Alan Cayetano: Conciliation meeting with Nancy Binay 'good idea' but NSB review to proceed

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday described the planned conciliation process between him and Senator Nancy Binay as a "good idea", but he won't be distracted in reviewing the New Senate Building's cost.

"It’s a good idea na magka-conciliation, but in this case kasi this is all about the Senate Building, the delays, and the costs,” Cayetano said in an interview.

"For as long as 'wag lang maapektuhan 'yung resulta nung review...ibig sabihin, secondary 'yung relationship namin. Secondary 'yung, if I can use the word ‘tampuhan’. As I said, I’m not perfect I apologize to the public... I will not be distracted by Senator Nancy or the Ethics Committee..." he added.

On Wednesday, the Senate ethics and privileges committee approved an amendment to its rule where a reconciliation process will be held before conducting the hearings on a filed complaint.

According to Senator Francis Tolentino, the panel's chairperson, a closed-door conciliation meeting will be held once the new rule takes effect.

This reconciliation process between Binay and Cayetano was earlier suggested by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Binay has filed an ethics complaint against Cayetano over his "unparliamentary conduct" during an inquiry into the cost of the New Senate Building (NSB).

During the said hearing, Cayetano called Binay "marites," a popular slang term among Filipinos for a rumor-monger; told her "Nabuang ka na, 'day (You've gone crazy);" and accused her of disturbing the Senate hearing.

Cayetano launched the inquiry into the New Senate Building after Escudero ordered a review of the cost of its construction, noting that funding has already reached P23 billion.

Binay, who walked out of the Senate committee on accounts hearing on July 3, said that the construction cost has reached P21 billion, not P23 billion as claimed by Cayetano. —RF, GMA Integrated News