MANILA, Philippines — In a Facebook Live broadcast on Saturday, May 23, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano used the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion titles to describe the current state of the Senate amid ongoing talks of a leadership change and shifting dynamics in the chamber.
Cayetano analogized the senators’ political standings to comic book “heroes and villains,” with no absolute “good or bad” side, but varying views among the 24 members of the upper house.
“So, am I saying that we are good and they are bad? No, what I’m saying is there are 24 senators. There are different political leanings, there are a lot of issues,” the Senate President stated.
He underscored the importance of faith, affirming his trust in God's plan. “So, if God’s plan is for me to stay for just one day, two weeks, or two months, my only prayer is: God, put me where You want me, to do what You want me to do,” Cayetano said, addressing his journey as Senate President as heightened tensions continue since he assumed the post nearly a fortnight ago.
Cayetano's statements, which mainly centered on faith, were praised by some and criticized by others. Despite differing public opinions, he asserted that God must remain at the center of discourse in the Senate and beyond.
“Pag-usapan po natin why we cannot and should not take HIM out of the equation. Rather, we have to put HIM in the center of everything!” Cayetano stated.
Meanwhile, members of the chamber's minority bloc have hinted at another leadership shakeup following a speculated coup supposedly planned for last week, prior to the Senate's initial proceedings on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian has surfaced as the primary potential replacement for Cayetano.
Written by Ashraf Indanan
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