TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW
Cayetano on drop in Senate ratings: "I fought for the people and not the position. So no matter what it costs me, that's what matters."

Senator Alan Cayetano (ASC): Ang hinahanap ng tao ay dalawa lang naman: patas na hustisya at tsaka accountability at transparency. Nung nakita nila na ang Senado ay nagtago kung paano nililquidate ang aming pondo na hanggang ng ngayon ay di nilalabas ni Sen. Enrile kung paano nililiquidate ito, natural na mawawalan ng tiwala. That's why we have to earn the trust back.

REPORTER: But even you dropped.

ASC: When the whole institution is hit, everyone naturally within it is hit. Pero kung tiningnan mo ang kay Sen. Enrile, higit sa 20 porsyento ang pagbaba dahil siya ang namumuno sa insitusyon. Dalawa ang tama - siya at ang institusyon.

Ang punto nito ay may reporma ngunit wala pang accountability.

REPORTER: Do you regret revealing this because the Senate is suffering?

ASC: No. I do not regret it even if some trust ratings dipped. People need to know the truth and there needs to be reform. This is the money of the people. Kahit na bumaba ang rating ng ibang senador at mga incumbent, itutuloy ko pa rin ang demand na ilabas nila kung paano niliquidate ang pondong ito at kung paano natin mababago ang sistem na bawat singko ay malalaman ng tao na gagamitin natin sa tama.

REPORTER: What if this costs you your reelection bid?

ASC: It doesn't matter because I fought for the people and not the position. So no matter what it costs me, that's what matters. Ang importante sa tuwid na daan ay lahat masama, hindi pwedeng pwera ang Senado.

"We wore white out of respect for the coalition."

REPORTER: Bakit white ngayon at hindi red?

ASC: Red talaga ang kulay ko pero dahil sa koalisyon, nagsuot ako ng puti ngayon.

REPORTER: But the rest are wearing yellow.

ASC: Yes but they're in the Liberal Party.

REPORTER: So is this the decision of the Nacionalista Party?

ASC: Naguusap pa kung ano ang koalisyon name and colors.

REPORTER: But your partymates are also wearing white.

ASC: Yes, out of respect. Instead of us wearing our colors, we chose a neutral color.

REPORTER: Why not yellow?

ASC: It's a coalition. It's not good that just because you're in a coalition, you all wear just one color. It's more of a joining of parties.