Senator Risa Hontiveros confirmed that she will join the Senate minority bloc after plans to form an independent group failed.
“When I thought a different bloc of senators would form the minority, I would not join them. But now that another bloc will form the minority and another senator will be the minority leader, I became open to their invitation and decided to join,” she said on Monday.
According to Hontiveros, discussions with Senators Panfilo Lacson, Miguel Zubiri, and Tito Sotto led to her decision to join the minority bloc.
The senator also admitted she has maintained constant communication with Senators Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, though she would not speak on their final alignment.
“I will continue working to strengthen the forces of our people outside the Senate. I am calm and at peace that by joining the minority, I will continue to work and continue to take a stand,” she assured.
Hontiveros vowed to focus on checks and balances and fiscalizing government actions, particularly in upcoming budget deliberations, and expressed confidence that the minority bloc will remain dedicated to oversight, transparency, and upholding the Senate’s traditions.
She also addressed the Supreme Court’s ruling that voided the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The senator voiced concern that the decision may have made the impeachment process more difficult by adding new requirements and altering definitions.
“The Senate Impeachment Trial Court is in session. The trial is ongoing. That is my presumption. I still hold on to what the presiding officer previously announced, that we will again sit as a Court tomorrow,” she said.
Hontiveros noted that motions for reconsideration (MR) and resolutions are still being considered to clarify the implications of the ruling, and that the final course of action will depend on collective discussions within the Senate, including the possibility of filing an MR.
“I hope that issue will be resolved as soon as possible, while, as I understand it, the impeachment trial is still pending,” she concluded.
