Cayetano siblings mull forming third bloc at Senate
FILE PHOTO Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Pia Cayetano
MANILA, Philippines — Five days before the opening of the 19th Congress on July 25, sibling senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano are mulling the creation of a third bloc at the Senate.
In a press conference, Alan Peter explained why he and his sister have yet to disclose their decision on whether to join the Senate majority or the minority bloc.
He said that nothing is final yet as they will still meet and discuss the matter with their colleagues in the Senate.
“So give us a few days… But I can tell you honestly, as of this moment, wala pa kaming decision. But we’re keeping our options open na mag-independent din. So it’s either majority, minority or mag-independent, meaning neither,” Alan Peter said in a press conference.
(As of this moment, we have not reached a decision yet. But we are keeping our options open to be independent. So it’s either majority, minority, or to be independent.)
READ: Majority or minority? Still no word on Cayetano siblings’ choice
“Magkakaroon ng pangatlong bloc. Sa House, meron kang majority, meron kang minority, meron kang independent,” he further explained.
(There will be a third bloc. The House has a majority, minority, and independent.)
For her part, Pia said that she will still assess what bloc will be more effective in serving the public.
“I’d like to believe that I have earned this position where I am now, a senior senator, and I can be effective wherever I can be,” she said.
“Sa’n ako mas effective (Where will I be more effective)? That’s a question that we need to also — need to find out from our colleagues,” she added.
The Cayetano siblings said they may likely reach the same decision and not join different blocs.
“I can’t give you a categorical answer because anything can happen. But I don’t foresee that we will go in different ways,” Alan Peter said.
“We’ll let you know, but it is like we don’t see the value of having one of us in the majority and one in the minority. It seems that it might just be politics kung ganu’n,” said Pia.
Senators Risa Hontiveros and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III have been vocal about being part of the Senate minority bloc. The rest, except the Cayetano siblings, belong to the majority bloc. — with reports from Andy Hoo, INQUIRER.net intern
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