MANILA, Philippines — Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have left the Philippines amid renewed investigations and allegations involving the powerful political family, prompting fresh questions over the timing of their departure.
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed on September 10 that the senator siblings were already out of the country. However, immigration authorities stressed that there was no legal order preventing either Alan Peter or Pia Cayetano from travelling abroad at the time of their departure.
The agency also declined to reveal their destination or travel details, citing privacy laws.
No Hold Departure Order Against the Cayetano Siblings
According to the Bureau of Immigration, its records showed that neither senator had a hold departure order or derogatory record that would have legally stopped them from leaving the Philippines.
The confirmation came after reports that the siblings left the country on September 9.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also pointed out that senators are not required to seek permission before travelling abroad for personal reasons.
The immigration bureau stressed that the Cayetanos’ departure, by itself, did not violate any travel restriction.
Alan Peter Cayetano Faces Renewed SEA Games Investigation
The timing of Alan Peter Cayetano’s departure has drawn particular attention because the National Bureau of Investigation has relaunched its probe into alleged funding anomalies connected to the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Cayetano served as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, which was responsible for organising the country’s hosting of the regional sporting event.
The NBI has said it uncovered evidence suggesting that the controversial cauldron at New Clark City may have been paid for twice.
According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the project was reportedly paid P55 million, despite an assessment that its cost should have been around P30 million.
Investigators are reviewing additional evidence before deciding whether appropriate cases should be filed.
Taguig ‘Ghost Projects’ Allegations Add to Pressure
Alan Peter Cayetano is also facing scrutiny over allegations involving billions of pesos in budget insertions under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Senator Panfilo Lacson has separately raised allegations involving supposed “ghost” flood control projects in Taguig, the Cayetanos’ longtime political stronghold.
Lacson submitted documentary and testimonial evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman in July concerning alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects in the city.
Cayetano has strongly denied the accusations.
Lacson, however, said Cayetano’s overseas trip was not currently an issue and should not automatically be treated as evidence of wrongdoing.
Where Did They Go?
The Bureau of Immigration has refused to disclose the Cayetanos’ itinerary, citing the Data Privacy Act.
Reports and sightings placed Alan Peter Cayetano at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before his departure, while some reports suggested possible travel to Singapore.
However, immigration authorities have not publicly confirmed the siblings’ destination.
What is officially confirmed is that both Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano are currently outside the Philippines — and that neither was legally barred from leaving when they departed.
The Bottom Line
Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have left the Philippines as renewed scrutiny surrounds allegations involving the 2019 SEA Games, budget insertions and alleged infrastructure irregularities in Taguig.
But the Bureau of Immigration has made one thing clear: there was no hold departure order or other legal restriction preventing the senator siblings from travelling abroad.
Alan Peter Cayetano has denied the allegations against him, while investigators continue reviewing evidence related to the separate probes.
For now, the Cayetanos’ departure remains legal — but with investigations continuing back home, the biggest question is not simply why they left, but what the ongoing probes could uncover next.
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