3 weeks ago
17
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano turned to pop culture as he went live on Facebook on Saturday, May 23, using the Pokémon trading card game as an analogy for what he described as shifting dynamics inside the Senate.
Cayetano, a known Pokémon collector, said he initially thought of explaining the situation to a nephew through the game’s narrative arc, which he described as moving from “Mega Dream,” to “perfect order,” “ascended heroes” and eventually, “chaos rising.”
“Everyone has a dream. And I really believe that God plants a dream in us. But of course, the devil also plants wrong dreams in us,” he said.
The senator likened political divisions inside the chamber to “heroes and villains” often seen in comic books, Netflix series and films, saying that the Senate cannot be reduced to simple binaries.
“So, am I saying that we are good and they are bad? No, what I’m saying is there are 24 senators. There are different political leanings, there are a lot of issues,” Cayetano said.
He explained that the progression from “Mega Dream” to “perfect order,” “ascended heroes” and finally “chaos rising” reflects how real-life political systems tend to evolve.
Cayetano also recalled remarks from Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, whom he previously replaced, who reportedly said that “maybe the Lord has other plans.”
“That’s also what I said, right? Maybe this is God’s plan,” Cayetano said.
“So, if God’s plan is for me to stay for just one day, two weeks, or two months, my only prayer is: God, put me where You want me to do what You want me to do,” he added.
In a Facebook livestream on Saturday, Cayetano also reflected on the role of faith in public life. The video was accompanied by a caption that posed broader questions about invoking religion in public discourse.
“Whose side is GOD on? Why invoke GOD’s will, GOD’s ways, GOD’s thoughts, and GOD’s laws? How can we explain to young children what is happening?” he said.
He added that faith should remain central in public discourse, saying: “Pag-usapan po natin why we cannot and should not take HIM out of the equation. Rather, we have to put HIM in the center of everything!”
“Let us allow ourselves to be used by GOD according to HIS plans and purpose. GOD bless us all!” he added.
Ongoing Senate leadership talks
Cayetano’s remarks came amid fresh political maneuverings in the upper chamber.
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan earlier said members of the so-called Solid Bloc 11 are backing Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the next Senate president, citing his leadership during deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget.
"Gusto naming lahat na kabilang ng SB-11, o Solid Bloc 11, na maging Senate President si Senator Sherwin 'Win' Gatchalian," Pangilinan said in a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday.
(All of us in SB-11, or Solid Bloc 11, want Sen. Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian to become Senate president.)
He described Gatchalian as “principled, capable and fair” in Filipino, adding that the senator could help unite a broader reform-oriented coalition in the Senate.
The endorsement came as Sen. Panfilo Lacson confirmed that another leadership change in the chamber is “in the works,” less than two weeks after Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency.
Lacson also identified Gatchalian as a possible “compromise” candidate acceptable to both majority and minority blocs, as discussions on leadership realignment continue.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian said he is ready to take on the role if given the opportunity.
“In my perspective, I have learned a lot from the Senate… so when ready, I’m really ready,” he said in Filipino in an interview.
