Cayetano: Better Philippines-US Relations

Office of Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

21 January 2017

Cayetano lauds Trump's support for independent foreign policy 

Sees better RP-US relations 

“We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world - but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.” – President Donald Trump

We welcome the pronouncement of newly inaugurated United States President Donald Trump to seek friendship with other nations while respecting each country's own national interests.

We can see how, much like President Rodrigo Duterte, President Trump is driven by a strong fervor of patriotism and nationalism. They both focus on having an independent foreign policy that benefits their respective people and nations.

For our part, a truly independent foreign policy allows the Philippines to craft its own destiny with our national interest and the immediate improvement of the lives of our people as the paramount consideration. 

We look forward to a stronger relationship with the US, a kind that will be based on mutual trust and respect. 

We expect all agencies and instrumentalities of the United States of America to stand by and pursue this policy of mutual respect, cooperation, and non-interference.

We congratulate President Trump and his family and pray for his and America's success.

GOD Bless the New President.

GOD Bless America.

GOD Bless the Philippines!

Cayetano Blasts De Lima for Malicious Accusations

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

2 December 2016

Cayetano blasts De Lima for malicious accusations vs SAP Bong Go

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano today lambasted Senator Leila De Lima for maliciously accusing Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go of allegedly asking the head of the Philippine National Police to reinstate Supt. Marvin Marcos and his group to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8. 

Cayetano said De Lima should instead face allegations that she herself is involved in the illegal drug trade.

"Senator De Lima seems to be resorting to squid tactics as a strategy to get the attention away from the accusations in which she herself is involved," Cayetano said.

"Instead of facing allegations of her involvement in the illegal drug trade, Sen. De Lima found it more fitting to file a case against the President of the country. Now, she is targeting Special Assistant to the President Sec. Bong Go with baseless accusations," he added.

Cayetano hit De Lima for targeting the administration and making assumptions based only on pure hearsay. He called on the senator to refrain from deflecting the real issue and instead face allegations thrown against her head on. 

"Secretary Go is a professional, he doesn't insert his own agenda in his professional duties. He is a soldier who follows his commander-in-chief's directives. He should not be dragged in controversy especially when there is no clear proof," Cayetano said.

"These new intrigues are merely part of Senator De Lima's and her shadowy allies' plan to replace the President with their own," the senator further claimed.

Cayetano meanwhile expressed his unrelenting support for the Duterte administration's ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, saying he would continue to assist the President in cleansing the government of rogue officials trying to get in the way of their fight for more genuine reforms and real change.

"The President has started the war against illegal drugs, and is committed to clean our government of narco politicians and other drug protectors. But many people are still trying to cover the truth through different cloaks of disguise. We will not allow them to win," Cayetano said. #

Cayetano: People Support PNP's Efforts to Rid Country of Drugs and Contain Criminality

Cayetano: People support PNP’s efforts to rid country of drugs and contain criminality

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed confidence that the nation supports PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and the PNP leadership in their efforts to reform the country’s police force, and to make it more effective in the war against drugs and criminality. 

"Do not despair, the people are critical but are behind you," Cayetano told Dela Rosa.

Cayetano said while he has asked Congress to act and improve the salary and benefits of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Congress has been and should be critical of the scalawags in the organization. 

“Nonetheless, it is still Congress’ duty to at least provide uniformed personnel with an amount that covers the cost of living, and to provide orphaned families of those killed or wounded in action with enough to make ends meet and send dependents to good schools,” he said.

Cayetano also urged the citizenry to continue to support the efforts of the PNP leadership to cleanse its ranks of rogue policemen and scalawags by helping identify the corrupt officers involved in criminal activities, particularly in the illegal drug trade. 

“We trust in the leadership of the PNP and we will do all to support his efforts and initiatives to reform the organization with the same intensity as Senator Panfilo Lacson did when he was Chief PNP,” Cayetano said. 

He lamented that there are still those who are part of the organization who continue to use their uniform for criminal activities, protecting drug operations and illegal gambling. 

