Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said his trip to Singapore with his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, was private and simply meant to give them a break, amid questions surrounding their trip abroad.
The siblings returned to the Philippines early Sunday and were seen arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In a Facebook Live, Cayetano said their trip was private and that they had every right to travel.
“Private yun or gusto lang magpahinga,” Cayetano said.
The senator said he was surprised that what he described as a “routine, quiet and short” trip became an issue, which he attributed to what he called the country’s increasingly “toxic” political environment.
Cayetano also pointed to statements from the Bureau of Immigration and the Office of the Ombudsman, saying responsible public officials had indicated there was no reason for them to be prevented from traveling.
The Cayetanos’ trip drew attention amid questions linking Alan Cayetano to the controversy over the construction of the cauldron used during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Senator Panfilo Lacson has also submitted documents to the Ombudsman detailing alleged “systemic anomalies” in flood control projects in Taguig City, which has long been identified with the Cayetano family.
Cayetano described Lacson’s actions as “persecution” against him, his family and Taguig City, saying he would leave the matter to God.
“Pinapaubaya ko na sa Panginoon,” he said.
He added that investigations, threatened cases and what he described as changing accusations were among the costs of standing up for the country, the Constitution and the rights of Filipinos.
Cayetano also urged Filipinos to pray for the country, saying he would continue to fight for the Philippines and its people.
“Before that, we counted the cost. Marami po kami. We counted the cost,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cayetano earlier posted about their return to the Philippines, saying: “Through GOD’S Grace, We Are Back! And In The Arms Of Our Beloved Pilipinas!”
He also called for “less intrigue and politics” and more solutions, cooperation and collaboration.
Previously, the Bureau of Immigration confirmed that the Cayetanos had left the country.
Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian also said Cayetano did not need permission from the Senate to travel abroad if the trip was personal and private.
