BI confirms Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano out of PH - GMA Network

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday confirmed that Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have left the country.

“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,” it said in a statement.

The BI also said it cannot discuss specific details regarding their travel.

"In compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the Bureau cannot disclose specific details regarding their travel, including their itinerary or other related information," the BI said.

It issued the remark amid reports that the Cayetanos boarded a flight on Wednesday.

GMA News Online has sought their camp’s comment and will publish their response once available.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Cayetano siblings' trip abroad was related to health reasons.

"They are there for health reasons. I wish them well. That's okay, there's no problem," Zubiri said.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also said that if a senators' trip is for personal reasons, they do not need to seek permission.

"Personal trip yun eh, we don’t know kung anong reason. Walang policy na kailangang magpaalam kung personal reason," he said.

"Hindi pa kami nagkakausap eh. The last time kami na nagkita noong may session, nag-usap kami about certain bills," he added.

Alan Cayetano has been linked to the controversy surrounding the construction of the cauldron, or “kaldero,” used during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The National Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the matter, and NBI Director Melvin Matibag said they are close to filing charges.

The Ombudsman is also conducting a fact-finding investigation into documents and other evidence submitted by Sen. Panfilo Lacson concerning Taguig City’s reclamation project in a portion of Laguna Lake.

Sen. Cayetano’s wife, Lani Cayetano, is the incumbent mayor of Taguig.

This is why the senator has often defended the project.

The Ombudsman has yet to issue a statement regarding the Cayetanos’ trip abroad.

In his social media post, Lacson said Cayetano should be allowed to take a break from the issues, which he allegedly has a hand in.

In an interview with the media, Lacson also said Cayetano’s departure from the country is not an issue at this point.

"I really sincerely wish him well. Kung mayroon siyang health problem, hindi naman ganun ka-serious. Huwag lang siyang tutuloy sa France," Lacson said.

"Hindi pa naman siya tinatawag eh ng Ombudsman. Wala pa namang summons," he added.

Lacson said this is different from the situation of Sen. Loren Legarda, who is also being investigated in connection with a plunder case.

The senator traveled abroad after filing for medical leave, which runs until September 16.

According to some senators, she has a serious medical condition and is currently undergoing treatment.

"Ginagawa niya ito every week. I would assume depende sa kanyang treatment at depende sa kanyang condition," Gatchalian said.

In her case, hindi niya kinukuha yung kanyang suweldo. Dapat may dahilan kung bakit hindi mo kinukuha ang suweldo mo," he added.—VAL, GMA News