Cayetano vows continuous support for Du30 admin

            Plans to work with new DFA Sec. in pushing for genuine reforms

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday (March 14) vowed to continue supporting the Duterte administration through whatever means the President deems fit, be it in the Senate or in the Cabinet.  

This is in reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statement that the senator may be needed in the Senate than in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Duterte earlier said he would offer the DFA post to Cayetano after the one-year appointment ban gets lifted.

But whether or not he gets offered a cabinet position, Cayetano pledged his assistance to the administration and said he would continue to help the President, particularly in pushing for his legislative agenda in Congress.

“Nothing has changed… Dedicated pa rin akong maging successful ang administration na ito. Dedicated akong gawin ang trabaho ko kung saan man ako,” Cayetano said.

“The preference of the President during the campaign was for me to join him in the Cabinet. Now the need changes. May mga legislation, may mga pinangako kami na gusto naming mapasa sa Senado,” he added.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and U.S State Secretary  Rex Tillerson

The senator also expressed his full support for newly appointed acting DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said he would closely coordinate with the new DFA leadership as they both push for more genuine reforms aimed at making Filipino’s lives better.

“I was supportive before of Secretary [Perfecto] Yasay, and now, [I support] acting Secretary Manalo… Si Sec. Manalo ay professional. He’s been there for the longest time. Hindi pulitiko ‘yan na mangangako nang hindi kaya. He knows the ins and outs of the problem,” he said.

Among the initiatives, which the senator plans to endorse is the provision of better protection and care for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). He has been pushing for the creation of one-stop shops that will cater to migrant workers’ needs, as well as additional funds to provide legal assistance to Filipinos facing charges abroad.

“As I said, ang success ng ating Pangulo ay success ng ating bansa. So I want the President to be successful,” Cayetano said. “Ang aking misyon talaga ay matupad ang pangako ng ating Pangulo.” #