leadership.  Cayetano leads CNN online polls The Senate leader also took the lead in CNN Philippines' online polls. During the debate, the news outlet asked online readers who their VP bet is. Cayetano was the top choice, garnering 41 percent of the votes.  In a separate statement, Duterte congratulated his running mate, describing him as the clear winner in the debate. "Alan was able to show the political will, courage, and strength of character that we are offering to the Filipino people. He was able to distinguish himself from the others and put forward our bold solutions to end the country's disorder and realize meaningful change. His performance affirmed my decision to pick him as my running mate. He will truly fight for the people," Duterte said.   This was echoed by Atty. Paola Alvarez, spokesperson of PDP-Laban, Duterte's political party. "Sinusuportahan talaga namin si Sen. Alan bilang ka-tandem ni Mayor Duterte. Lubhang nagustuhan namin ang kanyang debate performance. Naipakita niya kung ano talaga ang agenda ng tambalang Duterte-Cayetano. Pinamalas talaga niya ang tapang ng loob at political will na kailangan sa ating mga namumuno," Alvarez said.  Cayetano is running with Duterte under a comprehensive platform of government, which aims to end the country's disorder caused by crime, illegal drugs, and corruption.

Where were you when we fought corruption?

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

11 April 2016

Cayetano to Bongbong: Where were you when we fought corruption?

“Senator Marcos. Nasaan ka kapag korapsyon ang pinag-uusapan?”

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said this as he slammed his rival, Senator Bongbong Marcos, on issues about corruption during the PiliPinas 2016 Vice Presidential Debate hosted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on April 10.

During the first part of the debate, candidates were asked to explain their stand on the issue of corruption and how they intend to solve the problem.

Cayetano, for his part, took a swipe at Marcos for claiming that he and his family had never been involved in any corruption anomaly. He then raised issues about the plunder allegations that the family faced during the Martial Law Era as well as Senator Marcos’ alleged involvement in the infamous pork barrel scandal.

“Tingnan niyo po ang interview ng nanay ni Senator Bongbong, sinabi niya they practically own the Philippines. I-search niyo po sa Google ang PCGG recovered money,” Cayetano stressed. “$1 billion ang pinaglalabanan pa rin ng gobyerno at Marcos family,” he added.

Cayetano also chided Marcos for his lack of sincerity to fight corruption. Cayetano said that, despite being a member of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, Marcos never took the initiative to attend any of the committee’s hearings involving corruption anomalies.

“Anong hearing sa corruption nakita niyo nag-appear ang isang Bongbong Marcos? Kahit anong isyu sa corruption, wala siya doon,” Cayetano stressed. “Nasaan ka kapag corruption ang pinag-uusapan? Naalala ko noong hearing ni (pork barrel queen Janet-Lim) Napoles, galit si (Sen. Marcos) sa akin dahil pinapalapit ko ang isang Maya Santos, ngayon ko lang nalaman iyon pala ang middleman niya kay Napoles,” he added.

Cayetano, the running mate of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, runs under a strong anti-corruption platform. During the debate, Cayetano stressed that of all the candidates in the upcoming polls, only he and Duterte have the political will to eradicate corruption in the country.

“Buong buhay natin may corruption, unless we change the system. Only a Duterte-Cayetano leadership can bring real change," Cayetano ended. 

Duterte Congratulates Cayetano on VP Debate Performance

PRESS RELEASE

11 April 2016

Duterte congratulates Cayetano on VP debate performance

(Statement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on the CNN Vice Presidential Debate)

I would like to congratulate my running mate, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano for his wonderful performance in the CNN Vice Presidential debate hosted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the University of Santo Tomas on April 10. Alan was the clear winner in the said debate.

Alan was able to show the political will, courage, and strength of character that we are offering to the Filipino people. He was able to distinguish himself from the others and put forward our bold solutions to end the country's disorder and realize meaningful change. His performance affirmed my decision to pick him as my running mate. He will truly fight for the people.

As we near the elections, I am again asking for your support to help Alan and I win this election. The challenge is daunting and we cannot do it alone. But with your help, nothing is impossible. 

Cayetano Dares Escudero to Debate on Duterte's Vow to Solve Crime, Drugs and Corruption

Office of the Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 603 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

5 April 2016

Cayetano dares Escudero to debate on Duterte's vow to solve crime, drugs and corruption in 6 months 

Vice Presidential bet Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano challenged fellow Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero to a one-on-one debate following a statement made by the latter that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte's six-month target to stamp out crime, drugs and corruption is not realistic. Cayetano said that whoever loses in the debate should withdraw.

“To those who lack political will, nothing is possible. But to those who have a clear vision for real change and the strength of character to do what is right, any goal can be accomplished,” Cayetano said as he defended their tandem’s anti-crime and -corruption agenda. 

In an interview, Escudero told reporters that Duterte could not possibly fulfill his pledge of ending crime and corruption in just six months. “It can’t be done. Not within his term... The problems are too serious and deeply rooted that these cannot be easily defeated,” Escudero said. 

Cayetano, however, stressed that Escudero’s cynical attitude is an illustration of his “lack of conviction” to end the country’s pressing problems. 

“With all due respect to Sen. Escudero, I’d like to reiterate what I said before. Failure is guaranteed for those who do not even want to try,” Cayetano noted. “It’s frustrating to see our fellow public servants lack the passion and optimism to change the country. All the while, they continue to offer the same solutions that failed miserably in the past,” he added. 

