Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday pushed for an “independent Senate” that is focused on inflation, education, agriculture, and other pressing national concerns amid recent political tensions in the chamber.

In a privilege speech on May 25, Cayetano urged senators to redirect public discussions toward issues directly affecting Filipinos, saying debates over Senate leadership and political alignments should not overshadow more pressing national concerns.

The Senate President addressed the issues dividing the Senate, including apparent moves to unseat the Majority under his leadership as well as allegations that there is a wider move to amend the Constitution.

“Twenty-four tayo. Kung ang labing-isa sa atin ang sinasabi ay ‘Palitan si Cayetano,’ and there were 13 who were saying there was Con-Ass (Constitutional Assembly), et cetera — that’s what people are hearing, not inflation, not the economy, not the problem of health,” he said.

Cayetano stressed that senators should maximize the platform and influence of the Senate to discuss issues affecting ordinary Filipinos.

“Pag-usapan natin ang agriculture, agricultural smuggling, problema sa taniman ngayon, problema sa fertilizer, ang 7% inflation. Pag-usapan din natin kung ilang araw pa ba ang itatagal ng ating [supply ng] gasolina,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent Senate that can work with the Executive branch while continuing to uphold checks and balances under the Constitution.

“Why can’t we bind together, minority-majority, and be an independent Senate? Not to confront the executive, but to collaborate, also as checks and balances,” he said.

Cayetano called for a caucus on Tuesday, May 26, between both blocs as the Senate prepares to tackle the impeachment proceedings and remaining legislative matters ahead of the June 6 sine die adjournment.

“I’m the Senate President but I am the servant leader of the 24 Senators… I’m here at your service,” he said.

“Kung papayagan ako ng Minority bloc, tomorrow (in the caucus) let’s talk about the impeachment, but let’s also talk about our priorities. What are our priorities? Let’s use the last few session days to start talking again about health, about education, etc,” he added. ###