Amid deepening political tensions and economic uncertainty, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday called for “extraordinary unity and solutions” and urged leaders to rise above conflict and focus on the country’s pressing problems.
In a Facebook Live broadcast, Cayetano said the country is facing “extraordinary” problems that require equally strong solutions and cooperation among leaders.
“’Pag extraordinary y’ung problema, kailangan extraordinary din y’ung solusyon natin. We have to have extraordinary unity,” he said.
Cayetano acknowledged the political tensions surrounding recent developments in the Senate, including the May 13 shooting incident that triggered calls for an investigation, but urged lawmakers to continue working while the matter is being reviewed.
“Hindi natin minemenos y’ung nangyari noong May 13. Ang sinasabi natin, let’s deal with it professionally. Let’s have an independent investigation. Let’s wait for all of the results,” he said.
“In the meantime, let us show the Filipino people that the Senate is the Senate,” he added.
The Senate President said lawmakers should remain focused on issues directly affecting Filipinos, including rising prices, healthcare, education, and transportation concerns.
He framed his message around faith and governance, saying public institutions should not remove God from public discourse and leadership.
“If you take out God from the equation, from our society, from our schools, from our laws, from the Senate, from the House, from Malacañang, we will truly be lost,” he said.
“Hindi pwedeng wala si God sa usapan. Let’s not abuse God. Let’s not use God. Let’s be used by God,” he added.