Cayetano said amid the criticisms, he and Duterte stand firm on their commitment to fight crime and corruption in their first few months in office. “It will not be easy, but Mayor Duterte and I are ready to do it. Through our bold solutions, in six months’ time, we can make our streets safe again and cleanse our government of corrupt officials,” he stressed. 

This was not the first time Cayetano defended their tandem's proposed policies against Escudero’s criticisms. Back in January, Escudero also expressed disapproval of Duterte’s call for federalism. He said it would not work well in the Philippine setup, a statement which Cayetano dubbed as a “classic Manila-centric” attitude. 

"The very essence of Federalism is to ensure that growth and prosperity are spread to every part of the Philippines, not just in Manila. It's a pity that Senators Poe and Escudero are against this. Kawawa naman ang ibang parte ng bansa kung sila ang mamumuno," Cayetano earlier said. #

Duterte/Cayetano: Day 3 on Bank Secrecy Challenge

PRESS RELEASE

16 March 2016

"Day 3 on bank secrecy challenge"

Call to open bank accounts gains ground, Cayetano draws similarities between Binay's ill-gotten wealth and $81-M money laundering scheme

The call of vice presidential bet Senate Majority leader Alan Peter Cayetano for fellow candidates to open their bank accounts as part of their commitment to transparency continued to gain ground. This was after the administration's presidential candidate, former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas signified intention to make public his bank records.

Cayetano welcomed Roxas' statement but urged him to prove his sincerity by immediately signing the manifesto they prepared pledging to open all bank accounts in local and foreign currencies, both here and abroad. Roxas agreed to open his accounts after Duterte and Cayetano wrote a letter to them urging them to sign the waiver.

"I welcome the response of Sec. Roxas to our challenge. Since 2007, when I scrutinized the bank accounts of then first gentlemen Mike Arroyo, I already called for the lifting of the bank secrecy provisions of the Bank Secrecy Law for public officials. I'm glad that the administration is finally with me on this issue," Cayetano said.

"Extremely similar"

Meanwhile, amid the Senate Blue Ribbon investigation into the $81 million money-laundering operation involving the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Cayetano drew attention to Binay’s own “money-laundering scheme” using the same bank.

Cayetano cited an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report where Gerardo Limlingan, an alleged dummy of Binay, had transactions with the RCBC amounting to P3.1 billion. The senator said Limlingan’s transactions alone are equivalent to $68.1 million or just $12.6 million short of the $81 million allegedly withdrawn from Bangladesh’s bank account in the United States.

The one-page portion of the report Cayetano distributed to the media showed that Limlingan had one transaction of P2 Billion, and two transactions of P500 Million through the RCBC, the same bank in question in the ongoing Senate probe.

"The similarities are extreme. Like Binay's ill-gotten wealth, the same bank is involved on both cases. Both involved dummy accounts. And unscrupulous people are hiding behind the same banking law. The only difference is, Binay doesn't need hackers to amass ill-gotten wealth," Cayetano said. "I hope the government has the same enthusiasm in holding the vice presindent and his accomplices accountable for stealing from Filipinos as it now has in probing the $81-million money-laundering scheme," he added.

Day 3: Still Duterte and Cayetano

The duo signed a manifesto committing to open their bank accounts and challenged all candidates to do the same. To date, only Duterte and Cayetano are the only candidates who have actually signed the document.

Cycle of Corruption Hurts Philippines' Tourism Sector

PRESS RELEASE

12 March 2016

Duterte-Cayetano: Cycle of corruption hurts PH tourism sector

If the next leaders intend to create significant improvements in the country's tourism sector, they must first address the systemic corruption in government, Vice presidential bet Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said on Saturday (March 12).

As part of their “Ronda-Serye” listening tour, Cayetano visited Vigan, Ilocos Sur to conduct an informal dialogue with local tour guides, kalesa drivers, and market vendors in the city. He presented to them the bold solutions that he and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, plan to implement to rid government of corruption, which he says hinders the growth of local economies.

Cayetano lamented that while billions worth of money are stolen from the nation's coffers every year, the Philippine tourism industry continues to lag behind its ASEAN counterparts. In 2014, the country only welcomed 4.8 million tourists, while Malaysia recorded 27.43 million tourist arrivals. The administration is also far from reaching its 10-million target for tourist arrivals by the end of Aquino's term, with only 5.3 million tourist arrivals recorded in 2015.

“Sobra na ang paghihirap sa bansa, nauunahan na tayo ng mga karatig bansa pagdating sa pag-unlad, pagtapos ay nanakawan pa ng mga korap na opisyal ang kaban ng bayan. Paano maaayos ang gulo,” Cayetano said.

"We all know that corruption prevents the inflow of investments and negatively affects economic growth. So if we want our tourism sector to boom, we first need to cleanse our system of dishonest officials who enrich themselves at the expense of our nation's progress," he added.

Cayetano said if elected, he and Duterte will resolve the problem by promoting transparency and accountability in government. Among these are the passage of several important measures such as the Freedom of Information (FOI) and Anti-dummy laws.

The senator also pushed for the creation of a Department of Culture and National Heritage, which will be responsible for the promotion and preservation of historical and heritage sites. The senator explained that the department will help spur region-specific tourism in different provinces and create employment and other livelihood opportunities.

"What we need is a clean and honest government that will end the disorder in the country, lure more investors, create more jobs, and generate more income for our people. With our political will and vision, Mayor Duterte and I will deliver," Cayetano ended.