Senator Alan Peter Cayetano renewed his call for transparency and accountability as he urged the public to support the continuation of Senate hearings into alleged irregularities involving government funds and projects.
Speaking during a Facebook Live broadcast on June 3, Cayetano stressed the importance of allowing witnesses to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, saying the hearings are essential in uncovering the truth.
“So as of yesterday, ang hinihingi pa lang naman namin, ‘give the truth a chance.’ Ngayon, we’re asking everyone to pray that matuloy yung mga hearings,” Cayetano said.
The senator emphasized that Senate investigations provide a platform for witnesses to speak openly, adding that the public would be able to personally assess the testimonies presented during the hearings.
“What I’ve been consistent with since 2007 nung chairman ako ng Blue Ribbon Committee, is that that platform allows anyone to testify,” he said. “Nagtataka lang ako, bakit umiba ngayon na ilang buwan walang hearing kung kailan may mga bagong revelations at medyo mabibigat na yung mga witnesses na nagiging available.”
Cayetano further said that the planned hearings could gain momentum once they officially begin, noting that their group remains focused on exposing the truth.
“My mission right now is for the truth to come out,” he stated.
The senator also mentioned alleged attempts to pressure or intimidate certain lawmakers connected to the issue. He cited claims made by Jinggoy Estrada regarding alleged offers tied to political alignment and legal protection.
“Yung sinabi ni Sen. Jinggoy na may ebidensya siya na talagang pinipilit siya lumipat at ang kapalit ay kanyang freedom at walang kaso, that’s not hearsay to me because narinig ko mismo yung conversation,” Cayetano claimed.
He added that the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had also been invited to participate in the hearings to clarify the status of ongoing investigations, including alleged “ghost” projects and the amount of funds involved.
“We’ll do this very orderly. We’ll find out nasaan na ba investigation nila, ilan na ba talaga ang ghost at hindi, magkano ba talaga ang involved dito,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano ended the livestream by calling for prayers and unity, saying their goal is to ensure that truth and accountability prevail.
“We’re not praying that God be on our side. We’re praying that we be on God’s side,” he said.
