Senator Risa Hontiveros says she will not align with a Senate bloc composed of allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte, even if they take on the minority label in the 20th Congress.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Hontiveros said her backup plan is to form an “independent bloc” with fellow opposition figures and senators-elect Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.
“I have no plans of joining a Duterte bloc,” Hontiveros stated. “If they get the minority tag, we still have the option to create an independent group that will continue to conduct checks and balances, both within and outside the Senate — and provide true opposition, to both Duterte and President Marcos.”
She noted that forming a bloc in the Senate ultimately comes down to numbers.
As of now, Hontiveros said there’s been no discussion with her or her allies regarding the Senate presidency: “No talks, no texts. But even if the minority isn’t consulted, we still speak up.”
On the Impeachment Trial:
Hontiveros vowed to remain neutral in the potential impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, despite their past disagreements over confidential funds.
“Neutrality is key. I will judge solely based on the evidence,” she said. When asked about Sara Duterte’s comment about wanting a “bloodbath” during the trial, Hontiveros simply said, “That word is not part of my impeachment vocabulary.”
On PrimeWater Investigation:
Hontiveros also plans to push for a Senate probe into water service issues involving PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. when sessions resume in June.
She clarified that the probe will cover all water concessionaires, not just PrimeWater — which is owned by the Villar family, with two members currently in Congress and a third, Camille Villar, set to join in the next session.
“It would be more awkward if the Senate didn’t act at all,” Hontiveros said.