Enrile chief of staff says sorry but hits back

MANILA, Philippines – Gigi Reyes, the controversial Chief of Staff of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, says she’s being called the 25th senator, a stab at her allegedly huge influence.

She denies this and says Enrile is no fool.

She reiterates her resignation as she apologizes to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

Ayee Macaraig reports. 

JUAN PONCE ENRILE

SENATE PRESIDENT

Ayaw na niya eh dahil kung anu-ano ang sinasabi nila that there is an illicit relation involved. Mahirap naman yun eh. Babae yun.

There’s no convincing Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s controversial chief of staff.

Despite Enrile’s wishes, lawyer Jessica “Gigi” Reyes insists on resigning.

In a statement Friday, she brands as “malicious” and “horrible” speculation of an affair with her boss. 

But that’s not the only reason she’s stepping down.

Reyes reveals she disagrees with how Enrile handles the controversy over his decision not give 4 critics additional Senate funds.

Reyes says Enrile should resign as Senate President for good, with many allies and even the Senate Secretary refusing to defend him.

She also apologizes for calling Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano a hypocrite but says his statements about her influence are total lies.

Cayetano doubts her sincerity.

ALAN PETER CAYETANO

SENATE MINORITY LEADER

I haven’t read it may nagsabi lang apology pero may pitik pa rin. Sa akin, wala naman yun but I didn’t link her romantically to him.

The minority leader also questions Enrile’s apology Wednesday, as the Senate President goes on digging up his late father’s supposed debt a day later in a campaign sortie in Laguna.

Cayetano says his family just tries to take it in stride.

ALAN PETER CAYETANO

SENATE MINORITY LEADER

Biruan lang namin sa pamilya na wala nga kaming utang na loob pero may utang kaming kahoy. Sa susunod daw, pati daw yero, pati semento, pati hollow blocks, icheck na namin saan galing.

Cayetano will file a resolution for an audit of Senate funds Monday.

He says this will finally put the issue to rest.

But Enrile drags the issue farther. 

Enrile and allies in the opposition United Nationalist Alliance accuse Cayetano of making noise for his reelection bid.

On the campaign trail, Enrile gets even more personal.

JUAN PONCE ENRILE

SENATE PRESIDENT

Ako ang pinakamatanda dito. 89 años, gurang na gurang na. Mahina na ang tuhod pero pinagbibintangan pa rin nila na merong mga iniibig. Kaya nga okay lang pinagbibintangan ng mga kasama ko sa Senado sapagkat ‘di nila siguro kaya gumawa ng bata.

Enrile says he brings the issue before the people.

He may not be running but he tells voters that his son, senatorial bet Jack Enrile, will be his political heir.

 “Let the people judge.”

Enrile brings his war against his critics from the Senate to the campaign trail.

With Cayetano seeking reelection in May and Enrile’s own son running, the rivalry may culminate in the ballot.

Ayee Macaraig, Rappler, Laguna. – Rappler.com