Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday called on senators from both the majority and minority blocs to move beyond political infighting and refocus the Senate’s attention on urgent national concerns such as inflation, agriculture, health, education, and economic stability.
In a manifestation during the plenary session, Cayetano emphasized that the Senate must use its platform responsibly and avoid allowing internal political disputes to overshadow the real problems facing ordinary Filipinos.
“Hawak natin ang beat. Hawak natin ang mic,” Cayetano said, stressing that senators have the power to shape national discourse and should use it to address pressing concerns affecting the public.
He pointed out that recent public discussions had become consumed by leadership speculation and political maneuvering rather than issues such as inflation, agricultural productivity, public health, and energy security.
Despite ongoing efforts by some sectors to challenge his leadership, Cayetano reiterated that he remains open to any constitutional or democratic process within the Senate.
“I’m at your service and I am at your disposal. Show me 13 hands or 13 signatures,” he said, underscoring his willingness to abide by the institution’s rules and traditions.
At the same time, Cayetano defended the dignity and independence of the Senate as a co-equal branch of government, particularly in light of recent tensions involving Senate security personnel and agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
He stressed that the issue was not about personalities but about institutional boundaries and respect for democratic institutions.
“The Senate is the last line of defense when it comes to democratic issues or issues that affect our democracy,” Cayetano said, recalling the Senate’s historic role as an independent constitutional body.
Cayetano likewise called for sobriety and fairness amid debates surrounding the impeachment process, expressing confidence that senators — regardless of political affiliation — are capable of acting impartially once sworn into their constitutional duties.
Appealing for unity and collegiality, the Senate President urged both the majority and minority blocs to lower political tensions and work together on substantive legislation and oversight functions.
“Can we go back and start talking again about health, about education?” he asked toward the end of his speech, reiterating that the Senate’s primary responsibility is to serve the Filipino people.
Cayetano also emphasized that leadership should ultimately be judged by performance and results rather than speculation or political attacks.
“Judge me as Senate President every single day, every single week,” he said.
The Senate President concluded by appealing for mutual respect among senators and a renewed commitment to institutional stability, democratic balance, and national priorities over partisan conflict.
