Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s call for the mass resignation of elected officials is a ‘typical’ example of ‘obfuscating’ the issue of corruption, according to lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc.
The lawmakers issued a joint statement on Monday after Cayetano suggested holding snap elections for officials in the executive and legislative branches, saying Filipinos ‘have lost trust in the government and government officials’ amid the flood control controversies.
‘This is typical obfuscation of the issue of corruption. Cateyano is trying to divert the focus from corruption accountability to snap elections, giving the illusion that corruption can be addressed simply through the electoral process that is still dominated by political dynasties and corrupt politicians,’ the Makabayan bloc lawmaker said.
‘How will holding snap elections address the issue of accountability? The proposal is a distraction and a way to douse cold water on the people’s protests. A snap election and just a change of personalities without changing the system will not address the roots of corruption,’ they added.
In a Facebook post Sunday, Cayetano stressed that public officials should not be afraid to step down, saying that ‘real change starts with radical honesty – and the courage to admit when it’s time to step aside.’
‘National government has its bureaucracy and will continue to run. Governors, mayors, and barangay chairpersons are generally trusted and will be in place,’ Cayetano wrote.
‘No drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people. A turning point leading to renewal and revival, instead of People Power. Sacrifice from People’s Servants!’ he said.
The senator made his call following allegations of massive corruption in flood control projects involving government officials.
In response, Cayetano’s brother, former Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano, challenged him to lead by example and resign from his post.
‘I support this proposal. I agree with my brother Alan and ask that we start with ourselves,’ Cayetano said in a Facebook post on Sunday. ‘Give up power.’
‘If you truly believe what you say, then trust and have faith that if some of the old guard step down now, it will inspire others to follow,’ he added.
Among the public officials who stepped down from their posts so far were former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co.
Romualdez resigned as House Speaker after being linked to the flood-control controversies, saying he did not want to tarnish the President’s name. He was shortly replaced by Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino ‘Bojie’ De Guzman Dy III.
Co also resigned from Congress after being tagged as the alleged ‘mastermind’ behind the substandard or ‘ghost’ flood-control projects.