Abbey M.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has dismissed as politically motivated the criticism raised by Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson over the reported P700 million spent by the Senate during Cayetano's 28-day tenure as Senate President.

Lacson had taken to social media to question the spending under Cayetano's leadership, expressing regret over the P700 million allegedly used during those 28 days. Cayetano, however, pushed back against the framing of the figures.

"Sabi ni Sen. Lacson. Sayang ang pera. Nung si Alan Cayetano ang Senate President, 700 million ang nagastos."

[Sen. Lacson said it was a waste of money — that 700 million was spent when Alan Cayetano was Senate President.]

Cayetano argued that the math used by Lacson simply reflected the Senate's regular daily operating cost and was not specific to his leadership. He pointed out that dividing the P700 million by 28 days yields P25 million per day, which he said aligned with what Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian had independently cited as the institution's standard daily budget.

"Multiply mo ang 25 million na sinabi ni Senator Win na gastos ng Senate a day, i-multiply mo yun sa 28 days... 700 divided by 28 days is 25 million."

[Multiply the 25 million that Senator Win cited as the Senate's daily expense by 28 days... 700 divided by 28 days is 25 million.]

Gatchalian, for his part, confirmed that the Senate's daily operating budget comes to approximately P24.24 million, noting that the institution employs around 2,000 people and maintains a large physical facility.

"Kinompute namin ang budget ng Senado per day is about 24 point 24 million no? Almost 25 million no just to operate the Senate."

[We computed the Senate's budget per day and it's about 24.24 million — almost 25 million just to operate the Senate.]

Cayetano went further, accusing certain colleagues of orchestrating a coordinated effort to discredit him, naming Senators Rafi Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, and Lacson as part of what he described as a tag-team smear campaign.

"Nireveal niya, parang pang-intriga, di ba? Kasi magaling naman talaga silang mang-intriga. Nagt-take turns lang naman po."

[What he revealed was like political intrigue, right? Because they are truly skilled at it. They just take turns.]

He alleged the intent behind these moves was to divert attention from what he called the "whole truth about corruption in our country."

As of posting, none of the senators named by Cayetano had issued a response to his statements.

Meanwhile, Senate President Gatchalian signaled that the chamber was ready to move past the leadership drama, saying the "Senateflix" era was over and that it was time to get back to work.

‍

The legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte has pushed back against claims that its lawyers were unprepared for the first day of the pre-trial conference related to her impeachment trial in the Senate.

Defense team spokesperson Atty. Michael T. Poa said they were aware of statements circulating on social media suggesting otherwise, but firmly denied the allegations, saying the team had been preparing for the impeachment proceedings long before the pre-trial conference began.

"The defense takes exception to that, because definitely, dumating kami rito nang handa. Naghanda kami ng napakatagal na panahon. Dumating kaming handa. The records will speak for itself."

[The defense takes exception to that, because definitely, we came here prepared. We prepared for a very long time. We came prepared. The records will speak for itself.]

Poa said the defense respects differing opinions but maintained there was no basis for such allegations.

He also explained that the pre-trial conference was not completed on its first day due to the sheer volume of documents that both the defense and prosecution needed to review and mark as evidence.

"Talagang di ganon kabilis ang marking. There are instances na kailangang mag-compare ng documents, lalo na at photocopy kailangan i-compare sa original. So natural po yan, normal po yan na hindi ganon kabilis ang marking."

[The marking really isn't that fast. There are instances where documents need to be compared, especially since photocopies need to be checked against originals. So that's natural, that's normal — the marking isn't that quick.]

According to the defense, out of the four articles of impeachment, only one has been completed in terms of marking of evidence. One more article is expected to be finished by Monday, while the remaining two — which involve the most documents — could extend the process until Tuesday.

Poa clarified, however, that these dates are estimates and that there is no certainty yet as to when the pre-trial conference will be fully concluded. What remains clear, he said, is that the trial proper is set to proceed on July 6.

"Syempre ang gusto namin sa side ng defense — I think sa prosecution din — basta matapos kami ng mas maaga mas maganda para sa amin para makapagprepare o focus sa preparation ng trial."

[Of course, what we want on the defense side — I think on the prosecution side as well — is to finish earlier, as that would be better for us so we can prepare and focus on the trial.]

The defense also confirmed that it remains in communication with Vice President Duterte and will promptly brief her on the developments from the first day of the pre-trial conference. 

There is still no confirmation on whether the Vice President will personally attend the impeachment trial, though her lawyer indicated she is prepared to do so if needed.

‍

MANILA — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday gave up his claim to the Senate presidency, conceding defeat ahead of the upper chamber's convening for a special session. 

Cayetano acknowledged that the opposing camp had secured enough votes to elect a new Senate president. 

"The arithmetic has changed. The Constitution has not. And now, after speaking with Sen. Joel Villanueva, it appears our colleagues on the other side will soon have the numbers to elect a new Senate President," he said in a Facebook post. 

