Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged public officials to provide the guidance, protection, and reassurance Filipinos need amid economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and rising violence, saying the country should never become a “fatherless nation.”

Speaking during a Facebook Live broadcast on June 24 marking the 23rd anniversary of the passing of his father, the late Senator Renato “Compañero” Cayetano, the Minority Leader said the protection, guidance, and responsibility expected of fathers should also be reflected in public service.

“There’s so many experience na feeling ng tao fatherless siya… Pero iba raw kapag community, kapag bansa, ang nakaramdam na ‘fatherless,’” he added.

Cayetano said the call extends beyond fathers in the family and includes those entrusted with public office.

“Maging lalaki o babae ang barangay captain, ang principal sa school, ang directors sa gobyerno, ang mayors, governors. Sa ating mahal na Pangulo, let’s not let people feel that they’re ‘fatherless,’” he said.

Cayetano said Filipinos are looking for leaders who can provide stability and reassurance as the country confronts a series of challenges, including economic difficulties, the recent Mindanao earthquake, and violent incidents involving young people.

“Ngayon na may economic crisis, may problema ng earthquake sa Mindanao, y’ung mga killings na nangyayari sa mga eskwelahan… people are looking for a father,” he said.

“Sometimes you didn’t ask to be the father, pero kung ikaw ay barangay captain, kung ikaw ay Mayor, Governor, ikaw ay Presidente, ikaw ay head ng COA, ng AFP, ng PNP, people need a father,” he added.

Cayetano said effective leadership gives people confidence even during uncertain times.

“Kapag naramdaman talaga ang pagmamahal ng isang tatay, mararamdaman mo y’ung protection, y’ung comfort, at saka kahit may uncertainties, alam mong may panghahawakan ka,” he said.

The Minority Leader said public officials, regardless of their position, should strive to embody the same values of care, responsibility, and protection that fathers provide to their families.

He urged Filipinos to pray not only for their own families but also for those entrusted with leading communities and the nation.

“Let’s pray for father of a nation, father ng schools, father ng mga bawat bayan at siyudad,” Cayetano said. ###