The Cayetano Canonization

Some netizens have said that May 11, 2026, is the day of infamy.

They sought to emphasize the historic nature of the events that transpired, implicitly urging the Filipino people never to forget the historic grab of power and to memorialize its date.

The term "day of infamy" has become widely used by the media to refer to any moment of supreme disgrace or evil.

Some say May 11 is a one-day festival of political decay: The Holy Coup d'Etat, the Senate Sleepover, the Senate Stairway Sprint, and the Senate Sanctuary ... all contributing to make this day unforgettable and noteworthy.

We can even celebrate it next year and make it a red-letter day... all it takes is just one enterprising senator to make it an official holiday.

May 11, as I recall, the weather is hot, but the political maneuvering is absolutely scorching.

In a single 24-hour cycle, our legislative system has transformed into a cross between a Vatican prayer meeting, a high-stakes heist movie, and a slapstick comedy routine.

If you ever wondered what a "political crisis" looks like when it puts on a Barong Tagalog and grabs a Bible, yesterday was your front-row seat.

1. The Cayetano "Canonization"
The day began with a classic Senate switcheroo. Out goes Tito Sotto, and in comes Alan Peter Cayetano, a man who can pivot from political strategy to a Sunday sermon faster than you can say "Confidential Funds."

-The Tactic: Cayetano spent the afternoon quoting Scripture with such intensity you’d think the Senate was being renovated into a cathedral. He invoked the name of the Almighty so often that the heavens probably started checking for a "Cease and Desist" order.

-The Satire: It’s a bold move to use the Bible as a shield for Sara Duterte. Usually, "thou shalt not steal" is a pretty big part of the book, but Alan Peter seems to have a "Special Vice Presidential Edition" where that chapter is labeled "Confidential."

No matter how many prayers he offers, the Filipino people have developed a high tolerance for budol (scams).

You can’t wash away a 53-0 House vote with holy water and a smile. Or the plenary vote of 257 by incensing it with Holy Smoke or a wave of the hand.

2. The "Bato" Brand of Cardio
Next up was the guest of honor, Senator Bato dela Rosa, who hasn't been seen in the Senate for six months but suddenly reappeared with the agility of a track star.

-The Circus: We witnessed the "Tokhang Architect" playing a high-stakes game of Tagu-Taguan (Hide and Seek) with the NBI and Sonny Trillanes.

Watching Bato sprint through the halls was a masterpiece of "Bureaucratic Athletics."

He isn't running for the people; he’s running from the International Criminal Court.

-The Irony: He is the man who told the world, "If you have nothing to hide, don't run," is currently treating the Senate stairs like a treadmill at a CrossFit gym.

He needs the numbers to block Sara’s impeachment, and he needs the Senate sanctuary to keep himself from an ICC cell.

It’s a "Buy One, Get One Free" deal on political survival.

3. The "Berdugo" Reunion
While Bato is busy making noise, the names of the "old guard"—the Lito Patays, the Parlades, and the Sinases—are echoing in the halls again.

-The Reality: These aren't public servants; they’re the "Executioner’s Club." The system is currently working overtime to protect the very people who treated the Bill of Rights like a piece of S---.

-The Demand: The people want Due Process, not a Senate Circus. They want justice for the victims of Tokhang, not a Bible-thumping Senate President acting as a human shield for a Davao dynasty.

4. Dynasty vs. Democracy
Yesterday proved that our political system is currently on life support, and the doctors are all crocodiles.

We are stuck in a loop of dynasties, bureaucrats, and "capitalist cronies" who treat the Constitution like a menu they can order from.

-The Plot: The Senate is currently the "Protector of the Dishonest and Immoral," a luxury gated community where you can hide from an arrest warrant as long as you have the right "Besties" in the plenary.

It is kind of eerie and awkward that while the Dirty Dozen give comfort and solace to Bato, the former majority turned minority are sitting quietly behind the ruckus of Bato's booming voice, probably disgusted with the way the new majority showed their brotherly love.

I can almost hear them and the people in the gallery yell: Stop The Show!

The curtains need to close on this performance. The Filipino people didn't pay for tickets to a comedy show; they paid for a government.

Impeach Sara Duterte: Because "Confidential" is not a legal defense.

Jail Bato Dela Rosa: Because a Senate seat is not a "Get Out of Jail Free" card from the ICC.

Stop the Circus: Because the lions are hungry, the clowns are in charge, and the audience is ready to burn the tent down.

When a politician starts quoting the Bible to justify blocking an investigation, it’s time to check your wallet.

And when a General starts running up the stairs to avoid the law, it’s time to realize that the "Renaissance" was actually just a very long, very dark hallway.