Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday rejected claims that recent Senate tensions are driven by a power struggle, saying the real issue behind the chamber’s upheaval is an alleged effort to suppress the truth about the large-scale flood control scheme which erupted in 2025.

In a lengthy Independence Weekend statement, Cayetano said his bloc “did not take this position to seize power,” dismissing comparisons to political infighting for leadership posts.

“This is not Game of Thrones,” he said. “If it were only a contest for the throne, then let thirteen senators choose another Senate President tomorrow — the leadership question could be settled in a single afternoon.”

Cayetano instead pointed to what he described as a deeper problem: a supposed push to prevent scrutiny of the flood control scandal, which he said has triggered recent moves within the Senate, including leadership changes and committee realignments.

“The real issue is why there is such determination to keep the truth about the flood control scandal from coming out,” he said, citing a “rush to control committees,” as well as pressure, attacks and distractions.

His remarks follow a series of developments in the Senate, including controversy over his role in the chamber’s reorganization and his removal from key posts, as Sen. Win Gatchalian assumed the position of Senate President Pro Tempore. The reshuffle has fueled talk of internal discord and competing blocs within the 24-member body.

Cayetano used the game of chess as a metaphor for the political landscape, warning that powerful interests may be positioning institutions and individuals to protect themselves while avoiding accountability.

“The question is: Are we players — or are we merely pieces?” he said.

He alleged that funds intended for flood control projects may have been misused, resulting in widespread consequences for communities, infrastructure and public trust.

“The funds meant to hold back the floods became a flood of their own,” he said, pointing to damage to homes, businesses and livelihoods.

Cayetano stressed that the controversy cuts across political lines, saying the victims are “simply Filipinos,” regardless of affiliation.

He also called on lawmakers to ensure that Senate investigations remain credible, warning against turning inquiries into venues that delay or obscure the truth.

“No committee of the Senate should ever become a place where difficult questions go to die,” he said.

Despite the leadership dispute, Cayetano said the focus should remain on accountability, noting that political positions are temporary but unresolved issues of corruption will persist.

“Long after the question of Senate leadership is resolved… the corruption will remain,” he said.

He urged both lawmakers and the public to remain vigilant and engaged, framing the situation as a broader fight for transparency and national integrity.

“What we do today will determine the country our children inherit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Joel Villanueva on Sunday said he would attend any special session that may be called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying it is his constitutional duty to do so.

Should Villanueva side with the bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian in a vote for Senate leadership, the group would have the 13 votes needed to elect a new Senate President.

Gatchalian was earlier installed as Senate President Pro Tempore and has assumed responsibilities previously held by Cayetano. However, Cayetano has maintained that he remains Senate President until 13 senators formally vote to replace him.