Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed openness to joining the so-called “veterans bloc” in the Senate—composed of former Senate President Tito Sotto, Senators Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, and Migz Zubiri.
In a recent interview with DZBB, Hontiveros confirmed that she is considering the possibility of aligning with the group pushing for Sotto’s return as Senate President, replacing current Senate President Chiz Escudero.
This comes after her allies, Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, confirmed they will join the majority bloc to secure the chairmanships of the Education and Agriculture Committees—key positions they advocated for during the 2025 midterm elections.
“I have to be open to all possibilities na consistent doon sa gusto kong pagpapalakas ng oposisyon para sa 2028 and beyond,” Hontiveros said.
She added that she considers herself a “veteran” lawmaker, citing her combined 15 years of experience in the legislature—nine as senator and six as representative of the Akbayan Partylist.
The veterans bloc is positioning itself as a major force in the 20th Congress, eyeing a leadership shake-up that could significantly alter the chamber’s power dynamics ahead of the 2028 national elections.