Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday said the recent leadership change in the Upper Chamber should serve as an opportunity for the Senate to take the lead in addressing long-standing problems affecting ordinary Filipinos, especially amid multiple national crises.

In a privilege speech on May 13, Cayetano said the Senate must refocus its work on public needs rather than political conflict.

“This leadership change is an opportunity for the Senate to take the lead in areas where the ordinary Filipino feel neglected. Without pointing fingers or condemnation for any other leader or any other Congress in the past,” he said.

He stressed that the country is facing overlapping challenges that require broader understanding beyond politics.

“We have a global crisis, but look at it from a social, economic, and moral lens,” the Senate President said.

Cayetano also acknowledged concerns over corruption and governance issues but warned against approaches that could worsen institutional stability.

“We have to find a way to investigate and change the corruption system in our country without burning the whole house down,” he said.

He called for a whole-of-society response to national problems, urging stronger coordination across key sectors. He also pushed the Senate to prioritize measures that can deliver immediate impact in agriculture, health, education, and finance.

Cayetano said the chamber should move forward with a results-driven agenda as Filipinos continue to struggle with rising prices, job concerns, and access to basic services.

“Let’s list down our priorities together with the Minority [bloc.] [Alamin natin] ano y’ung game changers na mababago ang direksyon ng ating bansa,” he said.

“Many of our bills are important. Many of our bills have been pending for years. Many of our bills are controversial. But I am sure there are 3, 4, 5, or maybe 7 or 10 bills in agriculture, in health, in education, in finances of this beloved country that we can do,” he added.###