While conceding the position, Cayetano struck a somber tone about the state of Philippine governance. 

He said it was not the loss of a position that saddened him, but watching the country "slip toward darkness — to see our people suffer, and to hear some begin to say there is no hope." 

"I am sad that so many in our government are willing to look away from corruption when looking away is convenient — to trade the people's right to the truth for a season of political advantage. That is the real loss. Not a gavel, but a conscience," Cayetano said. 

In his statement, Cayetano also addressed his fellow senators directly. "May the public's judgment of you be a kind one. We are not enemies — only colleagues, brothers caught in a moment larger than us all," he said. 

"And so I will end with a message to the public — it has been the honor of my life to serve as your Senate President. Offices are temporary, titles are temporary, even majorities are temporary — but your right to the truth is not. I promise you, we will get to the bottom of this," he added. 

The development marks the end of a weeks-long Senate leadership dispute. On June 3, Cayetano was removed as Senate president in a leadership shakeup that resulted in a new Senate leadership recognized by Malacañang and the House of Representatives. The reorganization was triggered when Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero — who had been part of Cayetano's bloc — broke a stalemate caused by the Cayetano bloc's absences, leading the other faction to declare all Senate positions vacant and install Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president pro tempore. 

Until the morning of the special session, Cayetano had continued to insist that he remained the Senate's "legitimate" and "moral" president, arguing that the takeover lacked a quorum. The Gatchalian bloc rejected the claim, citing a Supreme Court ruling on how quorum is determined in legislative bodies. 

Cayetano had been elected Senate president on May 11, 2026, succeeding Senator Tito Sotto in the post.

‍

Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies or SAFE Loan, which provides qualified members with up to P10,000 in affordable cash assistance for urgent needs amid the continuing effects of the Middle East conflict, officials announced.

The assistance forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing support for Filipino workers and their families, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide timely and practical help to Filipinos during times of need. It follows the special benefits package earlier extended to overseas Filipino worker members repatriated from the Middle East.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the SAFE Loan is another way for Pag-IBIG Fund to provide practical assistance to members as the government continues to help Filipino families manage the effects of developments abroad.

“President Marcos has directed government agencies to bring timely and practical help closer to Filipino families, especially in times of need,” Aliling said. “In response, Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the SAFE Loan so qualified members may have access to affordable cash assistance for urgent household needs, especially as the effects of the Middle East conflict continue to be felt in fuel, electricity, transport and other daily expenses here at home.”

Aliling said the SAFE Loan also forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s broader response to the effects of the situation in the Middle East, following the special benefits package earlier extended to repatriated OFW members.

“We first extended assistance to our repatriated OFW members because they were directly affected by the situation in the Middle East,” Aliling added. “Now, we are also providing added support to qualified members here at home who may feel the effects through their daily expenses. Pag-IBIG Fund is here to provide help that is practical, affordable and within reach.”

While recent developments abroad have raised hopes that tensions may ease, Pag-IBIG Fund said it may take time before fuel prices and related daily expenses return to normal. The SAFE Loan is being offered as practical assistance that qualified members may turn to for urgent household needs. Under the SAFE Loan, qualified members may borrow up to P10,000 or up to 90 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, whichever is lower. 

The loan carries a low interest rate of 5.95 percent per annum and may be paid over one, two or three years, depending on the member’s preferred repayment term. Members with an existing Pag- IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan or Calamity Loan may still receive SAFE Loan assistance. 

The amount they may receive will depend on how much they can still borrow from their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, so their total Pag-IBIG Short-Term Loans, including the SAFE Loan, remain within the allowed 90 percent limit. 

This gives qualified members another source of assistance during this period. Applications may be filed until Sept. 8, 2026.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the SAFE Loan allows qualified members to get quick and affordable cash assistance for urgent needs, giving them a safe alternative to abusive or high-interest loans.

“We made the SAFE Loan simple and easy to access so our members can apply with greater convenience and receive their loans quickly once approved,” Acosta said. “They may apply through Virtual Pag-IBIG or at any Pag-IBIG Fund branch, and the loan proceeds may be credited directly to their Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus. Its low interest rate, flexible payment terms, and three-month grace period before the first payment make it a more affordable option than many other cash loan options available elsewhere. For a P10,000 loan payable over three years, the monthly payment is as low as P308, giving members a manageable way to address urgent needs without resorting to high-interest loans.”

Acosta also reminded members that paying their loans on time helps keep Pag-IBIG Fund’s programs strong and available to more members who may need assistance.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is built on the savings and trust of its members,” Acosta said. “When members borrow responsibly and pay on time, they help keep our programs available so we can continue providing affordable assistance to more Filipino workers and their families.”

‍

The Senate is preparing for a special session on Wednesday, June 17, with acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian calling on all members of the upper chamber to attend.

