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Senator Risa Hontiveros with the graduates of Cebu Technological University (CTU) on June 19, 2026. Hontiveros served as commencement speaker for the CTU graduating Class of 2026 in Cebu City. (Courtesy: Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros)
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday dismissed allegations of a cover-up regarding the Senate probe into the flood control scandal, asserting that the investigation initiated by the majority bloc remained on track.
Speaking at a media interview at Southwestern University PHINMA, Hontiveros defended the integrity of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee under the leadership of its current chairperson, Senator Erwin Tulfo.
“I don’t know what cover-up Senator Alan is talking about. When the Blue Ribbon Committee under Chair Erwin met the other week, we actually found out that the 18 ex-bodyguards were also there in the Senate building, just upstairs in the office of Senator Robin. And Chair Erwin repeatedly invited them to come down to the Blue Ribbon Committee meeting, but they did not grant the request,” Hontiveros said.
She pointed out that the full-blown investigation into the flood control scandal actually began through a privilege speech by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who also led numerous hearings on the issue as the panel’s previous chairman.
“In the continuation of the Blue Ribbon hearings, Chair Erwin also said that they will be invited again. And by that time, they will be obligated to appear and honor the invitation so that the Blue Ribbon Committee will no longer need to issue a subpoena and, after a show-cause order, have them arrested,” she said.
Addressing student concerns about political cynicism following recent swift realignments in the Senate, Hontiveros emphasized that institutions are put back in order by building and expanding solidarity.
She explained how a core group of four senators stayed together through two recent transitions, eventually working to build a 13-member new majority that declared leadership seats vacant and elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as the new Senate President.
“I think a lesson there… is to solidify the core groups that have common values and a common agenda in terms of an institution. And then keep reaching out to those colleagues in the other bloc… those are the principles that allowed us to arrive at this moment where we are able to go back to work again,” said Hontiveros.
“And as you saw… in a single day, we already accomplished so much. We passed or advanced bills, elected leadership so the institution is no longer headless, and elected committee members so that we can get the committee system of the Senate working again, and we were able to confirm armed forces and diplomatic corps appointees and nominees,” she continued.
During that special session, the Senate passed the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers on second reading, marking a second attempt for the measure after its previous version was retracted by the House of Representatives.
The chamber also nearly approved the bicameral version of a new Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations law, which faced delays because House counterparts had not yet signed the document.
It further saw the passage of two citizenship bills, two agricultural bills, and resolutions supporting relief efforts and commending first responders in earthquake-hit areas of Mindanao.
Hontiveros announced that upcoming legislative priorities included moving forward with the Anti-Hospital Detention Bill, the amended Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Bill, and the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.
“Of course, in just a few months we will work again for a more transparent and accountable budget, beginning from the important reforms in the budget process that we started last year… Yesterday the pre-trial for the impeachment trial was already held, and according to the schedule, the trial proper will begin on July 6,” she said.
The lawmaker assured the public that the Senate will act as impartial judges during the upcoming impeachment trial, basing their final votes strictly on the evidence and witnesses presented by both sides.
As the head of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, Hontiveros shared that she is pushing for maternity benefits for women in the informal sector to expand upon existing maternity laws.
She has also authored the Protections for Online Workers and Economic Reform Act to secure the rights of online entrepreneurs and gig economy workers.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros also said she is seriously considering and preparing for a potential presidential run in 2028, stressing the need for the opposition to unite behind a single strong contender by early next year based on survey indicators.
“I think it is really necessary that we, from our ranks, provide the strongest, best, most attractive, and hopeful offer to our fellow countrymen and fellow voters. I’m looking forward to that moment at the end of this year or… the first quarter of next year, when we will unite within our ranks around whoever we can merge as the strongest contender. There can be only one so we have a fighting chance,” she said.
— Joel E. Zurbano & Maricel V. Cruz
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Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
