The Hypocrisy of Alan Peter Cayetano: When Due Process Becomes a Selective Shield

On November 7, 2025, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano issued a statement that should make every thinking Filipino pause and reflect. Addressing the rumored International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against his ally Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, Cayetano declared with righteous fervor: "The Court has drawn the line clearly: extradition, and all acts of justice, must be rooted in law and due process, not in bias or emotion."

He continued: "No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection."

Beautiful words. Principled words. Words that would ring with moral clarity—if only they weren't dripping with hypocrisy.

The Metamorphosis of a Former Anti-Corruption Crusader

To understand the depth of Cayetano's duplicity, we must journey back to a time when he wore a different mask. From 2014 to 2015, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was one of the most visible faces investigating Vice President Jejomar Binay's alleged corruption in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings. He was brilliant, incisive, and unrelenting in his pursuit of accountability.

"Hablang panakot ang depensa ng kurakot" (Charges to scare is the defense of the corrupt), Cayetano famously declared when Binay filed a ₱200 million damage suit against him and his fellow investigators. He insisted that based on testimonies and documents, Binay "stole from the people of Makati" and should answer the evidence instead of "hiding and bullying his accusers."

This was Cayetano the crusader—data-driven, principled, and uncompromising in his fight against corruption. When he ran as Rodrigo Duterte's vice-presidential candidate in 2016, their tandem was marketed as having "clear anti-corruption, anti-crime platforms."

But something happened between 2016 and today. Alan Peter Cayetano underwent what one columnist aptly called a "metamorphosis"—from an anti-corruption crusader into an "ardent supporter of the most brutal president" the country has known.

The Drug War Defense: Where Was Due Process Then?

Let's talk about due process, Senator Cayetano's favorite phrase these days.

When Cayetano served as Foreign Affairs Secretary under Duterte from 2017 to 2018, he stood before the United Nations General Assembly and defended the drug war that killed thousands of Filipinos—many of whom never saw the inside of a courtroom. He declared that the campaign "was never an instrument to violate human rights" and was meant to "save lives, preserve families, protect communities."

In May 2017, during the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Cayetano dismissed reports of extrajudicial killings as "alternative facts" and "fake news." He used a restrictive definition of EJKs that experts noted was not applied nationally by watchdogs or the state human rights body.

When confronted by Al Jazeera about whether all those killed in police anti-drug operations were criminals, Cayetano answered without hesitation: "Yes." This was a demonstrable lie. Both law enforcement and media reports documented numerous instances where individuals with no drug involvement were killed.

Where was due process for the thousands who died in the streets? Where was the presumption of innocence? Where was the right to confront witnesses, to have legal assistance, to be heard in court?

Former Senator Leila de Lima, who spent nearly seven years in jail on charges widely seen as political persecution, put it bluntly: "Alan Peter is the last person who should tell human rights defenders what to do regarding Duterte's arrest. He has no right to lecture those of us who stood up and fought for Filipinos under his and Duterte's regime."

She's right. Cayetano was among those who "enabled, encouraged, and goaded the deadly criminal enterprise." He defended Duterte's drug war "tooth and nail" at international forums, claiming it protected human rights while dismissing evidence of systematic abuses.

The ICC Double Standard: Defending Duterte, Defending Bato

The hypocrisy becomes even more glaring when we examine Cayetano's stance on the ICC itself.

In March 2025, when former President Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague, Cayetano suddenly discovered his passion for due process. He questioned whether Duterte was given enough time to defend himself, complained that Duterte couldn't confront his witnesses, and argued that the ICC process lacked fairness.

"Can you imagine if they issue a warrant tapos bigla na lang you don't have a remedy of going to court?" Cayetano asked, painting a picture of injustice.

But Senator de Lima reminded him—and the public—that Republic Act No. 9851 gives the Philippine government the option to surrender individuals to the ICC without judicial approval. The Supreme Court ruled in March 2021 that the Philippines remained bound by the Rome Statute until March 17, 2019, covering the period of the alleged crimes.

Cayetano's response? He filed a resolution urging the government to negotiate with the ICC for Duterte's house arrest at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague. Not for accountability. Not for justice. But for comfort while awaiting trial.

Now, with the rumored ICC warrant against Senator Dela Rosa—Duterte's former police chief and the architect of the drug war—Cayetano is at it again. Due process. Rule of law. Fairness. All noble concepts that he apparently believes apply only to his political allies.

The Blasphemy of Invoking God While Defending Mass Murder

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Cayetano's hypocrisy is his weaponization of faith.

During a Senate hearing in March 2025 called to investigate alleged legal violations in Duterte's arrest, Cayetano declared himself an "Ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ," implying that his words came directly from God. He suggested that defending Duterte—a leader who openly admitted to ordering killings—was in line with Christ's teachings.

One commentary captured the blasphemy perfectly: "If Cayetano were truly an ambassador of Christ, he would be standing for truth, justice, and the protection of the innocent, not aligning himself with power to justify lawlessness. Instead, he twists faith into a political weapon to shield a leader who has trampled on human rights."

This is not Christian leadership. This is political opportunism disguised as faith. The Gospel teaches love, compassion, and justice—not murder, impunity, and deception.

