Remulla says Cayetanos ‘probably need a break’

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed belief that the recent overseas trip of the Cayetano siblings, senators Alan Peter and Pia, was nothing more than taking some time off after weeks of stress.

“They probably need a break. I know they have been under stress lately, as what Senator Ping Lacson said, and I would follow the words of Senator Lacson,” Remulla said in a press briefing on Friday.

The “break” that the Ombudsman was referring to was the reported trip of Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano to Singapore last 9 September.

In a statement addressing pictures that circulated online, the Bureau of Immigrations (BI) confirmed that the trio were “currently out of the country” and noted that there were no restrictions on their travel.

“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.

While much has been speculated regarding the trip, Remulla said that their office was not alarmed about the development despite their ongoing investigation into an obstruction of justice complaint filed against Alan.

“I don’t think it will follow the other path that Loren Legarda and her son took,” he said.

Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste has been out of the country since July with both officials reportedly taking a trip to France and Switzerland.

Unlike the Cayetanos, the Office of the Ombudsman has flagged the trip particularly as it has sought Legarda and Leviste’s reply concerning its preliminary probe into the solar power related contracts that were awarded to the latter’s private company.

Officials from the anti-graft body previously stated that it was presumed that the two lawmakers were attempting to seek asylum in France, the same country where former congressman Zaldy Co was reportedly seen.

In defense of Legarda, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said that his colleague had needed to take a medical leave because of a “serious lung illness” that she had been nursing even before the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte began.

Zubiri further stated that Legarda was eager to “come home as soon as possible” after finishing some medical tests.

“You know us Filipinos, let’s give some consideration,” he said, referring to insinuations that Legarda was attempting to evade accountability.

As for the Cayetanos, Remulla said that he was confident that they would return and that they would not leave their respective positions in government.