Cayetano Urges Filipinos to Hold on to Faith Amid Life’s Storms

TAGUIG CITY — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano urged Filipinos to remain steadfast in their faith as the country faces persistent rains, flooding and other economic and social challenges.

Speaking during the 44th anniversary of the Mandaport Apostolic Pentecostals (MAP) Church on August 30, Cayetano said storms and difficulties are inevitable, but people with a strong foundation in faith can endure them.

“Kung may bagyo o wala sa ating buhay, dadating at dadating ‘yan kahit saan tayo mapunta,” Cayetano said, stressing that those deeply rooted in their faith will not easily be shaken by adversity.

He noted that the “storms” confronting Filipinos extend beyond severe weather and flooding to include unemployment, low wages, rising prices of basic goods and high fuel costs.

Cayetano also encouraged Christians to live out their faith by becoming “ambassadors of Christ” in their communities. Drawing from his experience as former Foreign Affairs secretary, he said an ambassador represents not himself but the country or kingdom he serves.

He added that faith also requires recognizing the dignity of others despite disagreements. Cayetano said this principle influences his approach to public issues, including corruption, emphasizing that the problem itself—not necessarily the person—should be the focus.

“Halimbawa tingin ko y’ung isang tao, corrupt — hindi siya yung kalaban ko, y’ung corruption ang kalaban ko,” he said.

Cayetano concluded by encouraging Filipinos to remain rooted in their faith regardless of the hardships they encounter, saying a strong spiritual foundation can provide strength and hope through difficult times.