The Pattern of Broken Promises and Power Grabs

Cayetano's selective morality extends beyond human rights issues. His entire political career is littered with broken promises and power grabs that reveal a man more interested in political survival than principle.

The ₱10,000 Ayuda That Never Was

During the 2022 election campaign, Cayetano heavily promoted the "10K Ayuda Bill," promising every Filipino family ₱10,000 in direct cash assistance. He launched the "Sampung Libong Pag-asa" program to showcase how this would help families.

Two years later? The bill remains a proposal, gathering dust. When critics demanded he fulfill his promise, Cayetano clarified it was merely a "legislative proposal" that needed action from the Senate, House, and Malacañang.

Translation: It was a campaign gimmick. Pure and simple.

The Speakership Betrayal

In 2019, President Duterte brokered a term-sharing agreement between Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco: Cayetano would serve as House Speaker for 15 months (until October 2020), then Velasco would take over until 2022.

When October 2020 arrived, Cayetano reneged. He suspended House sessions until November 16, effectively preventing the turnover. When pressured, he staged a theatrical resignation via Facebook Live—while his allies continued voting to keep him in power.

It took a special session called by Duterte himself and a vote by 186 lawmakers to finally unseat Cayetano. Even then, he called Velasco's election "fake" and "illegal" before finally conceding.

This is the man now preaching about fairness and honoring agreements.

The SEA Games Cauldron Controversy

As chair of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee in 2019, Cayetano oversaw the construction of a ₱50 million cauldron that critics labeled "overpriced" and a sign of "decadence and grandeur amidst grave human rights crisis."

Cayetano defended it as privately funded and cheaper than previous cauldrons. President Duterte declared there could be "no corruption" because a National Artist designed it.

But the controversy, combined with logistical disasters and budget anomalies, led to widespread criticism and sponsor withdrawals. Cayetano blamed "crab mentality" for the backlash.

The Snap Election Stunt: Sacrifice Without Skin in the Game

In October 2025, Cayetano proposed something truly audacious: a snap election for all national officials—President, Vice President, senators, and congressmen—with no incumbents allowed to run.

"I'm willing to be the first to step down," he declared boldly.

But there was a catch. He would only resign "as long as I have an assurance that you will follow suit." In other words, he wants guarantees before sacrificing anything—making it a safe gambit that costs him nothing since it's constitutionally impossible.

His own brother, former Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, couldn't stomach the hypocrisy. Lino asked the obvious question: "Why don't you be the first to vacate your post?"

One analysis nailed it: "By centering the conversation on snap elections, Cayetano pulls focus from the slow, unglamorous work of institutional reform. Corruption here is not about a few 'bad apples.' It is systemic—fueled by weak institutions, impunity and a culture of patronage over public service."

The proposal was never about reform. It was about creating political theater while diverting attention from actual corruption scandals demanding answers.

The Nancy Binay Insult: When the Mask Slipped

In July 2024, during a Senate committee hearing on the new Senate building, Cayetano's true character was on full display.

When Senator Nancy Binay questioned his figures on the project cost, Cayetano lost his composure. He called her "buang" (crazy), reminded her that her name is "Lourdes, not Marites" (implying she's a gossip), and accused her of disrupting the hearing.

Binay filed an ethics complaint, citing violations of Senate rules, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, the Civil Code, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Code of Professional Responsibility.

This is the same man who chairs the Senate Committee on Accounts. The same man who once investigated corruption with meticulous professionalism. Now reduced to name-calling and gender-based insults when challenged.

The Brother's Rebuke: When Family Can't Defend the Indefensible

In September 2025, Cayetano posted on social media: "As a people, I'm not pointing fingers. We're all guilty from vote buying to cheating, stealing and lying. What matters is repentance."

His brother Lino fired back with a statement that cut to the core of Cayetano's hypocrisy: "I do not agree with what my older brother said, and for me, this was a statement from a 'traditional politician.'"

Lino continued: "Hindi likas ang magnakaw, bumili ng boto, magsinungaling, at hindi din solusyon at absolusyon ang pag 'repent' lamang" (Stealing, vote-buying, and lying are not natural, and repentance alone is not the solution or absolution).

He insisted that after confession, there must be reform—and that the "old guards" should resign. In other words, Lino called out his brother for normalizing corruption and offering cheap grace without accountability.

When your own family can't defend you, perhaps it's time for self-reflection.

The Moral Uprightness Bill: The Ultimate Irony

Here's where Cayetano's hypocrisy reaches peak irony: Throughout multiple Congresses, he has filed bills advocating for "moral uprightness," "values formation," and "etiquette training" in schools and government offices.

His Senate Bill No. 101, the "Filipino Identity in Values Act," proposes teaching patriotism, civic responsibility, human rights, and moral decision-making. It seeks to create a Commission on Filipino Values and requires government offices to have Values Officers.

The man who defended extrajudicial killings wants to teach moral values.

The man who broke his speakership agreement wants to institutionalize integrity.

The man who called a female colleague "buang" and "Marites" wants etiquette training in government.

