'Tama na, Alan': Lino Cayetano offers apology to Aquino family after brother's remarks

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June 25, 2026 | 6:46pm

MANILA, Philippines — People’s Television (PTV) general manager Lino Cayetano publicly called out his brother, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, following a remark directed at Kiko Aquino-Dee that sparked discussion on social media and in political circles.

It will be recalled that Dee's organization, Tindig Pilipinas, filed a complaint against the former Senate president, Sen. Robin Padilla and suspended Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca before the Office of the Ombudsman for obstruction of justice following the escape of fugitive Sen. Bato dela Rosa. 

Kiko, a grandson of former President Corazon Aquino, comes from the family that led the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship. 

Alan responded to Kiko with “Just remember who you are, Kiko. You are an Aquino, you are not Kiko Dee-Marcos. Don’t get instructions from the administration."

In a social media card by Inquirer, Lino commented, “Hay. Tama na, Alan. Apologies to the Aquino family.” 

Lino pointed out that his brother made the remark on June 24, the death anniversary of Aquino-Dee’s uncle, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, as well as that of their father, former Sen. Rene Cayetano.

"Today is not only the death anniversary of PNoy, but also that of our dad. Perhaps this is a good day for prayer, reflection, and quiet remembrance for honoring those we have all lost and recommitting ourselves to serving the Filipino people through our actions," Lino said.

Alan responded that he is just reminding Filipinos to fight against “cheating, stealing, and lying.”

“We honor our parents, loved ones and heroes by acknowledging them, by fighting for what they fought for,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday. “In our own imperfect ways the Aquinos and Cayetanos, the Santos’, De Jesus’, mga Cruz, and tens of millions of Filipinos fought against cheating, stealing, and lying,” Alan wrote on Facebook.

“If you are fighting against these, then we are comrades. If you forgot, I’m simply reminding. If you are scared of the alternative, we are saying ‘huwag matakot’. If you are comfortable, enjoying the perks of power, thus conveniently ignoring the cheating, stealing, and lying, shame on you!” he added.    

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