“DG Dela Rosa’s efforts  to cleanse the ranks of PNP belie the administration’s critics that the government tolerates extrajudicial killings and corruption,” he added. 

The senator said he believes the government will not rest until the PNP has been effectively reformed, to help the President win in his fight to suppress crime and illegal drugs, problems that continue to plague our nation.#

CAPTION:

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano consoles PNP Chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, as he expressed his confidence that the people continue to trust and support the PNP leadership's ability to reform the police force and to make it more effective in the government's campaign against crime and illegal drugs.

Cayetano Pushes for Longer Philippine Passport Validity

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

04 October 2016

Cayetano pushes for longer PH passport validity

Calls for a hassle-free passport application process

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for the establishment of a seamless and hassle-free processing of passports for Filipinos here and abroad.

The senator on Tuesday (October 4) expressed his support to lengthen the validity of Philippine passports from five to ten (10) years. Cayetano chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which conducted its first public hearing on the proposed measures to extend the validity of passports.

This proposal is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier directive to amend Republic Act No. 8239, otherwise known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, which sets the validity of passports to five years.

The President, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), lamented how Filipino passport applicants have to endure long lines or even stay overnight as the government can only cater to a limited number of applicants per day.

The senator stressed the need to simplify the application system in order to ease the people’s burden of having to renew their passports every five years, and to prevent backlogs and delays in the issuance of passports.

“We’re here to have the first low-lying fruit output from the legislative and the executive, which is the issuance of passports – how to make it easier,” Cayetano said.

The senator also stressed the need to make the passport application process easier for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

“OFWs, PWDs, and senior citizens should be given priority, not because they want special treatment, but because they have special needs,” Cayetano explained.

Cayetano said OFWs in particular should be given priority because any delay in the processing of their travel documents could cost them their jobs abroad.

He said he plans to visit the one-stop center for OFWs located in Clark, Pampanga in November to see how the systems and services can still be improved to address migrant workers’ concerns.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay also backed the proposal to extend the validity of Philippine passports. “Let me just say that the Department of Foreign Affairs has no objection to the proposal to increase the validity of passport from five years to 10 years,” he said during Tuesday's hearing. #

CAPTION:

Tuesday (October 4) - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano leads the first public hearing on proposals to extend the validity of Philippine passports from five to ten years. The senator is pushing for the establishment of a hassle-free application process to prevent delays and ease the burden of Filipino passport applicants.#

Statement of Condolence on the Passing of Senator Defensor-Santiago

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

Press Statement

September 29, 2016

Statement of condolence of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of our former colleague, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. 

I join the millions of Filipinos in the country and around the world in mourning the passing of an exemplary public servant and a fierce defender of good governance.

Senator Miriam was among the best and brightest advocates for change who, despite her own personal battles, continued to fight for the rights and welfare of our people. She will be remembered for her strong stand against corruption and for her outstanding performance as former chairperson of the Senate foreign relations committee.

I will never forget what she once said, about how she was "a staunch believer in God, and the triumph of good over evil," as she encouraged our people "to remain adamant that good will triumph over evil, and that good governance will triumph over corruption." 

While we will miss her presence, let us celebrate Senator Miriam's life as a towering figure among titans of the Senate halls, including late senators Joker Arroyo, Ernesto Maceda, and Jovito Salonga.

May her legacy inspire future generations of leaders to work hard and work together in the fulfillment of our vision to create a better nation.

Paalam at Maraming Salamat, Senator Miriam. May you rest in peace. I pray for your blissful return to our Almighty Father.

Cayetano: EJK hearings could be LP's 'Plan B' to reclaim Malacanang

Cayetano: EJK hearings could be LP’s ‘Plan B’ to reclaim Malacañang

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has questioned the real motive of the Senate Justice Committee in producing witness Edgar Matobato, who has claimed that President Rodrigo Duterte was behind numerous killings in Davao City when he was still mayor.

During Thursday’s hearing headed by Senator Leila De Lima, Cayetano warned that the probe could be a ploy initiated by the Liberal Party to damage the reputation of President Rodrigo Duterte, remove him from power, and install their own president.

