Cayetanos’ personal trip ‘not an issue’—senators

This file photo taken on August 25 and released on August 26, 2026 shows Senator Pia Cayetano and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano during a regular session at the Senate. (Courtesy: Office of Sen. Win Gatchalian)

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday that lawmakers are not required to notify his office or file formal leaves for personal trips following confirmation from the Bureau of Immigration that Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Pia Cayetano left the country Wednesday evening.

“The general policy here is that as long as it is a personal trip, there is no need to seek permission. The last time we saw each other was during the (plenary) session, we were talking about certain bills,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Gatchalian confirmed that Senator Loren Legarda has been extending her medical leave on a weekly basis while undergoing health treatments.

He explained that formal leave filings are necessary for medical absences because Legarda is temporarily forfeiting her Senate salary during her recovery period.

“There is nothing written as to until when. I would assume it depends on her treatment and depends on her condition. Her health really must be prioritized,” Gatchalian said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, said the Cayetano siblings’ overseas trip should not be an issue, implying that the Senate Minority Leader merits a break from the stress he endures.

Lacson also extended his well wishes to Alan Peter, especially if he and his wife, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, are traveling for health-related reasons.

“This is not an issue as of the moment. Let’s make him (them) take a break from the stress caused by issues that he himself created. For all we know, Sen Alan and his wife’s trip has something to do with reproductive health, which Singapore is known for. If it is simply health related, I sincerely wish him well despite our animosities,” Lacson said.

On Wednesday evening, photos circulated online of the Cayetanos at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. They were seen lining up for a Singapore Airlines flight.

Cayetano is currently being investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with alleged irregularities in the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Cayetano served as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), which executed the country’s hosting of the regional sporting event.

Lacson and his team submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman at least 45 case studies backed by official documents detailing “systemic anomalies” in flood control infrastructure projects in Taguig City, Cayetano’s bailiwick.

The Office of the Ombudsman has since launched a fact-finding investigation into the allegations involving the projects in Taguig.

Lacson has repeatedly raised questions about the projects and called for accountability for those responsible for alleged irregularities in the use of public funds.

Cayetano earlier stated he could respond to Lacson’s accusations but prefers to focus on the urgent needs of flood victims in the Philippines.

He stressed that health issues, job instability, and the disruption of classes due to rainfall need immediate attention, overshadowing Lacson’s allegations concerning projects in Taguig.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also said the Cayetanos’ personal trip for health-related matters must be respected.

Zubiri denounced the rumors and speculations circulating on social media concerning the trip, saying the travel was acceptable.

“I believe it’s a personal trip. It’s fine if it’s a personal trip, at least for health reasons,” he said.

“I know Senator Alan and Mayor Lani have been trying to conceive a child, so they are there for health reasons. I wish them well. It’s fine, there’s no problem,” he added.

Zubiri emphasized that a senator does not need to seek permission from the Senate President when leaving the country for personal reasons.

“The best person to clarify that would be the Senate President. But if it’s for health reasons, I wish them well,” he said.

Sources at Taguig City Hall have confirmed that the Cayetano family traveled abroad for personal reasons, refuting claims made by critics on social media who suggested that their trips were an attempt to ‘escape.’

“They have nothing to evade as they are not facing any charges. Furthermore, this is not their first instance of traveling abroad for personal reasons,” the source informed Manila Standard.

— Ram Superable & Joel E. Zurbano