Senator Alan Peter Cayetano feted the top 100 taxpayers in Taguig as he acknowledged the contributions of business owners to the city's progress. 

“We want your first choice to be the City of Taguig. But the city has to make good choices. In fact, it has to be the city of right choices,” he said at the thanksgiving luncheon for Taguig’s top 100 taxpayers on May 15.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (Photo from the Taguig City government)

Cayetano said 23 years ago when the city's development was beginning, officials faced decisions about whether or not to establish an old-style casino.  

“[Back then,] Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga wanted it but yours truly, together with the spiritual leaders of our city, said ‘Hindi pwede’ because we will be sending the wrong message of values and even the type of businesses that we want to attract will be very different,” he said.

Cayetano, who served as a councilor, vice mayor, and representative, said life is “all about choices” and that making the right ones for the Taguigeños has driven the city's continuing progress.

“Taguig is guided by a vision, purpose, plan, and guidelines. Our purpose and our vision is always based on principle. We can argue with facts and we can argue with opinion but we all go back to principles. If you know your principle, the decision is easy,” he said.

He cited the achievements of his wife, Mayor Lani Cayetano, saying that 14 years ago, the Taguig City government only had P5 million fund for scholarships. 

“Currently, our scholarship fund is P850 million. Because of the [inclusion of] EMBO Barangays, it looks like we’re going to go up to P1.1 billion this year, and P1.4 billion next year,” he said.

He added, ““I hope you really feel that in Taguig, you are partners. I hope it is a free and a happy choice to be here. Of course, we are always happy to listen if there are concerns.”