Opposition Stands Firm Amid Senate Majority Bloc Talks
MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros remains steadfast with zero sense of betrayal despite reports that her allies, Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, might join the Senate majority bloc. This development has sparked discussions about the future alignment of key opposition figures.
Hontiveros emphasized that she respects whatever decision her colleagues choose, focusing on continuously strengthening the opposition. “For me, I just keep my eye on the ball, which is to continuously strengthen the opposition, not just inside but also outside the Senate. And I will continue to apply myself to that task,” she shared in an interview with local media.
Senators To Finalize Bloc Affiliations on Session Opening
The senator clarified that no final decisions have been reached regarding where senators will stand. “All of these will be finalized on the morning of July 28, the opening of session. That’s when every one of us senators will decide and cast our vote about which bloc in the Senate we will be joining. Some would join the majority, others would form the minority. There’s still a third option I had thought about early on, that if I don’t join the majority or minority, I would be an independent senator,” she explained.
Hontiveros acknowledged that each senator is responsible for their own choice and that she cannot speak on behalf of her colleagues, even those close to her. “It’s best to ask them eventually what their decision will be and what needs to be done. I look forward to working with them in any and all capacity in our common advocacies inside the Senate,” she added.
Veterans Bloc Signals Minority Formation
Earlier, a group known as the veterans bloc, consisting of Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Ping Lacson, Loren Legarda, and Lito Lapid, indicated their intention to form the minority if their Senate president candidate fails to secure a majority in the 20th Congress.
When asked about her plans to join this bloc, Hontiveros said she remains open to all options. “The most important to me, whichever bloc I’ll be, is to be consistent with my primary political task being a legislator in my last three years in the Senate, to benefit the opposition and give it a fighting chance in 2028,” she remarked.
Commitment to Opposition’s Future Remains Unshaken
Hontiveros campaigned for her allies, Aquino and Pangilinan, during the 2025 midterm elections. She had previously expressed her hope to work with them within the minority bloc if they succeed in their senatorial bids. Despite the fluid situation, she is determined to focus on her legislative work and support the opposition’s growth.
For more news and updates on Senate majority bloc decisions, visit Filipinokami.com.