Cayetano calls for Senate unity amid political divisions

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday called for unity and restraint among senators as he urged the Chamber to rise above political divisions and focus on the country’s mounting economic and geopolitical challenges.

In his acceptance speech after a Senate leadership shakeup, Cayetano appealed to senators to work together despite differences in political affiliations and views.

“In the Senate, we might not like each other, but I think we can work with each other and we can love each other,” he said.

Cayetano was elected Senate President after 13 senators voted to declare all leadership positions vacant.

He later secured 13 votes for the top Senate post, with nine senators voting against and two abstaining.

He replaced Senator Vicente Sotto III, who had led the chamber since Sept. 8, 2025.

The new Senate chief said the country is facing overlapping crises ranging from illegal drugs and the lingering effects of the pandemic to global conflicts and corruption issues.

“Buong mundo na in crisis because of the US-Iran-Israel war. Napakahirap minsan paniwalaan na may magandang plano (The whole world is in crisis because of the US-Iran-Israel war. Sometimes it is difficult to believe there is still a good plan),” he said.

Cayetano also pointed to the economic impact of rising global tensions on ordinary Filipinos.

“We might not feel the crisis here in the session hall, but our people — may it be the Grab drivers, tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, the small carinderia owners, the beneficiaries of 4Ps — ramdam na ramdam na nila (They are already deeply feeling it),” he said.

Amid speculation that the Senate leadership change was tied to the impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives, Cayetano denied that the transition was driven by impeachment politics.

“May mga lumabas sa news… na ang pagpalit ng leadership ay tungkol sa impeachment, hindi po (There were reports saying the leadership change was about impeachment. It is not),” he said.

He acknowledged that the Senate would eventually face major responsibilities once impeachment proceedings reach the chamber.

“The Senate is also on trial,” he said, stressing that any impeachment process must be guided by “truth” and “evidence,” and not by political affiliation.

Cayetano vowed to lead the Senate in a manner that respects both the majority and minority blocs.

“Our job together, my job, is to serve you, dear senators, to serve this nation, to serve God above all, and to do what is right,” he said.