Cayetano siblings left Philippines, BI confirms amid 2019 SEA Games probe

MANILA, Philippines – Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have left the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed Thursday, September 10. The BI’s confirmation came amid photos posted on social media showing the Cayetano siblings arriving in Singapore on Wednesday evening, September 9. A separate social media post also alleged that Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Alan’s wife, flew to Singapore early Thursday. “Based on BI records, there were no hold departure orders or derogatory records against the two senators, as of departure date, that would legally prevent them from leaving the country,” the BI said. The agency declined to provide details about their travel, including their itinerary and other related information, citing the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The Cayetanos’ departure comes as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) prepares to recommend to the Department of Justice the filing of cases over alleged irregularities in the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Alan served as chairperson of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), the nonprofit organization tasked with organizing and managing the country’s hosting of the 2019 SEA Games. He was also House speaker at the time. NBI Director Melvin Matibag, however, said Cayetano was not identified as PHISGOC chairperson in the organization’s corporate records and financial documents, and the lack of a paper trail linking the senator to the alleged irregularities has hampered the investigation. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian did not confirm the Cayetanos’ trip but said senators traveling abroad for personal reasons are not required to seek travel authority. “Kapag personal trips, hindi na kailangan mag-abiso ang mga senador,” Gatchalian said. (Senators do not need to seek travel authority for personal trips.) Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, meanwhile, said the Cayetanos’ departure was not an issue at this point. He also urged the public to allow Alan to “take a break from the stress caused by issues that he himself created.” “If it’s simply health-related, I sincerely wish him well despite our animosities,” said Lacson. In July, Lacson submitted evidence on alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Taguig City to the Office of the Ombudsman for review. The allegations involved projects linked to Alan, who had denied the claims. The departure of the Cayetanos from the country brings to three the total number of senators who are currently abroad. Senator Loren Legarda is on extended medical leave in France until September 16. – Rappler.com