Senator Teofisto Guingona III (right), chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, listens as subcommittee members Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Aquilino Pimentel III, and Alan Peter Cayetano discuss the measures to be taken after Vice President Jejomar Binay did not show up at the Senate probe on the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II on Thursday, November 6. Binay is in Cebu for several meetings. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Senator Alan Peter Cayetano believes actor Robin Padilla’s criticism of his stance on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is related to politics in Taguig.
Cayetano, who served as representative of the Taguig-Pateros legislative district, said Padilla is a supporter of the Tiñgas, his family’s erstwhile political rival in the booming city.
”Well, may special mention po kasi. Malapit po kasi sila sa Tiñga eh, so every time na may issue, talagang tinutuligsa kami,” Cayetano said.
”Ilang beses namin winelcome si Robin sa Taguig. Ilang beses siyang minessage, nung nag-salita siya nung election nung 2010 at 2013 para sa mga Tiñga ay inimbitahan sila ng Muslim sa Taguig para ipakita ang development sa kanila.”
The Maharlika Village, located in Taguig, is a Muslim community. The city is currently headed by the senator’s wife, Lani Cayetano, who defeated Rica Tiñga in the 2013 elections.
Cayetano lamented that some people, including Padilla, have bought the propaganda that he is anti-Muslim given his stance on the BBL and his mistrust of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
”Magkape kami ni Robin, walang problema. Ang problema, tinanggap na kasi niya ang propaganda na ako ay anti-Muslim,” the senator said.
“Kapag ikaw ay anti-MILF, hindi ibig sabihin ikaw ay anti-Muslim.”
Padilla earlier criticized some lawmakers, singling out Cayetano, for their stance on the BBL. The actor encouraged lawmakers to carefully study the history of the Bangsamoros before giving their respective opinions.
Cayetano has become one of the most vocal critics of the BBL following the Mamsapano clash last January 25 which saw 44 elite police commandos killed by MILF fighters and other lawless elements.
The clash threatens to derail the passage of the BBL due to doubts over the sincerity of the MILF in the peace process.
Discussions on the BBL have stalled, with Cayetano and Senator JV Ejercito withdrawing their support for the BBL.
Cayetano has also accused the MILF of strengthening its forces despite the ongoing peace talks with the government. (MNS)