Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have departed the Philippines for Singapore, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Thursday, September 10, following social media posts showing the siblings’ arrival abroad the previous evening.
Bureau of Immigration Confirmation and Travel Details
According to the BI, no hold departure orders or derogatory records existed against the two senators on their departure date that would legally prevent them from leaving the country. The agency declined to provide further details regarding their itinerary, citing the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Additionally, another online platform featured a post claiming that Alan’s wife, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, traveled to Singapore on the morning of Thursday, September 10.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated that senators traveling abroad for personal reasons are not required to seek travel authority. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri confirmed that Alan’s trip with his wife was for personal and health reasons, wishing them well while echoing Gatchalian’s remarks on travel rules.
Did You Know? Alan and Lani Cayetano were married in 2004, and when the senator turned 49 in 2019, he stated that his birthday wish was to have children.
Investigation Context and Ongoing Inquiries
The departure coincides with preparations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to recommend that the Department of Justice file cases over alleged irregularities in the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. During that period, Alan held the positions of House speaker and head of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), which functioned as the nonprofit entity responsible for managing the games.
However, NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that corporate records and financial documents do not identify Cayetano as the PHISGOC chairperson. Matibag noted that the lack of a paper trail linking the senator to the alleged irregularities has hampered the investigation. Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson remarked that the departure is not an issue at this point, suggesting that the trip may be related to reproductive health, an area for which Singapore is known.
In July, Lacson submitted evidence concerning alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Taguig City to the Office of the Ombudsman for review. Those allegations involved projects linked to Alan, who has denied the claims. Alan turns 56 in October, while Lani turns 45 in December.
The departure of the Cayetano siblings brings the total number of senators currently abroad to three. Senator Loren Legarda remains on extended medical leave in France until September 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Bureau of Immigration attempt to stop the senators from leaving?
No. The BI confirmed that there were no hold departure orders or derogatory records against the two senators as of their departure date that would legally prevent them from leaving the country.
What position did Alan Peter Cayetano hold during the 2019 SEA Games?
Alan served as chairperson of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and was House speaker at the time, though NBI Director Melvin Matibag noted that Cayetano was not identified as chairperson in the organization’s corporate and financial records.
How many senators are currently out of the country?
The departures bring the total number of senators currently abroad to three, which includes Senator Loren Legarda, who is on extended medical leave in France until September 16.
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