Senate Minority Leader Alan Cayetano has vowed that the minority bloc will continue its work despite losing another member following Sen. Mark Villar’s transfer to the majority bloc.
Cayetano said Senate coalitions may change, but the minority’s views, principles and commitments to God and the Filipino people would remain firm.
Despite the reduction in their membership, Cayetano said minority senators would continue fulfilling their responsibilities, including scrutinizing government spending and serving as a constructive opposition.
He also emphasized their commitment to defending the rights of every Filipino in accordance with both the laws of God and the laws of the land.
Cayetano made the remarks following Villar’s move to the majority bloc, which further reduced the membership of the Senate minority.
The minority leader said that since May 11, it had become increasingly clear to him how important it was for the current administration to maintain a strong bloc of allies in the Senate.
Despite the political changes, Cayetano maintained that the minority would continue carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
He reiterated that their role includes examining government expenditures and providing constructive opposition while protecting the rights of the public.
Cayetano also expressed goodwill toward Villar and other lawmakers, saying the minority continued to pray for the country and wished them well.
The statement underscored Cayetano’s position that changes in Senate alliances would not alter the minority bloc’s stated principles or its commitment to oversight.
Villar’s transfer marks another change in the composition of the Senate’s majority and minority blocs.
Cayetano did not indicate any change in the minority’s stated responsibilities following the transfer. Instead, he stressed that the bloc would continue its work despite the loss of another member.
His remarks focused on government spending oversight, constructive opposition and the protection of Filipinos’ rights as the Senate’s political alignments continue to shift.
