Senator Risa Hontiveros Considers Independent Bloc
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros, formerly part of the Senate minority bloc, is now exploring the possibility of forming or joining an independent bloc in the upcoming 20th Congress, which begins this Monday. This shift reflects her strategic approach amid the current Senate dynamics.
Looking at the numbers for majority and minority groups, Hontiveros said it seems more realistic to align with an independent bloc. “Maybe early on, I also thought about it, but I think it’s more realistic to be part of the independent bloc, given the numbers. You yourselves can count us anyway here,” she shared during a Senate press briefing.
Minority Leadership and Senate Dynamics
Initially, Hontiveros had considered running for Senate president, as the runner-up often becomes the minority leader. However, she now believes that senators may decide among themselves who will lead the minority, making her role within an independent bloc more fitting.
“Even if it’s my dream for us to become the minority, I think it’s more realistic — just based on the numbers of the probable majority and possible minority — for me to be part of an independent bloc, or simply to serve as an independent senator,” she explained.
Discussions with Fellow Senators and Future Plans
Hontiveros is currently in talks with returning senators Bam Aquino and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, both of whom she supported in the recent elections. These conversations will help shape the bloc’s future direction.
One thing is clear: Hontiveros will not join the majority as she did during nearly nine years in the Senate. “Consistent with my being a member of the minority, I will either remain in the minority, form an independent bloc, or become an independent. Not just because of the past, but also because of the future,” she said.
Building a Stronger Opposition
Hontiveros emphasized her desire to mirror the stronger opposition she wants to help build outside the Senate. “What I really want is for us—or for me—to reflect here inside the Senate the stronger opposition that I want us to help build outside of it,” she told reporters.
Last month, she also expressed openness to becoming the opposition’s standard-bearer in the 2028 presidential race. “I’m not saying no. I’m open to all possibilities,” she said when asked about joining the presidential race.
For more news and updates on Senate minority bloc, visit Filipinokami.com.