FOR AN OPPOSITION supposedly decimated in the last 2022 general elections, it sure is hard to argue that the country is currently devoid of any strong and credible voice to counter the lingering effects of the disastrous Duterte administration and the excesses of the Marcos Jr. administration whenever Sen. Risa Hontiveros is in the spotlight.
As the other half of the two-man Minority Bloc in the Senate, Hontiveros is also serving as the Deputy Minority Floor Leader, assisting the term-limited Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III in serving as a foil to the “supermajority” led by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
“So, in my view, Hontiveros isn’t just a politician; she’s a force of nature.”
Early on, following her decisive defeat in the 2022 presidential election, then-Vice President Leni Robredo anointed Hontiveros as the new leader of the opposition. To date, the senator remains the highest ranking official not officially aligned with the Marcos Jr. administration.
Her ascent to become the de facto opposition leader is well-deserved. She was the sole genuinely oppositionist candidate to have nabbed a Senate seat in 2022 with a vote total that was higher than that of Robredo’s. Already in her fourth run for the Senate, Hontiveros lost twice previously before finally breaking into the so-called “winning circle” of 12 senators in 2016. The rest, as they say, is history.
In her first term as senator, Hontiveros proved herself as a formidable force for change and reform. From her passionate advocacy for mental health through the Philippine Mental Health Bill to her staunch opposition to the re-imposition of the death penalty, she consistently stood on the side of justice and human rights, especially at a time when these values were under constant attack and unpopular with Filipino voters.
Moreover, her relentless pursuit of accountability was evident in her efforts to hold law enforcement accountable for extrajudicial killings under the bloody drug war waged by the previous administration, as was evident in her role in initiating investigations into the deaths of minors like Kian delos Santos. She also championed legislative measures such as Republic Act No. 10932, strengthening the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, and the Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of 2017, which aimed to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity.
Entering her second term, the senator also took on the responsibility of holding the government accountable and advocating for the rights of marginalized sectors. Her diplomatic efforts, such as her historic visit to Taiwan, where she met personally with President Tsai Ing-wen, amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea, all the more showcased her impassioned commitment to peace and stability in the region.
As a foil to the Marcos Jr. agenda in Congress, she was the lone vote against the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, where she also demonstrated her unwavering dedication to upholding the public interest and sound governance, especially against such a legislation that has been derided by economists from the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE).
Today, Hontiveros’ relentless probe into the alleged misdeeds of once-popular religious leader Apollo Quiboloy is a testament to her courage in confronting entrenched interests, unafraid to challenge the status quo in pursuit of justice.
Yet to me, what truly sets Hontiveros apart from all of those who came before her is her innate ability to resonate with the people. She speaks not as a politician seeking power but as a strong voice of empathy and compassion, championing the rights of women and children, and standing against the abuse of power with an unwavering resolve.
So, in my view, Hontiveros isn’t just a politician; she’s a force of nature. As the vanguard of change, she embodies the essence of empowerment and resilience, inspiring our generation to rise above all adversity and forge a brighter tomorrow for our nation.
Kaya Sen. Risa, go get ‘em!
Email me at thebedan_editorinchief@sanbeda.edu.ph