Manila: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros expressed her willingness to lead the minority in the 20th Congress, emphasizing that any Senate reorganization depends on numbers and individual choices.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros mentioned during the Kapihan sa Senado forum that the aspiration of any minority member in an outgoing Congress is to gain additional allied senators. She noted that the group with the next largest number after the majority could claim the minority role, and she is prepared to form an independent bloc if necessary.

Hontiveros ruled out joining the majority, highlighting her consistent stance over the past nine years. Despite collaborating with majority senators on key initiatives, she sees her role as providing an alternative center for opposition and independent voices within the Senate.

When questioned about Senators-elect Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan's preferences, Hontiveros expressed her hope for collaboration in the minority or an independent bloc, while respecting their independent decision-making processes.

Hontiveros clarified that there were no concrete agreements during the campaign for post-election alignment, only a shared camaraderie among senators.