“Gusto ko ipakita… na merong posibleng motibo ng paninira sa ating Pangulo dito… I’m asking about you [Sen. De Lima], your motive, and the motive of your party in this hearing… I am testing whether [the witnesses are credible] or is this part of the plan B of the Liberal Party para makuha ang Malacañang at manira lang,” Cayetano said.

“Ako po ay naniniwala sa kasabihan sa Bibliya, kung anong itinanim, ‘yun ang aanihin mo. So kailangan, sa committee na ‘to, katotohanan ang itatanim natin, kasi kung kasinungalingan, grabe po ang consequences nito... Ano ba ang importante, ang lumabas ang totoo, or is this just a demolition job being done against President Duterte?”

The senator questioned the Justice committee’s intention for presenting a witness with no proper corroboration. He strongly expressed doubt over the accusations made by Matobato, a self-proclaimed member of the suspected Davao Death Squad (DDS) who testified against Duterte before the hearing.

To disprove claims of Duterte’s alleged involvement in the killings in Davao during his term as mayor, Cayetano cited how the local office of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) already denied the existence of the said death squad.

The commission earlier conducted public hearings in Davao and even requested the Ombudsman to investigate on murder cases attributed to the DDS. The final disposition approved by the Office of the Ombudsman showed that "no evidence was gathered to support the killings attributed or attributable to the DDS” and that the allegations remain as "chismis and other gossips,” Cayetano noted.

He then stressed that Matobato’s credibility as a witness needs to be tested further, especially considering his proximity to De Lima, a Liberal Party member.

“Kaya ko nga tine-testing kung totoo sinasabi niyo o hindi… kung drawing ba ito, imbento lang ba ito, at dinala ka dito para pabagsakin ang administrasyon,” he told Matobato, who had been under the Justice Department’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) since 2014, back when De Lima was still DOJ Secretary.

Cayetano further expressed his frustration over the manner by which the proceedings were being conducted, particularly the committee’s failure to provide senators with a list of the witnesses prior to last Thursday’s hearing.

“Until 4 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday), humihingi ako ng listahan ng imbitado sa hearing na ‘to. Hindi ako binibigyan ng committee po ninyo. Kahit ang initial list kung sino ang imbitado,” Cayetano narrated. “I just take exception to the way this [hearing] is being conducted. Because dapat handa at prepared kaming lahat, and factual ang mga lumalabas,” he stressed.

Cayetano also called out the committee for mentioning misleading data with regards to the number of deaths being linked to the current administration.

“When the chair gives facts and figures, it should be factual, hindi conclusions. At the start of this hearing, the chair mentioned that there are 3,526 total killed persons on the drug war... But this is wrong, because there are only 1,506 killed resulting from actual police operations. Ang ibang dinagdag dito, ‘yung murder and homicide [cases], pareho ang numero nung time ni Pangulong Aquino, na ngayon ay china-charge kay Pangulong Duterte,” he said during his manifestation.

“Let me say why I want to manifest this. We are being monitored not only by the local media but also the international media, and they are quoting from this hearing, from the CHR, and from this chair. Pero ‘yung mga numero ay mali at misleading,” he added. 

Cayetano on Duterte-Obama Row: All is Well

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

08 September 2016

Cayetano on Duterte-Obama row: All is Well

“All’s well that ends well.”

This is how Senator Alan Peter Cayetano described the brief meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday night, following the cancellation of a scheduled formal talk between the two leaders last Tuesday.

The two presidents met informally in a holding room before attending a gala dinner at the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos.

During an interview with the Philippine media delegation, Cayetano, who accompanied President Duterte in his trip, said that the brief meetup ended well for both parties. He said the two leaders shared “a warm handshake [and] a good conversation.”

“You could see that there is an effort from both sides to patch things up,” added the chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, as he expressed the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the US.

“In diplomacy, you do not usually go to the past and say, ‘bakit nangyari ‘yun.’ You can’t blame anyone. It won’t be productive. The Philippines and the US have a longstanding partnership [and] relationship. There will be bumps along the way... But it won’t hurt to have a popular President on our side,” he stressed.

