Senator Hontiveros Rejects Joining Duterte Bloc in 20th Congress
Senator Risa Hontiveros has made it clear that she has no plans to join the Duterte bloc in the upcoming 20th Congress. The Duterte bloc refers to the group of senators aligned with the Duterte family. This declaration was made during a press conference on Wednesday, May 21.
“Magsama? Well, wala po akong planong sumali sa isang Duterte bloc (Join them? I have no plans of joining a Duterte bloc),” Hontiveros stated firmly.
The senator shared that the Senate might be divided into three blocs in the next Congress: majority, minority, and independent. However, the exact composition of the minority and independent blocs remains uncertain. She explained that the group with the second-largest number of members after the majority will become the minority bloc.
Potential Senate Blocs and Opposition Dynamics
Hontiveros noted that some Duterte allies have indicated their intention to act as the opposition. “Kung sinasabi nila na oposisyon sila [Duterte allies], senyales na naghahanda silang mag-vie para maging minority bloc o minority dito sa senado (If the Duterte allies are saying that they will be the opposition, it’s a sign that they’re already vying to become the minority bloc),” she said.
From the 17th to the 19th Congress, covering the terms of former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Marcos, Hontiveros has been part of the minority or opposition bloc. Yet, with the possibility of a new opposition bloc formed by Duterte allies against President Marcos, she plans to position herself as an independent senator.
Commitment to Checks and Balances Regardless of Bloc
“Kung anuman ang maging final organization dito sa senado, basta ang importante sakin ay may manatili na isang pole, isang poste, isang center of gravity na patuloy na magche-check and balance, na patuloy na mag fiscalize whether ‘yan po ay yung minority sa 20th congress o isang independent bloc (Whatever the final organization in the Senate, what’s important is there will be a pole, a post or a center of gravity that will continue doing checks and balances, that will continue to fiscalize, whether it’s the minority or the independent),” Hontiveros emphasized.
She also expressed willingness to collaborate with senators from other blocs on key issues such as women’s protection and the regulation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). However, she remains firm that political alliances will not influence her stance on certain matters.
Strengthening the Opposition Pole
Regarding political and electoral matters, Hontiveros believes it is crucial to maintain and expand the opposition’s influence. “Sa mga usaping politikal at mga susunod na electoral, tingin ko importante panatilihin at lalong palawakin, lalong palakasin yung pole ng opposition (But in terms of political or electoral talks, it’s better if we widen and strengthen the pole of the opposition),” she said.
Her position reflects a desire to preserve a strong center of accountability in the Senate, regardless of how blocs eventually form.
For more news and updates on Senate bloc developments, visit Filipinokami.com.