Alan Peter Cayetano is an incumbent lawmaker in the House of Representatives who has served in both chambers of Congress for over two decades.
As House speaker from 2019 to 2020, he principally authored pandemic response laws Bayanihan 1 and 2 and led the passage of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, among others. Throughout his career as a legislator, Cayetano has also advocated for and filed bills on education, sports and the environment.
In 2016, he launched a failed bid for the vice-presidency as Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s running-mate. He was then appointed by President Duterte as foreign affairs secretary but resigned in 2018 to vie for a seat in the House of Representatives alongside his wife Lani Cayetano.
Cayetano and his wife won the seats of Taguig-Pateros and Taguig’s 2nd district, respectively. He also served as House speaker until 2020 when he was ousted from the post after refusing to abide by a term-sharing agreement with Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco, derailing the passage of the 2021 budget in the process.
From 2018 to 2019, he concurrently served as chairman of the Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee, and his tenure was marked in large part by controversy, logistical errors and allegations of corruption. Although the ombudsman opened a probe on the matter in 2019, it has yet to charge any of the organizers.
It was under Cayetano’s leadership and with his instrumental participation that the House voted to junk the application of ABS-CBN Corporation for a fresh 25-year franchise to remain on the air.
Cayetano, who has four relatives holding elected positions in government, defended the move by claiming that the junking of the company’s franchise was about “reclaiming patrimony from oligarchs” — utilizing the same language used by President Duterte who claimed that his allies in Congress acted independently — and had nothing to do with suppressing press freedom. The shutdown, while marketed as a move against the powerful and wealthy, cost thousands of media workers their jobs and millions of Filipinos access to news amid the pandemic.
If elected senator, Cayetano vows to focus on healthcare and the post-pandemic economy, particularly for Filipino families and small families whom he described as being “in need of a lifeline.” He is campaigning on a platform of what he says is a “faith-based, values-oriented, [and] inclusive” leadership that “heals, builds communities, and transcends regionalism.”
Cayetano is not part of any Senate slate for 2022 but has been endorsed by his longtime ally President Duterte.
“I know mas kilala niyo si Alan, the fiscalizer. Kilala niyo si Alan na ‘pag mali, mali, ‘pag tama, tama. Hindi magbabago ‘yun. Ang magbabago lang is that I will try to be the peacemaker and bring the presidentiables together.”
ALAN PETER SCHRAMM CAYETANO – PROFILE
Full Name: Alan Peter “Compañero” Schramm Cayetano
Birthday: October 28, 1970 (Age 54)
Birthplace: Mandaluyong City
Residence: Taguig, Metro Manila
Religion: Christian
Parents:
- Rene Cayetano (1934-2003), father, former senator
- Sandra Schramm-Cayetano, mother
Siblings:
- Pia Cayetano, current senator
- Rene Carl Cayetano
- Lino Cayetano
Spouse: Lani Lopez-Cayetano, Taguig Representative
Children: Gabriel Cayetano
Profession/Occupation: Lawyer/Public Servant
EDUCATION
- Juris Doctor, Ateneo School of Law, 1997
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of the Philippines, 1993
- High School Dela Salle – Zobel
- Elementary Dela Salle – Zobel
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Taguig-Pateros Representative, House of Representatives, 2019-present
- Speaker, House of Representatives, 2019-2020
- Chairman, Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee Foundation, 2018-2020
- Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs, 2016-2019
- Majority Floor Leader, Senate of the Philippines, 2013-2016
- Minority Floor Leader, Senate of the Philippines, 2010-2013
- Senator, Senate of the Philippines, 2007-2016
- Taguig-Pateros Representative, House of Representatives, 2001-2007
- Member, Judicial Bar Council, 2001-2003
- Taguig-Pateros Representative, House of Representatives, 1998-2001
- Vice Mayor, Taguig City, 1995-1998
BIOGRAPHY
Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano was only 13 years old when he was first exposed to public service. His father, the late Senator Renato “Compañero” Cayetano, was then elected Assemblyman representing Taguig, Pateros and Muntinlupa.
Having been raised under the tutelage of his father, a lawyer and a devoted public servant, he took interest in political science and enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman where he eventually ran and won as a university councilor in the student council. Then inspired by his father’s preeminent standing as a lawyer, student Alan decided to pursue a degree in Law at the Ateneo de Manila University where he graduated as Silver Medallist and with a Second Honourable Mention. He was later admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1998.
It was the late Senator Rene’s values, principles, and dedication to public service that further inspired the young Alan to follow in his father’s footsteps. Having had the privilege of seeing his father consulting, meeting, and working with people from all walks of life, it was not difficult for him to decide on a lifetime advocacy and career in public service.
Batang Compañero
At age 22, Alan began his own journey as a public servant even while he was still in law school. He made history in Philippine politics as the youngest (and number one councilor) in that generation in the then Municipality (now City) of Taguig.
Three years later, he was elected Vice Mayor of Taguig, but his official proclamation took place only 10 days before his three-year term of office was due to end. It was then when public servant Alan realized that his political detractors would spare nothing to stop him in his advocacy for good governance. (His 2007 campaign for the senate was subjected to a similar attempt at depriving him of a political mandate.)