The senator earlier wrote an open letter to President Obama, which went viral in social media. In his letter, Cayetano appealed to the US leader to "give the Philippines and President Duterte a chance" to achieve genuine change, as the administration wages a three-pronged war to address poverty, defeat crime and drugs, and achieve a just, inclusive, and lasting peace.

Cayetano said that like President Obama, who persevered to overcome challenges and accomplish so much for the American people, the Philippines now has a leader who is willing to sacrifice his life and honor to protect the welfare of all Filipinos.

He further lamented how President Duterte has been misjudged by some sectors based on the way he speaks, which was aggravated by a misinformation campaign about the human rights situation in the country.

"Does he (Pres. Duterte) not deserve to be judged on his record and his actions? On facts and not manipulated statistics? On where he wants to bring the country rather than his sometimes politically incorrect words?" Cayetano asked. "Can't we give the Philippines and President Duterte a Chance?" #

Cayetano Writes to US President Obama

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

05 September 2016

Cayetano writes to US President Obama: Give Duterte, Philippines a chance; Help us experience Change we can believe in

Ahead of the historic first meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Barack Obama, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano wrote an open letter appealing to the head of the world's biggest superpower to "give the Philippines and President Duterte a chance" to achieve genuine change, even as his government wages a three-pronged war to address poverty, defeat drugs and criminality, and achieve just and inclusive peace amid criticisms.

In his open letter, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair also appealed to President Obama to help the Philippines pursue an independent foreign policy that balances the country's relations with the US and China, even as he affirmed the country's firm commitment to the US as a long-time ally.

"As a Citizen of the world and a believer in Change, allow me to write you an open letter to attempt to articulate the audacity of the Filipino people to hope for a better future and to aspire for a nation that is secure, peaceful, law abiding and prosperous," wrote Cayetano.

"I write to you because more than any other person, you know how it feels to have the weight of the world on your shoulders...to have the burden of fixing the problems of your own country but having to constantly live up to the expectations of the entire world," he continued.

The senator said that like President Obama, who persevered to overcome challenges and accomplish so much for the American people in the last 7 years, the Philippines now has a president who has shown willingness to sacrifice his life and honor to see that change comes to all Filipinos.

"After decades of hopelessness and up to 10 million Filipinos leaving our country  to find work in foreign lands and after an entire generation exposed to the perils of illegal drugs, we finally have a President who is trying to get the country back on the right track," Cayetano explained.

"Now it is our turn. Our turn to experience Change we can believe in," he said, echoing the central theme of the presidential campaign that won Obama the US presidency.

He then asked: "Will you now allow us to lose hope and fail? Will the West deny us the 'Change we can believe in?'" 

Cayetano noted that President Duterte has been misjudged by some sectors based on the way he speaks. This has been aggravated by a misinformation campaign about the human rights situation in the country, he added.

"Does he (Pres. Duterte) not deserve to be judged on his record and his actions? On facts and not manipulated statistics? On where he wants to bring the country rather than his sometimes politically incorrect words?" he asked.

On the two countries' relations, Cayetano stressed that the Philippines deserves a chance to assert its national identity and pursue an independent foreign policy.

Explaining further, Cayetano defined this as "a foreign policy for Filipinos by Filipinos" which shall be marked by "a balanced friendship with our oldest ally and big brother the United States of America on one hand and a friendship of mutual respect with our neighbor China on the other."

Cayetano expressed confidence that as President Obama has tried at every turn to avoid war and promote peace in various parts of the world, a win-win situation can also be worked out for the USA, Philippines and China.

The senator then cautioned against efforts by pessimists, critics, and hardliners in the West, the United Nations, and within the country who want the US and the Philippines to continue to bicker and disagree. 

"Hardliners fear the Philippine government will make peace with the communist rebels. Critics Fear that Christians and Muslims can't build communities and a nation together. Pessimists say that we can't be a drug-free country," he explained.

"Will we let the pessimists and hardliners win Mr. President? Or will we persevere and try to understand each other, so we can wake up one day to a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Philippines?"

