Photo credit: Senate PH

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has a message for his colleagues amid talks of Senator Panfilo Lacson’s possible return as Blue Ribbon Committee chairman: leave the minority out of it.

In a statement Monday, Cayetano said there’s no reason to drag the minority bloc into what he described as an “internal family matter” within the Senate majority.

“There’s really no need for Senator Lacson to drag the minority into what’s clearly a family matter within the majority,” Cayetano said. “As he admits, his decision to step down from the Blue Ribbon Committee didn’t come from the minority — it came from dissatisfaction within their own ranks. Let’s not rewrite history.”

Cayetano recalled how the BRC chairmanship has changed hands over time — from Senator Rodante Marcoleta to Lacson — all as part of the majority’s internal decisions. He said the minority respected those changes without complaint.

“When the Senate President and the majority first gave the chairmanship to Senator Marcoleta, the goal was clear — to keep investigations steady, above politics, and focused on finding the masterminds and the most guilty,” he said.

He added that even when political tensions rose — including talks of a “Senate coup” following flood control probe hearings — the minority remained calm and respectful.

“When Senator Marcoleta was elected and led the flood control hearings, there were coup rumors. The coup did happen, and a new Senate President was elected. But there was no drama or blame-shifting from us — just quiet resolve,” Cayetano said. “The leadership under SP Chiz (Escudero) made a decision, stood by it, and moved forward with respect for the institution. That’s what mature leadership looks like.”

Cayetano stressed that the minority bloc has no stake in the majority’s internal politics and remains focused on its mandate to uphold truth, transparency, and integrity in government.

“When the new majority later replaced Senator Marcoleta with Senator Lacson, you didn’t hear a single complaint from the minority,” he said. “We respected their internal decision, because that’s how institutions should work — with courtesy and mutual respect.”

Finally, the senator offered a gentle reminder to keep the Senate’s work grounded in professionalism rather than political theatrics.

“Kung may tampuhan man sila sa majority, ayos lang ‘yan — politics will always have its share of drama,” he quipped. “But let’s not turn the Senate into a teleserye. The Blue Ribbon Committee is not about personalities; it’s about serving the people and protecting the dignity of the institution.”