His frustrating and short-lived tenure as vice mayor in 1998 made him decide to seek a mandate to represent the people of Taguig as a Congressman for the Lone Congressional District of Taguig and Pateros. He won handily.
It did not take long for the country to notice Congressman Alan Peter Cayetano standing up in the halls of Congress debating with his elders. He was the “Batang Companero” in the opposition. He impressed his peers with his eloquence as a speaker and with his strong advocacy against graft and corruption in government.
Anti-corruption advocate
As the spokesman of the Impeachment Team that sought to hold President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo liable for stealing, lying and cheating, Congressman Alan began articulating the need for accountability and transparency in both local and national government.
As a freshman in the Senate in 2007, his known commitment and uncompromising stance towards graft and corruption made him an easy choice to chair two major Senate Committees – the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers (more popularly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee) and the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture. It was under his stewardship of the Blue Ribbon Committee when the graft-ridden NBN-ZTE deal was first investigated which led to the scrapping of the multi-million dollar project. He also steered the continuation of the Fertilizer Scam investigation and the Cash-giving Scandal in Malacañang Palace.
Proponent of People Empowerment
Senator Alan believes that to effectively fight corruption and strive for good governance, Filipinos must be empowered. To help realize this advocacy, he, as chairman of the Committee on Education, initiated the efforts to make educational loans and scholarships more responsive and easily accessible to deserving students even as he was steadfast in seeking more funding for basic and tertiary education, and for better compensation for public school teachers.
Under his stewardship, R.A. 9500, or the University of the Philippines Charter Act of 2008, was passed barely nine months after he assumed post.
Senator Alan again pursued his advocacy to empower Filipinos. In 2009, as chairman of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, he launched a campaign to make the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act become a law. He is convinced that once enacted into law, the measure shall provide the people improved access to information on matters of public concern in line with the mandate of the 1987 Constitution.
He moved closer towards succeeding in his quest for increased transparency and accountability in the government as this landmark legislation was approved on its 3rd reading and passed in the Senate during the 14th Congress.
Catalyst for a New Paradigm of Transparency and Accountability in Government In the 15th Congress (2010-2013), Senator Alan assumed the position of the Senate Minority Leader. In his present position of political leadership, Senator Cayetano has committed himself to lead a responsible opposition, as a catalyst and fiscalizer, in the halls of Senate.
The Minority Floor Leader continues his thrust towards transparency, accountability and good governance as shown in his filing of and determined push for the passage of the FOI bill, his active participation in the investigations pushing for the resolution of the poll fraud cases of 2004 and 2007, as well as his articulate and insightful manifestations that clarified points and ferreted out crucial admissions and information during the impeachment proceedings of then Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The Senate, through Adopted Resolutions No. 46 and 94, commended Senator Cayetano for his efforts as Minority Leader in championing the cause of orphaned, abandoned children and vulnerable workers, and for his astute inputs in the deliberations of crucial legislation and resolutions, in the First and Second Sessions of the 15th Congress.
Young Achiever
Senator Alan has always been among the youngest, if not the youngest, in his political sphere:
- At 22, Alan was the Youngest Councilor of the country during his time
- At 24, Alan was the Youngest Vice-Mayor of the Municipality (now City) of Taguig
- At 27, Alan was the Youngest Representative in the 11th Congress
- At 36, Alan was the Youngest “Working” Senator in the 14th Congress
- At 37, Alan has been the youngest Chair of the high profile Senate Blue Ribbon Committee
- At 39, Alan has been one of the youngest contenders for the Senate Presidency
- At 39, Alan is the youngest Minority Leader in the history of the Philippine Senate
- At 39, Alan was recognized for his exemplary work in government and public service when he was awarded as one of the “Top Outstanding Young Men” in 2010.
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS:
AS SENATOR:
Author
- RA 10122: Act strengthening the Literacy Coordinating Council
- RA 9994: Expanded Senior Citizens Act
- RA 10088: Anti-Camcording Act
- RA 9521: National Book Development Trust Fund Act
- RA 9500: The University of the Philippines Charter
Co-author
- RA 10070: Amendments to Magna Carta for Disabled Persons
- RA 10152: Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act
- RA 10361: Domestic Workers Act
AS CONGRESSMAN:
Author
- RA 9474: Lending Company Regulation Act
- RA 11476: GMRC and Value Education Act
- RA 11466: Salary Standardization Law
- RA 11524: Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act
- RA 11470: The National Academy of Sports
- RA 11469: Bayanihan to Heal as One Act
- RA 11494: Bayanihan to Recover As One Act
- RA 11464: Act extending the availability of the 2019 appropriations to December 31, 2020 and amending the General Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2019
Co-author
- RA 9189: Overseas Absentee Voting Act
- RA 9160: Anti-Money Laundering Act
- RA 9208: Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act
- RA 9227: Act granting additional compensation in the form of special allowances for justices, judges and all other positions in the judiciary with the equivalent rank of justices of the Court of Appeals and judges of the Regional Trial Court
- RA 9256: Act declaring August 21 of every year as Ninoy Aquino Day a special non-working holiday
- RA 9127: Act granting the Ubc Media, Inc. (Love Radio Network) a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines
- RA 8759: Act institutionalizing a national facilitation service network through the establishment of a public employment service office in every province, key city and other strategic areas throughout the country
