KMJS: Alan Peter Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Erwin Tulfo address Senate conflict

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Imee Marcos, and Erwin Tulfo have spoken out on the ongoing conflict within the Senate as rival blocs dispute leadership and the handling of a flood control fund investigation.

Their comments followed competing claims over Senate authority and a controversial Blue Ribbon Committee proceeding in which self-identified former Marines revived allegations linking several politicians and public officials to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

The witnesses repeated claims they had previously submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the alleged delivery of cash-filled suitcases to various personalities. Several lawmakers and public officials, including Erwin Tulfo and members of the Marcos family, were mentioned during the proceedings.

Cayetano insists he remains Senate president

In the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Cayetano maintained that he remains the Senate's legitimate leader despite moves by another bloc of senators to reorganize the chamber's leadership.

"The reality is, I was elected by 13, the Constitution, the Senate rule says, hindi ka puwedeng palitan kung hindi 13," Cayetano said.

["The reality is, I was elected by 13 [senators]. The Constitution and the Senate rules say you cannot be replaced unless there are 13."]

He argued that the ongoing dispute should be viewed as part of the democratic process, even if it has created uncertainty within the institution.

"Democracy is messy. But we have to embrace democracy," he said.

Asked about criticism that the conflict is affecting the image of the Senate, Cayetano said he would continue asserting what he believes is the lawful authority of his office.

Cayetano also urged the public to closely monitor developments involving the Blue Ribbon Committee, saying questions about the investigation and the treatment of witnesses should continue to be examined.

Imee Marcos urges patience as evidence emerges

Sen. Marcos, whose family was among those mentioned during the hearing, said she was reserving judgment until more evidence is presented.

"Titingnan natin, kasi first time ko lang sila marinig eh," Marcos said in an interview with Jessica Soho. "Baka sa mga susunod na hearing, magkaroon ng mas may kabuluhan, mas may liwanag."

["We'll see, because this is the first time I've heard of them. Maybe in the upcoming hearings, it will become more meaningful, clearer."]

She said it remains important to determine where the evidence ultimately leads, regardless of who may be implicated.

"Well, nakikinig lang ako, dahil kinakailangan malaman ang detalye, so tingnan natin kung saan hahantong ang ebidensya," she said.

["Well, I'm just listening, because it's necessary to know the details, so let's see where the evidence leads."]

Marcos also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the current situation in the Senate but said lawmakers should continue carrying out their responsibilities.

"It's not comfortable but we will persist in working. It's our bounden duty at sinumpa namin 'yan sa ating Saligang Batas. We will persist," she said.

["It's not comfortable but we will persist in working. It's our bounden duty and we swore to that under our constitution. We will persist."]

She likewise called for respect among the country's institutions amid the ongoing dispute.

"Respetuhin lang natin ang tatlong sangay na itinakda ng ating Konstitusyon," she said.

["Let's just respect the three branches mandated by our Constitution."]

Tulfo denies allegations, promises investigation

For Tulfo, who was among those named by the former Marines, the immediate issue is the credibility of the accusations.

In his one-on-one interview with Jessica Soho, the senator questioned inconsistencies in the witnesses' accounts and noted that no supporting documents or evidence were presented during the proceedings.

"Madali kasi Jessica magturo eh," Tulfo said. "Pero anong dokumento mo? Wala bang picture? Dapat may katibayan."

["It's easy to point fingers, Jessica. But what documents do you have? No pictures? There should be proof."]

He also denied claims that he benefited from flood control projects, saying records would show he had no such projects linked to him during his time in Congress and the Senate.

"Flood control daw 'yun, eh tingnan mo records ng DPWH, wala akong flood control or any infrastructure project," he said.

["They claim it's for flood control, but if you look at the DPWH records, I don't have any flood control or any infrastructure projects."]

Tulfo further maintained that the June 4 proceeding was not an official Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

"Tingin namin doon ay media forum, 'yun ay press conference nila," he said.

["We view that as a media forum; that was their press conference."]

Despite this, Tulfo said his committee would still examine the allegations and hear from the individuals involved.

He said the same former Marines, along with lawyer Levito Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, former senator Leila de Lima, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other personalities mentioned in the controversy would be invited to future proceedings.

When asked about the allegations raised by the former Marines, he answered, "Let's see it."

He added that if credible testimony and evidence point to other public officials, the committee would not rule out inviting them as part of its investigation.

At the same time, Tulfo said he intends to pursue legal action against those he believes falsely implicated him in the allegations. —JCB, GMA News