Re-elected Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano took his oath of office before thousands of students and hundreds of local officials of Central Visayas last Monday morning, June 24, 2013 at the University of the Visayas Main Campus on Colon Street, Cebu City.
With his wife Taguig City Mayor Laarni as Bible bearer, Cayetano was sworn in by UV President and former Cebu’s 1st District Representative Eduardo Gullas.
“It is my honor and pride to take my oath before a person with a decade of statesmanship and public service with a heart”, said Cayetano referring to Gullas.
Gullas is a member of the Nacionalista Party which allied with the Liberal Party under Team Pnoy during the May midterm elections.
“We must be committed to our work, we must empower the people and look out for their betterment and we must unite even if we are from opposing parties”, Cayetano said during his speech.
Cayetano will introduce a “CEBU” brand of standard for newly elected officials – Commitment, Empowerment, Betterment and Unity.
Cayetano ran under the platform focused to end problems related to PTK (Presyo, Trabaho, Kita).
Cayetano has topped the senatorial race and ranked as number one with 975, 000 votes in Cebu.
He garnered 245, 000 votes in Cebu City alone and 79, 000 votes in Mandaue City. He also led the senatorial race in the cities of Danao, Toledo and Naga, all in Cebu.
“Thank you for all your trust and confidence for Alan. Maraming salamat, Cebu!,” said Cayetano’s wife, Laarni, who is re-elected as Taguig Mayor.
In welcome remarks of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, he emphasized the good deeds made by Cayetano especially in helping the indigent patients at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and the Cebu City Medical Center.
“He has the compassion towards the poor. We can assure you that we will continue to be in partnership in making things happen. We have to set aside politics and put general welfare to make this country great,” said Rama.
Cayetano said he was inspired by Rama’s spirit to bring the government to the people and possibly do the same thing.
In his press conference held after his oath-taking, Cayetano has recognized the need to bring the Senate to the people, and will propose a bill that Senate session will be held not just Manila but also in Visayas and Mindanao.
“During election time, kami ang lalapit sa mga tao para iboto kami. So dapat na yung nanalo, sila naman ang lalapit sa taong-bayan,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano has also planned to extend his connection in all Local Government Units (LGU’s) in Visayas and Mindanao to support its local programs in education and employment.
Cayetano also added that the Senate should think on how they can connect with the Cebuanos and all the countrymen by strengthening local programs.
Cayetano described his rank as number one senator in Cebu as an opportunity to continue his promises and give back what are for Cebuanos and all the people of the Philippines.
