Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday rejected calls to "relax," insisting the Senate can continue its flood control investigation even as it conducts the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a Facebook Live broadcast, Cayetano rejected Sen. Erwin Tulfo's suggestion that he should "relax" over the flood control inquiry, arguing that the investigation should not be delayed because it involves an issue affecting the entire country.

"Monday to Wednesday lang tayo naghe-hearing... Maraming kuwarto po ang Senado," he said, disputing claims that the impeachment proceedings prevent Senate committees from holding investigations.

Cayetano also alleged that the flood control probe had been undermined through actions targeting members of the Senate minority, citing the replacement of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta as chair of the inquiry, legal complaints filed against him, the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and what he described as efforts to prevent Senate hearings from proceeding.

He said he took over the inquiry after Marcoleta's removal.

"My point is, I have to step in," Cayetano said, arguing that the Senate should independently investigate the alleged anomalies instead of leaving the matter solely to executive agencies.

Addressing criticism over his participation in the impeachment proceedings, Cayetano said senators have a constitutional duty to decide cases based on their conscience.

"Whether you like my performance or not sa impeachment, 21 kami nandun. Lahat kami ay kailangan manindigan base sa aming konsensya," he said.

Cayetano argued that while the impeachment proceedings have drawn significant public attention, alleged irregularities in flood control spending deserve equal, if not greater, scrutiny because of the amount of public funds involved.

"Ang pinag-uusapan po naman sa flood control, trillion po ang ninakaw... Hindi ba importante?" he said, referring to his allegations of corruption in infrastructure projects.

He also questioned the timing of recently announced government cash assistance programs, claiming the funds could have been released earlier and alleging that the government had prioritized political issues over economic concerns.

Cayetano maintained that the Senate can simultaneously conduct the impeachment trial, continue the flood control investigation and pursue reforms if there is sufficient political will.