Palace slams Cayetano snap polls call: Wishful thinking, politicking

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

Cayetano proposed that the President, Vice President, senators, and congressmen resign and pave the way for a snap election, with incumbents barred from running for one election cycle. (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – Malacañang on Monday brushed aside Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s call for a snap election involving all elected officials in the executive and legislative branches, calling it “wishful thinking” and irrelevant to the country’s pressing concerns.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Cayetano proposed that the President, Vice President, senators, and congressmen resign and pave the way for a snap election, with incumbents barred from running for one election cycle.

He justified the suggestion by saying Filipinos had “lost trust in government and government officials,” adding that “politicians are suspects.

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The call comes amid a sweeping investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects, which have stirred political controversy in recent weeks.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains focused on governance and disaster response, particularly assisting those affected by the recent disasters.

“It is just his wishful thinking.

We do not have time to talk about one’s personal desires. Abala ang Pangulo na magtrabaho para sa bayan at tulungan ang mga naapektuhan ng lindol at bagyo. Wala po siyang oras sa mga ganitong klaseng pamumulitika (The President is busy working for the country and helping those affected by the earthquake and typhoon. He has no time for this kind of politicking),” Castro said.

She urged public officials to set aside political maneuvering and prioritize the people’s welfare.

“Mag-focus po tayong lahat sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan, hindi sa mga pansariling interes lang (Let us all focus on the needs of the people, not on personal interests),” she added.