Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano rejected becoming a “puppet Senate President,” saying there were efforts to weaken and control the Senate amid debates on impeachment, the budget, Charter change, and democracy.
“The Senate is a target because we are the last line of defense,” Cayetano said before Monday’s plenary session.
He claimed attacks against the Senate started in 2023 when proposals surfaced to abolish the chamber and revive Charter change.
Cayetano also linked recent political tensions to renewed moves to amend the Constitution, including proposals for a regional Senate.
The Senate chief said he was not against political reforms but stressed that government should first address rising prices, electricity costs, and other problems affecting Filipinos.
Asked about calls for his resignation, Cayetano said there had been a “concerted effort” to remove him and replace him with someone easier to control.
“Collaboration is OK, pero y’ung sunod-sunuran kami sa inyo at hawak niyo kami sa leeg, hindi pwede ’yon,” he said.IMT
