MANILA — Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have left the Philippines without any legal impediment to their departure, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed Thursday, amid scrutiny and investigations involving the influential political family.
The BI said neither senator was covered by a hold departure order or any derogatory record that could have prevented them from traveling abroad when they left the country.
“Based on BI records, there were no hold departure orders or derogatory records against the two senators, as of departure date, that would legally prevent them from leaving the country,” the agency said.
The bureau, however, declined to disclose where the senators traveled or other details of their trip, citing privacy laws.
“In compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the Bureau cannot disclose specific details regarding their travel, including their itinerary or other related information,” the BI said.
Reports of the Cayetanos’ departure surfaced after photos circulated online Wednesday night showing Alan Peter at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where he was reportedly preparing to board a Singapore Airlines flight.
Senate Minority Leader Panfilo Lacson played down Cayetano’s departure, saying the overseas trip should not be considered an issue.
“This is not an issue as of the moment. Let’s make him (them) take a break from the stress caused by issues that he himself created,” Lacson posted on X.
“For all we know, (Cayetano) and his wife’s trip has something to do with reproductive health, which Singapore is known for. If it is simply health related, I sincerely wish him well despite our animosities,” he added.
The departure comes as Alan Peter faces possible scrutiny over the National Bureau of Investigation’s inquiry into alleged irregularities surrounding the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Cayetano led preparations for the regional sporting event as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee.
His departure also followed a series of public exchanges with Lacson over corruption-related issues.
Separately, the Office of the Ombudsman has been investigating alleged systemic irregularities involving flood control projects in Taguig, where members of the Cayetano family wield considerable political influence.
Despite the ongoing investigations and reports of possible charges, the BI stressed that no legal restriction was in place to prevent Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano from leaving the Philippines at the time of their departure./PN
