Senator Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized that lasting reform in the Philippines hinges on self-governance, not merely on the discipline imposed by those in power. Speaking during his early morning “CIA 365” livestream on September 6, Cayetano reflected on recent corruption scandals and urged Filipinos to embrace internal accountability.

“Corruption will only end when every Filipino chooses to do what is right—even without being policed or pressured,” Cayetano said, drawing a clear distinction between externally enforced discipline and self-governance rooted in personal conviction.

Cayetano cited the ghost flood control projects within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a glaring example of systemic breakdown. He explained that such schemes require the complicity of multiple actors, revealing a deeper failure of self-governance across the bureaucracy.

“Napakaraming tao ang kailangang involved para magawa y’an. So it’s a failure of self-governance ng bawat isa,” he said.

He warned against relying solely on the integrity of current leaders, noting that reform must be institutional and cultural—not conditional.

“Hindi pwedeng ngayon na si Sec. Vince [Dizon] ay no corruption, pero kapag iba na ulit ang secretary, ayan na naman,” Cayetano added. “Bago natin tingnan y’ung pag-asa sa sistema o sa galing ng leader, dapat magsimula sa sarili natin.”

The senator urged viewers from all generations to reflect on their values and practice honesty and accountability as a way of life. He stressed that only through generational transformation can the Philippines achieve genuine development.

“Any nation na meron pong self-governance, sila po ay may tunay na pagbabago at tunay na development,” Cayetano said.

He concluded his livestream with a prayer and a rallying cry for vigilance and persistence in demanding accountability from public officials.

“‘Wag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Tutok, tutok, tutok. At ‘pag sinabi nating ‘wag nating pakawalan, ‘wag nating pakawalan,” he said.

Later that day, Cayetano met with national budget expert and former Bohol Mayor JR Rañola to review the DPWH’s proposed 2026 budget. The discussion focused on identifying questionable allocations and ensuring that funds are directed toward legitimate and impactful projects.

“May mga nakita na kami—from flood control to maintenance projects—kung ano ang dapat may pondo at mga dapat na tanggalan,” Cayetano shared in a follow-up livestream. “Makakatulong po ito sa DBM at kay Sec. Vince kasi they’re redoing the budget.”

He expressed hope that those responsible for ghost projects would be removed from their positions to prevent further manipulation of public funds.