Senator Risa Hontiveros Responds to Accusations
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros firmly addressed former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s recent claims, urging him to stop evading the law. During a Monday press conference, she responded to Roque’s call for her removal from the Senate, which stemmed from allegations of bribery involving a key witness. The senator emphasized the need for accountability and challenged Roque to face the Senate directly.
Roque accused Hontiveros of bribing a witness to testify against prominent figures, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. These serious allegations followed a viral video featuring Michael Maurilio, also known as Rene, who claimed he received ₱1 million from Hontiveros to speak against the Dutertes and Quiboloy.
Senator Risa Hontiveros Rejects False Claims
Hontiveros dismissed the accusations, saying, “The filing of an ethics complaint is open to everyone. But I think Harry Roque is talking too much.” She then directly addressed Roque, advising him, “What I’m gonna tell him is to come here first, face the Senate, and then, I’ll be willing to face him anywhere. But for now, I’ll advise him to stop being a fugitive.”
Roque’s status as a fugitive arose after he left the Philippines following an arrest order from the House of Representatives. He was cited for contempt and detained for not submitting documents explaining a sudden increase in his wealth. Later, a court in Angeles City, Pampanga, issued an arrest warrant against him for human trafficking related to illegal operations of a Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Porac town.
Roque’s Asylum Attempt and Ongoing Political Drama
After months of evading authorities, Roque appeared publicly, revealing that he sought asylum in The Hague, Netherlands. However, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that his asylum request was denied. Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros is moving forward with countermeasures against the allegations.
On Wednesday, she plans to file a formal complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation against Michael Maurilio and others involved in spreading falsehoods. Hontiveros strongly warned those behind the accusations: “You don’t scare us. But you should be scared of the truth because no one — no one — gets to endanger our witnesses, my staff or harass the Senate with impunity.”
She added, “We will not let this slide. We will fight back. They cannot stop the truth.” These statements highlight her resolve to protect her integrity and the Senate’s dignity amid the ongoing political conflict.
For more news and updates on Senator Risa Hontiveros, visit Filipinokami.com.