MANILA, Philippines – Senator Pia Cayetano said she wants her family to be judged on based on their work and accomplishments, after President Rodrigo Duterte teased the senator’s brother, Speaker Alan Peter, on when the family’s political dynasty would end.

“Kailan kaya matapos ang dynasty niyo?” Duterte said in jest at the launching ceremony for mobile app “911 TESDA” in Taguig City, the Cayetano family’s stronghold.

READ: Duterte to Cayetanos: ‘Kailan kaya matapos ang dynasty niyo?’

Asked about Duterte’s comment, Sen. Cayetano said it she did not take offense since it was meant to be a joke.

“First of all, biro nga ‘yun, ‘diba? So biro ‘yun, so if you ask me, biro,” Cayetano told reporters.

“But on that note, that is also something that I’m always willing to talk about. Kasi when you talk about dynasty, I always ask, let’s talk about governance. And I think with all due humility, the President’s high regard for our family, for my brother, is evident in no less than his being his endorsed Speaker,” the senator added.

“So, we’re so proud… I call on everyone to judge the new Speaker on the work that he will do. I’m so excited to be back in the Senate. I’m so excited for the work that I have to do as the new chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means and Chair also of the Committee on Sustainable Development,” Cayetano said.

“So, we want to be judged on the work that we do. That’s an open book, and we want to really do the kind of job that will make the Filipinos proud that they elected us. Let’s make it clear, we were elected,” the senator added.

Cayetano returned to the Senate when she placed fourth in the 2019 senatorial elections.

Her brother, Alan Peter, who serves as Taguig City-Pateros representative, was recently elected as the new House Speaker following Duterte’s endorsement.

Cayetano’s brother Lino, meanwhile, serves as Taguig City mayor while Alan Peter’s wife Lani, was elected Taguig City representative. /gsg

READ: Taguig voters still go for Cayetanos

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