MANILA - Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano stands by the resolution that calls for the dismissal of an ethics complaint against his colleague, Sen. Manny Villar.

In an interview on ANC's News@8 on Tuesday, Cayetano said there was obviously no case against Villar.

"The accusation was simple - the road was diverted, there's double insertion, and there was overprice.  If you look at all the witnesses, all called by (Sen. Jamby) Madrigal, the BIR said there was no overprice; the DPWH said there were 2 roads, not 1 road; Enrile said there was no double insertion," Cayetano said.

He also expressed hope that the matter will now be put to rest.

"All the hearings were open to the public. No lawyer will say there is a case. Madrigal and (Sen. Panfilo) Lacson keep insisting that their assertion was correct when all witnesses don't agree with them," Cayetano added.

He suspects though that the charges were linked to the 2010 elections.

Villar is the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party.

"We are entering presidential elections and we have very good candidates.  It's fair that the Senate doesn't make itself into a political tool."

Madrigal, on the other hand, refuses to back down.

In a statement, Madrigal said her fight against corruption is non-negotiable, and that her complaint against Villar is based on principles.

She also took potshots at Villar and some of her colleagues.

She congratulated Villar "for his fantastic lobbying in turning someone like Sen. (Loren) Legarda who was rabidly against him into his girl Friday."

Madrigal added: "Manny talks and money talks louder.  I will not subscribe to political prostitution when the country's interest is at stake.  Public service is not a numbers game."

As of posting time, Villar's camp had yet to issue a formal reaction.