"Can't we give the Philippines and President Duterte a Chance?" he concluded, even as expressed hope for a successful meeting between the two heads of state.#

Facebook link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1144764025616377&substory_index=0&id=368498793242908

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on the recent Davao City bombing

Office of the Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City PRESS STATEMENT 03 September 2016 Statement of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on the recent Davao City bombing on Friday (Sept. 2) 'It is time that we stand together as a Nation' Stand together in mourning and offering our love and condolences to the victims, to their loved ones, and to Davao, which became a target because of our leaders' quest to rid ourselves of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Stand behind our nation's and our President's fight against drugs and criminality, which includes the viciousness of the ASG. Stand firm and strong as a people behind our law enforcers and emergency first responders. Stand strong as a people in the quest to restore law and order and to get rid of drugs and organized criminal syndicates within six months. And most of all, despite our diversity as a people, stand together in humbling ourselves before God, in praying for the healing and protection of our land. "15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." - James 5:15 We may come from different regions, backgrounds, and faiths, but as one people and one nation, we pray in faith for the healing for our country.#

Cayetano: Duterte's War on Drugs a War to Protect Human Rights

Office of the Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

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

         

PRESS RELEASE

01 September 2016

Cayetano: Duterte’s war on drugs a war to protect human rights, ensure safety & welfare of Filipinos

“Our war against illegal drugs is not a war against life, but a war to fight for the lives of all Filipinos. It is not a war against human rights, but a war to protect human rights, and to ensure the safety and welfare of the Filipino family."

 Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stressed this in his privilege speech on Wednesday (August 31) amid false reports in foreign press about human rights issues in the conduct of the administration’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Contrary to claims of the Commission on Human Rights,  Cayetano said the government’s strong policies against criminality have made it possible for Filipino families to begin feeling safer, particularly since the government waged an all-out war on drugs.

The senator reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte has not wavered in his commitment to uphold and protect the human rights of every Filipino at any time, contrary to what the President’s critics are trying to portray. 

He added the government’s unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs has actually improved the country’s peace and order situation.

“Narinig po natin sa sariling bibig ng ating Pangulo na ang human rights ay importante sa ating bansa. Pero hindi pwedeng gamitin ang human rights para hindi ituloy ang drug war,” Cayetano said. “If you listen to the President’s speeches… palagi niyang sinasabi that he will operate within the confines of the Philippine Constitution. He will respect the Bill of Rights and the rule of law,” he intoned. 

The senator pointed out that the drug menace has reached alarming levels that nothing short of bold and swift solutions are needed to end the problem.

He said criminality was already rampant under previous administrations at the rate of almost 1,000-2,000 incidents of murders and homicides every month. The only difference, he said, is that in the past, innocent citizens were  hounded and victimized by hardened criminals and drug pushers. But today, it’s the law that’s hounding the drug pushers and criminals, he noted.

“Don’t you feel safer today than six years ago? Wala pong sense of security ang Pilipino dati… Dati, ang takot ay ang tao… Ngayon, nararamdaman ng mga tao ang pagbabago... Ngayon ang kriminal na ang takot, hindi ang mamamayan.” he said.

Cayetano also denounced Duterte’s detractors’ penchant to blame the administration for all the drug-related killings in the country. He said the slack use of  “extrajudicial killings”  (EJKs) to label all suspected drug casualties puts in question the motive behind the investigation being conducted by Sen. Leila De Lima’s Committee on Justice.

“Are some people using the term EJK loosely not because they are human rights advocates… [but] to discredit the PNP and the Duterte administration?” Cayetano asked as he reiterated his call for De Lima to inhibit herself from the inquiry.

Cayetano said labeling the deaths of drug suspects as EJKs is obviously meant to create the wrong perception that the State is initiating the executions and is doing nothing to resolve the crimes. 

“The State, the executive department, legislative department, and the judiciary, are doing its best to ensure that the rule of law prevails. Even the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is part of the state and is already investigating,” the senator pointed out.

Cayetano, meanwhile, said he remains confident of President Duterte’s continuous efforts  to uphold human rights while also ensuring the safety and protection of all families.