Incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano pushed back against criticism that he is not a unifying figure, saying recent political developments show his ability to bring together groups with differing ideologies.

“Huwag nilang sabihin na si Alan Cayetano hindi unifier — hindi totoo ‘yon,” Cayetano said during a post-press conference following a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee session led by his sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano.

He pointed to what he described as a broad alignment among political factions, including those previously identified with the political left, “yellow,” and “pink” movements, now supporting the administration in Malacañang.

“Kita mo lahat sila, nagkaisa sila doon. Napagkaisa ko sila — ‘yong kaliwa, ‘yong mga dilaw, ‘yong mga pink, mga dating aktibista — kampi-kampi na sila ngayon sa Malacañang,” he said.

Cayetano also recounted a past proposal he made urging all senators to resign and refrain from running again to allow for a “clean slate,” but said the idea was rejected.

“Sabi ko baka gusto n’yo resign all na lang tapos bawal na tayo tumakbo para clean slate. Lahat sila ayaw kasi nagkaisa sila ako lang daw dapat mag-resign. Kaya I unify people,” he said.

The Senate leader made the remarks amid mounting pressure for him to step down from his post, with critics and members of the minority bloc calling for his resignation to resolve what they describe as institutional gridlock and deepening divisions in the chamber.

The bloc aligned with Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has urged leadership changes, arguing the Senate needs a “better unifier.” The situation has intensified following the reported shift of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero to the Gatchalian-led group.

Asked whether he remains confident in the stability of his bloc, Cayetano expressed optimism.

“Confident ako na pare-pareho ang prinsipyo namin and that we will make the right decisions together,” he said. “I’m confident in our democracy. I’m confident the Philippines is a country of the Lord.”

The leadership dispute continues to cast uncertainty over the Senate’s direction as competing factions maneuver for support.