The man who now preaches due process for his allies but denied it to drug war victims wants to teach about human rights.

You couldn't write more perfect satire if you tried.

Coffee Talk: What This Means for Philippine Democracy

As I sip my morning coffee and reflect on this pattern of hypocrisy, I'm struck by what it reveals about the state of Philippine politics.

Alan Peter Cayetano is not an anomaly. He is a symptom of a political system where principles are disposable, where alliances trump values, and where the powerful receive due process while the poor receive bullets.

He represents a breed of politician who speaks eloquently about faith, values, and justice—but only when it serves their political interests. Who invoke the Constitution and rule of law—but only for their allies. Who discover human rights—but only when their patrons face accountability.

The danger is not just Cayetano himself. It's that millions of Filipinos might mistake his performance for principle. That they might hear his talk of due process and miss the years he spent denying it to others. That they might see his religious rhetoric and overlook his defense of mass murder.

The Questions We Must Ask

When Cayetano demands due process for Bato dela Rosa, we must ask:

Where was due process for Kian delos Santos, the 17-year-old student killed by police who planted a gun on his body?

Where was due process for the thousands of poor Filipinos killed in anti-drug operations that Cayetano defended as protecting human rights?

Where was due process when Cayetano stood at the UN and declared—falsely—that all drug war victims were criminals?

Where was the presumption of innocence that Cayetano now demands for his allies?

When Cayetano preaches about faith and morality, we must ask:

What kind of Christian defends a leader who boasted about killing drug suspects?

What kind of moral leader files bills on values while enabling mass murder?

What kind of ethics does it take to call yourself "Ambassador of Christ" while shielding those who trample human dignity?

When Cayetano speaks about corruption and integrity, we must ask:

Why did the anti-corruption crusader become a Duterte enabler?

Why does the man who investigated Binay's alleged theft now defend those credibly accused of crimes against humanity?

Why does the legislator who files moral uprightness bills break speakership agreements and hurl gendered insults at colleagues?

The Real Due Process Test

Here's the truth that Cayetano and his allies don't want to face: Due process is meaningless if it's only applied selectively.

Real due process means defending the rights of everyone—not just the powerful, not just your allies, not just those who can afford lawyers and political connections.

Real due process means the 17-year-old student gets the same protections as the former police chief.

Real due process means the poor drug suspect has the same right to confront witnesses as the former president.

Real due process means you defend the principle even when it's inconvenient, even when it's unpopular, even when it means standing against your political patrons.

By that standard, Alan Peter Cayetano has failed spectacularly.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Cayetano case study offers important lessons for Philippine democracy:

First, beware of politicians who weaponize principles. When someone invokes due process, rule of law, or human rights, ask: Do they apply these principles consistently, or only when convenient?

Second, track the metamorphosis. When politicians undergo dramatic transformations—from reformers to enablers, from critics to defenders—follow the power. The principles may change, but the pursuit of political advantage rarely does.

Third, demand accountability for hypocrisy. Politicians count on short public memory. They count on Filipinos forgetting their past statements, their broken promises, their abandoned principles. We must not let them.

Fourth, separate performance from principle. Cayetano is eloquent, Bible-quoting, and skilled at moral rhetoric. But eloquence without consistency is manipulation. Faith without justice is blasphemy. Morality without accountability is hypocrisy.

Final Thoughts Over Coffee

As I finish this morning's brew, I'm reminded that the fight for justice in the Philippines is not just against individual corrupt politicians. It's against a system that allows—even rewards—this kind of hypocrisy.

Alan Peter Cayetano will likely continue his political career. He'll continue invoking God and country, due process and rule of law. He'll file more bills on moral uprightness while defending the morally bankrupt. He'll preach about values while betraying them.

But we don't have to let him do it unchallenged.

Every time Cayetano speaks about due process, we must remind Filipinos of the drug war victims who received none.

Every time he quotes the Bible, we must point out the blasphemy of using Christ's name to shield killers.

Every time he speaks about corruption, we must remember his transformation from crusader to enabler.

Every time he demands fairness for his allies, we must ask: Where was that fairness for the thousands who died in the streets?

This is not about political vendetta. This is about holding our leaders accountable to the principles they claim to uphold. This is about refusing to let hypocrisy masquerade as righteousness.

The due process Cayetano demands for Bato dela Rosa is the same due process he helped deny to thousands of Filipinos. That's not just hypocrisy—it's a betrayal of everything justice is supposed to mean.

And that's worth getting angry about over our morning coffee.

Remember: True leaders don't change their principles based on who's in power. They change the power structure based on their principles. Alan Peter Cayetano has shown us which path he chose.

Now it's up to us to remember—and to hold him accountable.

SOURCES:

1. thebenchfile.com – Cayetano urges Senate to uphold rule of law
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2. davaotoday.com – The Blasphemy and Hypocrisy of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
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3. abs-cbn.com – Cayetano cries due process, some House reps call for arrest
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11. newsinfo.inquirer.net – Nancy Binay files ethics rap vs Alan Cayetano: ‘I can’t let it pass anymore’
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19. newsinfo.inquirer.net – Nancy Binay: Probe anomalous projects in other cities, too
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