After weeks of speculation, Senator Risa Hontiveros has officially confirmed her decision to join the new “minority” bloc in the Senate.
This comes after her initial plan to form an “independent” bloc with allies Senator Bam Aquino and Senator Kiko Pangilinan did not materialize.
Both Aquino and Pangilinan have opted to join the “majority” bloc instead — a strategic move to secure their desired committee chairmanships.
Aquino is eyeing the Senate Committee on Education, while Pangilinan is aiming for the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
The new “minority” bloc will be led by Senator Tito Sotto, who previously served as Senate President for four years.
Other members of the bloc include Senator Ping Lacson, Senator Loren Legarda, and Senator Migz Zubiri.
In a press briefing on July 28, before the opening of the 20th Congress, Hontiveros publicly announced her decision.
“Hindi na mabubuo yung una kong plano na independent bloc, ako po’y magiging bahagi ng minority,” Hontiveros said.
The senator admitted she was initially reluctant to join the minority when reports surfaced that the so-called “Duterte bloc” — composed of Senators Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, and siblings Camille and Mark Villar — might occupy the minority seats. However, she became open to the idea upon learning that Sotto’s group was expected to take the position.
Hontiveros clarified that despite joining the minority bloc under Sotto, she will remain “independent” and issue-based in her legislative stance.
“Totoo na may pagkakaiba kami ni Sen. Sotto sa ilang mga social bills… At walang problema kung on an issue-to-issue basis, may mga hindi kami pagkakapare-pareho lagi ng posisyon. I have always been and I will remain an independent-minded senator,” she stated.
She added that she is confident her role in the opposition will be strengthened alongside seasoned lawmakers.
“So panatag ang loob ko, mapayapa ako na dito sa pagsapi ko sa minority, magpapatuloy akong magtatrabaho, magpapatuloy akong maninindigan,” Hontiveros said.