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Thursday, June 26, 2003
Senate denies coup plot with Cayetano's death
By Annica Marin
AS the Senate prepares the necrological service for Senator Renato Cayetano who died of abdominal cancer Tuesday afternoon, both the majority and minority blocs refused to talk about the alleged coup attempts replacing the present leadership.
On Wednesday, several senators led by Senate Majority Floor Leader Loren Legarda started discussing the tribute to be given to Cayetano scheduled Friday afternoon.
Two hours after the planned necrological service, the remains of the senator would be brought to Pateros, his hometown, where he will finally be laid to rest on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Senate President Franklin Drilon and other senators from the opposition denied reports that a senate coup might take place following the reduction in the number of senators from the majority group. Based on records, there are now 12 senators from the majority bloc while the minority has 10.
According to Drilon, the death of Cayetano would not affect the Senate because the majority still has the number and the said majority still supports the present leadership.
What is expected to happen, Drilon said, is a re-assignment of committees since Cayetano has left behind two committees, the Committees on Education and Energy.
"Wala pa ring epekto dahil sa 12 pa rin ang mayorya. Magkakaroon lang ng re-assignment. Pag-uusapan po namin sa mayorya kung sino ang hahawak nitong dalawang komite," Drilon said in an interview.
In addition, Senate Majority Floor Leader Loren Legarda said this is not the right time to talk about the alleged senate coup because the whole senate has lost a good lawmaker and the senators would be missing a dear friend.
"I was shocked upon learning that he passed away. Siguro, hindi naman karapat-dapat na pag-usapan ang kudeta na yan. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, if we even talk about the numbers in the Senate, it is not appropriate at all," Legarda said.
Even the minority bloc denied reports that the coup attempt will be coming from their camp. In an interview, Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto deplored reports that the minority is agitating for reorganization in the chamber.
"While we are on opposite political camps, and from different political affiliations, with the late Senator Cayetano, it cannot be denied that his legal and public service to the people was worthy of emulation. We appeal to all to give the Senate a break and cease efforts to further smear the minority especially since no one in the opposition has ever raised the issue at this time," Sotto added.
Senators Robert Barbers, Robert Jaworski, Ralph Recto, Manny Villar and Tessie Aquino Oreta extend their sincere condolences to the family of the late senator. They said the senator's death is a big loss to the senate and the country.
His colleagues also expressed their highest regard for the senator's extensive and comprehensive knowledge of law and for carrying out his job sincerely as policymaker and legislator.
Cayetano's staff
In a related issue, the employees assigned to the office of Senator Cayetano are not only mourning the loss of their boss, but are also saddened by the fact that their job would be affected.
Cayetano's office in the Senate will officially close its operations, leaving the 25 employees with no job in the meantime.
Atty. Raul Luna, the senator's chief of staff, said they are waiting for the instructions of Drilon on whether they would be absorbed by other offices or they have to look for other jobs outside the senate.
Based on past experience, particularly what happened to the staff of the late Senate President Marcelo Fernan, Luna said they are worried all of them will not be absorbed by other offices.
"We don't know yet what will really happen to us. Everything is hanging," he said in an interview.
Cayetano's staff Wednesday recalled the good things the senator had done for them, like giving them birthday presents, P1,000 for a birthday blowout, bonuses and a very idealistic working environment. He was described by the staff as strict but sweet, amiable and one who could easily crack a joke.
(June 26, 2003 issue)
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