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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cayetano's snap election pitch just a 'distraction', says Makabayan

Cayetano's snap election pitch just a 'distraction', says Makabayan

Published Oct 6, 2025 12:07 pm  |  Updated Oct 6, 2025 01:19 pm

At A Glance

  • The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has described Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's call for a mass resignation of government officials followed by a snap election as a mere "distraction" from the issue of corruption.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (Facebook)
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (Facebook)


The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has described Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's call for a mass resignation of government officials followed by a snap election as a mere "distraction" from the issue of corruption.
"This is typical obfuscation of the issue of corruption," the three-member militant bloc said in a joint statement Monday morning, Oct. 6.
"Cateyano is trying to divert the focus from corruption accountability to snap elections, giving the illusion that corruption can be addressed simply through the electoral process that is still dominated by political dynasties and corrupt politicians," they said.
In a Facebook post on Oct. 5, Cayetano said, “People have lost trust in government and government officials. Honestly, who can blame them? So here’s a thought: WHAT IF we all just resign and allow a Snap Election."
"From The President, Vice President, Senate, and Congress. With One Important Addition - No Incumbent From The Above Can Run For 1 Election Cycle. National Government Has Its Bureaucracy And Will Continue To Run,” wrote the senator. 
Needless to say, Makabayan didn't find much sense from the radical suggestion.
"How will holding snap elections address the issue of accountability? The proposal is a distraction and a way to douse cold water on the people’s protests," the group said.
ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co comprise the Makabayan bloc in the current 20th Congress.
Cayetano's pitch futher read: "Governors, Mayors And Barangay Chairpersons Are Generally Trusted And Will Be In Place. No drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people."
"A turning point leading to ReNewal and ReVival," he added.
The government is currently grappling with the public's outrage in connection with the flood control projects corruption scandal. 
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