The special session is set to begin at 9:00 AM and is expected to conclude by 4:00 or 5:00 PM.

The session follows Proclamation No. 1318 issued by Malacañang, in which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a special session to take urgent action on priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection.

Gatchalian issued a statement encouraging all senators, whether from the majority or minority bloc, to attend.

"Nag-issue ako ng statement, encouraging all senators regarding majority or minority to attend," he said.

[Nag-isyu ako ng pahayag, hinihikayat ang lahat ng senador mula sa mayorya o minorya na dumalo.]

The acting Senate president emphasized the importance of passing pending measures and urged his colleagues not to waste the opportunity.

"Well, para sa akin, importante na we approve all of these bills. Huwag natin sayangin yung special session dahil this is an opportunity sa atin na matapos yung mga nabinbin. So, yeah, that's why importante na yung mga senators natin maka-attend bukas," Gatchalian said.

[Para sa akin, mahalaga na maaprubahan natin ang lahat ng mga panukalang batas na ito. Huwag nating sayangin ang special session dahil ito ay pagkakataon natin na matapos ang mga nabinbing bagay. Kaya naman, mahalaga na ang ating mga senador ay makarating bukas.]

Among the measures set to be tackled are the Geriatric Health Bill, the expansion of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education or GASTPE voucher system from Grade 1 to Grade 6, a resolution for additional assistance to earthquake victims in Mindanao, two citizenship bills, and two proposals in the agriculture sector.

Also on the agenda is the long-delayed confirmation of officials at the Commission on Appointments.

"These are very important matters, lalo na yung sa CA. In fact, yung sa CA, lumampas na nga sa time na dapat ibigay natin sa mga generals. But, importante kasi ito, hindi sila mapo-promote at makaka-apekto ito sa kanilang mga gagawin later on. Nakausap ko si Speaker these past few days at committed sila to come in. So full force sila na darating sa CA," Gatchalian said.

[Napakahalaga ng mga bagay na ito, lalo na ang sa CA. Sa katunayan, ang sa CA ay lumampas na sa oras na dapat nating ibigay sa mga heneral. Ngunit mahalaga ito dahil hindi sila mapo-promote at maaapektuhan nito ang kanilang mga gagawin sa hinaharap. Nakausap ko si Speaker nitong nakalipas na ilang araw at committed sila na pumunta. Kaya full force silang darating sa CA.]

Heightened security measures will also be in place inside and outside the Senate in connection with the special session. Gatchalian disclosed that he had met with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police regarding a reported security threat, and that both institutions recommended maintaining heightened security status.

"Yes, so this is in preparation for tomorrow's special session and as well as yung security threat na makukuha natin. So tuloy-tuloy yung aking coordination until malaman natin na wala na ganitong threat or pwede na natin ma-manage yung mga ganitong threat," he said.

[Oo, ito ay paghahanda para sa espesyal na sesyon bukas pati na rin ang banta sa seguridad na ating natatanggap. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang aking koordinasyon hanggang sa malaman natin na wala nang ganitong banta o kaya ay mapamahalaan na natin ang mga ganitong banta.]

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano questioned the declared heightened security at the Senate, noting that access had been restricted even to fellow senators and their visitors in the days prior.

"Nagbigay lang akong notice na Thursday may Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing sa session hall. Biglang may threat na daw pero hindi ma-confirm nung ibang security forces. Pero bukas sa session pwede ng ulit gamitin at pwede tayong lahat. Pero today and yesterday bawal na ang mga senador may bisita. So hindi ba lockdown din yon? Paulit-ulit sila bantayan daw ako. Baka daw padlakin ko yung senado. Eh basically pinadlock na nila eh 'di ba na sino? Sila na nagde-determine pwedeng sinong pwedeng pumasok o hindi," Cayetano said.

[Nagbigay lang ako ng abiso na Huwebes may Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing sa session hall. Bigla na lang may banta raw pero hindi ma-confirm ng ibang security forces. Pero bukas sa session pwede na ulit gamitin at pwede tayong lahat. Pero ngayon at kahapon bawal na ang mga senador na may bisita. Kaya hindi ba lockdown din iyon? Paulit-ulit nilang sinasabi na binabantayan nila ako. Baka raw padlakin ko ang senado. Eh basically pinadlock na nila — sino ba? Sila na ang nagde-determine kung sino ang pwedeng pumasok o hindi.]

Cayetano further alleged that the special session was being used to change the Senate leadership and take control of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

"Special session we continue to discuss but obvious sa amin ang target dito ay kunin ang blue ribbon committee at i-secure yung Senate Presidency," he said.

[Patuloy naming tatalakayin ang special session ngunit obvious sa amin na ang target dito ay kunin ang Blue Ribbon Committee at i-secure ang Senate Presidency.]

‍