MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has urged the Office of the Ombudsman to proactively conduct lifestyle checks on public officials, emphasizing the role of such checks as a deterrent to corruption. Cayetano raised the proposal during his line of inquiry to candidates vying to become the next Ombudsman in interviews conducted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) from August 28 to September 2, 2025. Cayetano serves as the Senate’s representative to the JBC in his capacity as Chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. “I’d really like for you to consider lifestyle checks. Kasi kung wala, there’s no deterrent,” Cayetano told one interviewee. He explained that lifestyle checks help verify whether a public official’s actual lifestyle aligns with the declared net worth and asset accumulation in the official’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). “Ngayon sa social media, kapag nakita sa SALN mo na meron kang P5 million, but because all of that were acquired in the 1970s to 80s, and you have a car or watch, they automatically think you’re corrupt. On the other hand, if you say no to lifestyle checks, many will be flaunting their wealth,” he said. Cayetano underscored the need for public servants to live simply and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. He said this in the context of alleged corruption issues in flood control and ghost projects. He also reiterated the importance of selecting a morally upright and proactive Ombudsman to lead the country’s anti-corruption efforts. “Napakahalaga na tama ang mapili nating Ombudsman. Given y’ung nangyayari ngayon sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), given y’ung perennial na nangyayari sa iba’t ibang departamento, having a very proactive but balanced Ombudsman will really change so much,” he said. Cayetano emphasized that the choice of the next Ombudsman is crucial in restoring public trust in government institutions. “I think who the next Ombudsman is will determine whether people will totally lose confidence in any government official,” he said.  

MANILA, Philippines — Speak out against wrongdoing, even when no one listens, because we must never begin to tolerate what should never be accepted. This was the core message of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in the September 1, 2025 episode of his daily vlog, ‘CIA 365 with Kuya Alan,’ in which he reflected on corruption and inefficiencies in government, particularly highlighting longstanding issues within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Emphasizing that everyone has influence regardless of status and wealth, the senator called on his online community to speak and take action when they witness wrongdoing, even if it feels like no one is listening. “Part of our influence is to be very clear kung ano ang hindi natin ito-tolerate. Sobra ang tolerance ng Pilipino kaya kahit y’ung bawal, nagiging OK lang,” the senator during the Monday night livestream. “Tapos nagiging sugapa o garapal na. Kailangan meron mga bagay na hindi natin umpisahan man lang na ito-tolerate,” he added. Earlier in the Senate, Cayetano flagged the DPWH’s recurring issues with double appropriations, ghost projects and corruption — failings that he said contribute to flooding and lack of sustainable infrastructure solutions. In the livestream, the senator reiterated his longstanding concerns. “Today sa hearing ng Blue Ribbon sa DPWH at tsaka sa flooding, pinakita ko na taon-taon may double appropriation. Sinasabi nila na pagkakamali lang sa pagkakasulat. But every year, tumataas imbes na bumababa. Tatlong taon na pong walang nakikinig sa atin,” he said. Cayetano urged his viewers to do their part, without expecting credit, and reminded them that even small actions can contribute to larger change. “Whatever you’ve been saying at walang pumapansin, tapos kapag nangyari, no need to say ‘I told you so’. No need for the credit. What’s important is you did your part. Why? Kasi God sees you. Other people might not see you, but God sees you,” he said.