Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that the Philippine Senate has been facing sustained attempts to weaken its independence since 2003, as he addressed religious leaders during the Luzon Evangelical Leaders’ Fellowship: Prayer & Senate Direction on Monday, May 18.
Speaking before evangelical pastors, Cayetano framed current political tensions and recent security controversies in the chamber, such as the shooting incident inside the Senate compound last May 13, as part of a long-running pattern of institutional pressure.
"Sometime in 2003, the attack on the Senate began,” Cayetano said, stressing that efforts to undermine the chamber did not start with recent events but have developed over decades.
He added that the Senate must remain independent from any external influence, warning against what he described as attempts to place the institution “under the thumb” of other branches of government.
The Senate leader also referenced a recent incident inside the chamber involving a confidential NBI asset who allegedly tested positive for gunpowder residue, which he said was discovered within Senate premises and is now subject to a joint investigation involving the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Cayetano said he supported a collaborative probe but emphasized the importance of transparency and institutional trust.
“We have to show good faith. We have to believe someone; we can’t just believe in ourselves,” he said, noting the need for coordination between investigative bodies while safeguarding Senate autonomy.
During his remarks, Cayetano also reflected on political pressure surrounding Senate leadership, recalling attempts to shift support away from his position and describing internal dynamics as highly vulnerable to external influence.
He warned that proposals to expand or restructure the Senate into a larger regional body could make the chamber easier to influence.
While acknowledging disagreement over recent Senate actions, Cayetano maintained that constitutional processes must be protected from manipulation or coercion.
Senators Bato Dela Rosa and Joel Villanueva were among those mentioned in his narrative of shifting alliances and consultations, as he described efforts to secure support during leadership transitions.
He also recalled discussions with former Senate President Chiz Escudero and cited broader political coordination efforts within and outside the chamber.
Despite the political tension, he said the Senate remains prepared to fulfill its constitutional duties, including convening as an impeachment court if required.
“We will not capitulate. The Senate cannot be dependent,” he said, underscoring what he described as the institution’s duty to remain independent and accountable.
Cayetano closed by urging prayers for truth and unity, saying that only transparency and moral clarity can resolve current institutional challenges.
