By CESAR JOLITO III
The campaign to declare Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano persona non grata in parts of Negros Occidental gained momentum yesterday after San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo expressed openness to supporting the proposal, provided there are sufficient legal grounds for the move.
Gustilo’s statement came after Negros Occidental 1st District Representative Julio Ledesma IV called on local government units across the district to formally declare Cayetano unwelcome, blaming the Senate leader for the ongoing political deadlock that has disrupted proceedings in the upper chamber.
The mayor said he would first seek legal guidance before taking a position.
“I will first consult with our legal team regarding the statement of Congressman Ledesma,” Gustilo said.
“But I give assurance: If there is indeed a valid and justifiable basis, we will fully support Congressman Jules in this move,” the mayor added.
Ledesma earlier launched a sharp criticism of Cayetano, accusing him of prioritizing political maneuvering over public service and contributing to repeated legislative disruptions.
The congressman vowed to push for persona non grata declarations in all local government units within the province’s first district.
The lawmaker described Cayetano as a “disgrace” to the Senate and argued that public officials who undermine government functions should be held accountable.
Gustilo echoed concerns over the Senate impasse, emphasizing that lawmakers should not allow political conflicts to prevent the chamber from carrying out its constitutional duties.
“Senators should not block or prevent sessions from happening. There are so many urgent measures, national concerns and important issues waiting to be decided,” the mayor said.
He also offered his view on the underlying cause of the ongoing dispute, suggesting that tensions surrounding the proposed impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte may be fueling the conflict.
“The root and cause of their fight, I think, is really about whether or not to proceed with the impeachment of the vice president. That is where everything is coming from,” Gustilo said.
The Senate has been mired in a leadership crisis in recent days, resulting in session disruptions and delays in legislative business.
The standoff has raised concerns over the chamber’s ability to act on pending bills, national issues and other priority measures.
A persona non grata declaration is a resolution passed by a local council expressing strong official disapproval of an individual and declaring that person unwelcome within the locality.
While symbolic and without legal effect, it is widely regarded as one of the strongest political rebukes that local governments can issue.
As of yesterday, Cayetano had yet to publicly respond to the calls for persona non grata declarations being pushed by Ledesma and supported in principle by Gustilo./CCJ, WDJ