Cayetano on Lacson's possible return as Blue Ribbon chairman: Leave minority out of drama
By Dhel Nazario
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano told Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson not to drag the minority bloc into "what's clearly a family matter" within the majority, amid the latter's possible return to as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Commmittee (BRC).
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano (Senate PRIB photo)
In a statement on Monday, Oct. 20, Cayetano said that the minority bloc have no stake in the majority's internal struggle.
"When the new majority later decided to replace Senator Marcoleta with Senator Lacson, you didn’t hear a single complaint from the minority. We respected their internal decision, because that’s how institutions should work — with courtesy and mutual respect," he said.
"Our focus has always been on the bigger picture — truth, transparency, and integrity. Kung may tampuhan man sila sa majority, ayos lang ‘yan — politics will always have its share of drama. But let’s not turn the Senate into a teleserye," he added.
Cayetano also stated that the Senate BRC is not about personalities; it’s about serving the people and protecting the dignity of the institution.
In a message to the media, Lacson mentioned Cayetano as he reflected on his resignation last Oct. 6.
“A simple, practical question crossed my mind when I decided to resign: What BRC chairmanship are we talking about if we lose the majority to the current Cayetano-led minority bloc?” he said.
“If I decide to get back the BRC chairmanship, that question will no longer be a factor,” he added.