Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday affirmed that the Senate minority bloc remains steadfast as a 'solid 11' while committing to rebuilding public trust in the upper chamber after what she termed the institution's "lowest point" in recent history. In a press conference, Hontiveros clarified that there is no certainty regarding another leadership change, emphasizing that such a shift would need the backing of a majority of Senate members.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros stated, "Status quo pa rin. Alam nyo naman, di ba, para magkaroon ng leadership change tulad nung nangyari nung two weeks ago, kailangan ng majority number of members of the Senate. So solid pa rin kaming labing isa sa minority (It is still status quo. As you know, for a leadership change like what happened two weeks ago, a majority number of the members of the Senate is needed. So we remain a solid 11 in the minority)." She confirmed that no additional senator has joined their bloc, but stressed that the minority is focused on its legislative and oversight duties, including bills, investigations, and resolutions.
Hontiveros mentioned the importance of anchoring any new majority on common values and interests. She praised Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as a potential Senate President, describing him as a serious legislator committed to the chamber's dignity and reputation. "Kung maging Senate President si Sen. Sherwin, that would be good for the Senate. Magka-batch kami, so isang dekada ko na siyang nakakatrabaho at saka naobserbahan. Napakaseryosong legislator (If Senator Sherwin becomes Senate President, that would be good for the Senate. We belong to the same batch, so I have worked with him and observed him for a decade. He is a very serious legislator)," she said.
Hontiveros emphasized that the Senate's recovery should not rely solely on leadership changes. She pointed out the significance of accountability, transparency, and ongoing legislative duties, especially in light of the May 13 shooting incident within the Senate. "Never, kahit nung martial law dictatorship, kahit nung mga coup attempts, never na nag-bulletproof vest, nag-armas ng long arms, nagkasa at nagpaputok ng arms na iyon sa loob nitong Senado (Never, even during the martial law dictatorship, even during coup attempts, did anyone wear a bulletproof vest, carry long arms, load and fire those weapons inside the Senate)," Hontiveros remarked.
She highlighted the ongoing investigations by the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice, stating that any Senate inquiry should complement these efforts. The investigations should uncover not only who initiated the gunfire but also the reasons and accountability behind the incident.
Furthermore, Hontiveros stressed the need for the Senate to address urgent national issues, such as the Middle East conflict, the oil crisis, and the impeachment trial. "Nasa worst situation na nga kami sa ngayon eh. So there should be no way to go but up. Nowhere to go but up (We are already in the worst situation now. So there should be no way to go but up. Nowhere to go but up)," she asserted.
The minority is dedicated to restoring public confidence in the Senate, with Hontiveros stating, "Fully intending ang minority na mag-ambag para maibalik ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa ating Senado (The minority fully intends to contribute to restoring the people's trust in our Senate)."
On May 11, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President, succeeding Senator Vicente Sotto III, after a majority backed a leadership overhaul. Senator Ronald dela Rosa reappeared in the Senate after a lengthy absence, seeking protective custody amid reports of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. A gunfire incident on May 13 further complicated matters, coinciding with the transmission of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate. Dela Rosa left the Senate premises the following day amid tight security.
