“We're talking about the worst kind of murder, the worst kind of rape, the worst kind of stealing, cheating, lying, etc,” he added.
Cayetano said supporters of the campaign did not view it as a policy of abuse, stressing: “It was not about extrajudicial killing because we do not excuse that, because ang sinasabi nga natin, you have to do it the right way.”
He acknowledged criticism that the campaign may have resulted in abuses, including allegations that innocent people were killed or that drug dependents should have been sent to rehabilitation instead.
“The other side… is saying many innocents were killed, or that those who were addicted should have been brought to rehab,” he said.
He also noted the continuing debate on whether alleged killings were part of official policy, citing divided public opinion and the emotional nature of the issue.
Official government data during the Duterte administration recorded 6,252 deaths in anti-drug operations. The campaign has faced scrutiny from local and international bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is handling crimes against humanity allegations tied to the drug war.
Former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa has also been named in connection with ICC proceedings, alongside Duterte.
Call for independent probe on Senate shooting
In the same online address, Cayetano also addressed the recent shooting incident inside the Senate premises, calling for transparency and calm.
“Let’s deal with it professionally. Let’s have an independent investigation. Let’s wait for all of the results,” he said.
The incident occurred on May 13 amid heightened tension in the Senate after reports involving a possible arrest linked to ICC-related developments. Gunshots were later heard inside the Senate complex, prompting a lockdown and a security response from authorities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) later deployed additional forces, while the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) concluded there was no external attack and that warning shots fired by Senate security personnel were not in line with protocol.
The PNP and CIDG also found no unlawful aggression from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel during the incident.
Cayetano said the Senate must remain stable and focused despite the controversy.
“In the meantime, let us show the Filipino people that the Senate is the Senate,” he said.
He also urged leaders to refocus on national issues such as healthcare, education, and rising living costs, citing concerns over PhilHealth services, hospital capacity, tuition fees, and transportation workers’ struggles.
“When the problem is extraordinary, the solutions must also be extraordinary,” he said, adding a call for “extraordinary unity” among political leaders.
Cayetano also cautioned the public against misinformation online. “Paulit-ulit nang napatunayan na ang mas maiingay… hindi ibig sabihin ay sila ang tama.”
The Senate shooting incident occurred during heightened political tension involving security concerns linked to ICC-related developments, including protective custody discussions involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Authorities continue to review the incident, while Cayetano emphasized the need to avoid speculation and wait for official findings.
