The Akbayan Party-list has come to the defense of Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros after she found herself in the middle of controversy over alleged insertions in the 2025 national budget.
In a Facebook post on Monday, October 6, Akbayan reaffirmed its support for Hontiveros, highlighting her long-standing advocacy for equality, accountability, and good governance.
“Alam ng taumbayan na si Senator Risa ang ka-akbay nila sa laban para sa pagkakapantay-pantay, pananagutan, at mabuting pamamamahala. Siya ang nakabisto kay Alice Guo, ang lumaban sa Pastillas Scam, at nangunang nagpasara sa mga POGO at Scam Hubs sa Pilipinas,” Akbayan said.
The party-list emphasized Hontiveros’ integrity and commitment to clean governance.
“Malinaw ang paninidigan ni Senator Risa at ng Akbayan—isang lipunang malaya sa mga kurap at political dynasties. Malinaw ang track record ni Senator Risa at ng Akbayan—walang bahid ng korapsyon,” it added.
The statement came after broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna released what he claimed were “receipts” showing that Hontiveros had also made insertions or amendments in the national budget based on the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Hontiveros, however, denied any wrongdoing, stressing that all her proposed amendments went through proper legislative procedures and were duly approved by the Senate.
The Liberal Party (LP) earlier expressed its support for the senator, echoing that her actions were in line with transparency and due process.