Alan Peter apologizes for heated exchange

MANILA, Philippines —  Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has apologized for his behavior during the Senate’s review of the New Senate Building, which was marred by a heated exchange between him and Sen. Nancy Binay.

During the resumption of the hearing to review the P23-billion price tag of the Senate’s new building on Wednesday, Cayetano addressed the Department of Public Works and Highways officials and apologized for his outburst during the previous hearing.

However, he did not directly address his apology to Binay, who filed an ethics complaint for his calling her crazy and a rumormonger.

“I would like to apologize to those watching. Arguments happen when emotions run high,” Cayetano said.

The senator said he and Binay only argued about the costs, with him standing by his P23-billion estimate and Binay correcting it as P21.7 billion.

But Cayetano said the argument does not matter anymore, especially after finding out from the DPWH that the building would actually cost between P25 billion to P27 billion, including land cost and if adjusted to inflation.

“There is no sense in arguing because the total project cost would exceed P23 billion,” Cayetano said, adding that his political bickering with Binay should not distract the Senate from seeking to bring down the cost of the new building.

“We just all have to remind ourselves: eyes on the ball,” Cayetano said.

Binay earlier said she would be willing to talk to Cayetano for mediation.