By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros announced that Nancy Gamo, the accountant of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, is currently detained at the Senate and will appear before the committee on July 29.
“Well, sa July 29 hearing ay ihaharap na po siya and then the committee can decide kung ano po yung susunod na mangyayari,” Hontiveros said on Monday, July 15, 2024.
“Maaaring si Ms. Gamo ay maging susi sa pinakasusi. Dahil hanggang sa ngayon, ang pinakasusi pa rin sa ganitong yugto ng aming imbestigasyon ay si Guo Hua Ping mismo,” the lawmaker added.
Gamo was placed into custody following the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
The Senate issued an arrest order against Guo and seven others, including her siblings.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros said that Gamo is ‘alright.’
“As far as I know, she’s alright and yung mas kumpleto at detalyadong ulat ng OSAA (Office of the Sergeant at Arms) ” the senator said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has reiterated her call to declare July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day to commemorate the country’s triumph against China regarding portions of the sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” was contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the resolution she filed.
The ruling also made clear that China had breached its obligations with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone.
“We should celebrate WPS Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the WPS. This is also an opportune time to show our biggest aggressor, China, that the Philippines will stand as one in the fight for our sovereignty. Ipakita natin na hindi niya tayo mapagwawatak-watak,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said that the 2016 victory showed the world that “a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully, and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China.”
“But Beijing’s continued threats and intimidation despite the ruling are also a sober reminder to the world that all those who believe in the international, rules-based order must actively come together to safeguard peace and security across the globe,” she added.
Hontiveros also led the Senate in adopting Proposed Senate Resolution 718, which urged the Executive, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to exhaust all diplomatic means – including going to the United Nations General Assembly – to stop China’s illegal activities in the WPS.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has renewed her call for the reparation of Filipino comfort women victims and their families.
Hontiveros made this appeal following her meeting with the non-profit organization Malaya Lolas, composed of Filipino survivors of sex slavery during World War II.
“Only eighteen Malaya Lolas remain. They cannot wait any longer,” Hontiveros said.
“President Marcos and the entire administration must fulfill their promise to extend aid and assistance to them. Our government should not let them pass away without achieving justice.”
Hontiveros also visited Bahay na Pula, a site used by the Japanese Imperial Army for sexual violence during the war.
“Bahay na Pula has been torn down, leaving only its foundation. I hope this can be undone. It should be rebuilt and turned into a memorial site for all wartime sexual violence victim-survivors,” she said.
Hontiveros, author of laws against sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation, has filed Senate Resolution No. 539, urging the government to ensure just and meaningful reparations for Filipino comfort women and their families.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that the dismissal of former Senator Leila De Lima’s third drug case proves that “justice is based on truth and evidence, not on unfounded charges and political motivations.”
The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court on Monday (24 June 2024) dismissed De Lima’s third and final drug case.
De Lima’s legal counsel, Atty. Boni Tacardon, confirmed that the demurrer evidence was granted.
According to a Supreme Court decision, “once a demurrer to evidence has been granted in a criminal case, the grant amounts to an acquittal.”
Hontiveros expressed her long-standing belief in De Lima’s innocence.
“She has endured public ridicule and injustices but remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice. I have always known that Sen. Leila is innocent, and I am overjoyed that she has now achieved justice,” the senator said.
She urged authorities to pursue and hold accountable those “who have perpetrated these baseless allegations.”
“Justice must be served, and those who have wronged her and our legal system must face the consequences of their actions,” Hontiveros added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros stated on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, that the divorce bill might now have a chance in the Senate because of “conscience voting.”
Hontiveros made this remark when asked about the public’s reaction to the House’s passage of the proposed Absolute Divorce Act on third and final reading.
“I think we now have a chance because Senate President Chiz also mentioned that this would be a conscience vote,” the senator said.
As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros noted that the committee report on the divorce bill had been completed a long time ago.
“Well, it’s already passed in the House. We’re just waiting. They said they needed to clarify some issues regarding the vote count before sending it to us. But here in the Senate, I finished the committee report on the divorce bills a long time ago,” she said.
“We’re just waiting for it to be reported out in the plenary for interpellation and debate,” Hontiveros added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has urged employers to prioritize the protection of workers during this hot season by allowing them to take heat breaks and implementing alternative work arrangements.
“As we continue to endure the extreme heat, we urge offices to provide heat breaks, alternative work arrangements, and adhere to other measures to ensure a safe environment for their workers,” Poe said in a statement on Labor Day.
The senator also reiterated the call for capable employers, to provide supplementary allowances to their employees.
Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros also emphasized the importance of protecting delivery riders, construction workers, and workers in the agriculture sector, especially during the El Niño phenomenon.
“Their services are invaluable to our communities, but the conditions outside— their very workplaces— are becoming increasingly hazardous,” she said.
The lawmaker also urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to increase support for jeepney drivers.
“[T]here should be a well-thought-out plan for routes, a budget for service contracting, and assurance that banks will lend to jeepney cooperatives. Having an efficient transportation system makes a big difference for workers and the economy,” Hontiveros said.
“It is my firm belief that our laws and policies must encompass the diverse realities of workers today.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The senator’s statement follows Quiboloy’s failure to appear at any Senate hearings.
“Instead of showing up at the Senate or in court, he continuously sends recorded audio messages that seem to insult the government’s ability to apprehend him. This behavior is unacceptable. It shouldn’t be overlooked, but should rather spur the government to exhaust all means to restrict his movements,” Hontiveros remarked.
DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza previously stated that when a passport is canceled, it serves as a “red flag” for any application at all DFA consular offices, both within and outside the Philippines.
Additionally, Daza clarified that a canceled passport is reported to both the Bureau of Immigration and the Interpol office in the Philippines.
Furthermore, Hontiveros is confident that other countries are willing to assist in apprehending and prosecuting Quiboloy.
“The world is closing in on him. He is accused of crimes that transcend continents and nationalities. I trust that many countries are willing to collaborate with the Philippines to hold him accountable,” she asserted.
“If a fugitive congressman can be apprehended, then surely a fugitive religious leader can be too. The world is small. He cannot escape the law for life,” she concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday (April 22, 2024) urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to retrieve the firearms of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“Huwag nang magdahilan ang PNP. Kung talagang kasangga namin sila sa pagpapanagot sa mga pambabastos ni Quiboloy sa ating mga institusyon, dapat ginagawa nila ang lahat para mahuli siya. At isang mahalagang paraan ang pagbawi ng mga armas, lalo na ng isang pugante,” Hontiveros said.
“Sa dami at bigat ng pending cases ni Quiboloy, siguro naman pwede nang bawiin ang mga armas niya. Sa kasong human trafficking palang, non-bailable at lifetime imprisonment na ang parusa, kaya ano pa hinihintay ng PNP? Nakapagtataka ang bagal,” the senator asked.
Hontiveros cited that the PNP’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) clearly states that for citizens with a firearms license, legal disability — or “the loss by the licensee of the legal qualification or capacity to own and possess firearms by this Revised IRR” — includes the “pendency of a criminal case with an imposable penalty of more than 2 years.”
The lawmaker urged PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil to take the lead and apprehend Quiboloy as he is a high-profile fugitive.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution seeking probe on the environmental and social effects of mining and quarrying amid a series of recent incidents linked to such operations adversely affecting communities and ecosystems.
“The devastation and loss caused by mining and quarrying activities are distressing. Hindi lang kabuhayan ang nawawala pati buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Kailangang punan ang mga pagkukulang sa batas para matigil na ang mga trahedyang ito,” Hontiveros said on Monday (April 15, 2024).
Senate Resolution No. 989 highlights a series of tragic incidents including a fatal landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, allegedly linked to mining operations, in which members of the Mansaka Indigenous Cultural Community were disproportionately affected.
The resolution stated the environmental risks posed by the mining industry outweigh the limited economic benefits for Filipinos despite the country’s abundant mineral resources.
Moreover, the resolution seeks to evaluate the regulatory framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), responsible for overseeing mining and quarrying operations in the country.
“We must not allow our precious natural resources to be exploited at the expense of our people and environment. Kailangang bigyang prayoridad ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan. Ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan, ay pangangalaga sa ating bayan at kinabukasan,” Hontiveros said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros urged Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on Monday (April 8, 2024) to appear before the Senate for questioning.
“Pastor Quiboloy, it’s time to come out of your hiding. Since you’re granting interviews to vloggers, why not also grant one to us in the Senate?” Hontiveros stated in a press release.
The senator also criticized Quiboloy’s remarks against the Senate and dared him to repeat them before her committee.
“You have no shred of evidence against our brave witnesses. And you have no right to tarnish the institution of the Senate and its mandate,” she asserted.
“If you’re truly courageous, repeat everything you said about the Senate right here, in the Senate. Let your words be on the record. Let your audacity be recorded in history without shame,” Hontiveros added.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rejected the pastor’s conditions for surrender.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros holds the belief that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will soon face arrest by law enforcement agencies.
Hontiveros expressed this conviction following the issuance of a warrant for Quiboloy’s arrest by the Davao Regional Trial Court on charges of sexual abuse.
“The days of impunity for Apollo Quiboloy are numbered. Virtually all institutions in the Philippines are mobilizing to hold him accountable,” stated the lawmaker in a press release.
“I am confident that justice will prevail and Quiboloy will be apprehended,” she added.
Upon his arrest, Hontiveros mentioned that the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality anticipates his appearance in the forthcoming hearing.
“I also call on Quiboloy not to put up a fight. He has already taken numerous steps to evade his legal obligations. He should cooperate and address the accusations against him appropriately,” she remarked.
“If innocent, there’s no need to hide.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros warned Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Wednesday (21 Feb 2024) of possible arrest if he would not attend the Senate hearing on alleged sexual abuse and human trafficking issue.
“‘Wag pong pa-victim. Ang hinihingi lang sa inyo ay humarap sa mga legal na proseso, kasama ang proseso ng Senate investigation. ‘Wag ninyo pong dalhin sa lenggwahe ng patayan, kahit ‘yan ang nakasanayan ninyo,” Hontiveros said.
“Our next hearing is on March 5 and if Mr. Quiboloy does not show up, I will cite him in contempt and have him arrested,” she added.
On Tuesday night, the Senate filed a subpoena against Quiboloy to attend the March 5 hearing.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Hontiveros signed the said subpoena.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed Senate Resolution No. 923, seeking an inquiry into the recent cyberattack of hackers targeting Philippine government agencies.
The senator said that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that the hackers are believed to be operating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“Habang nagsasayang tayo ng oras para pag-usapan ang Charter Change, ang Tsina hindi tumitigil sa panghihimasok sa ating bansa. Imbes na ang enerhiya natin ay mapunta sa pagpapalakas ng mga batas para sa ating pambansang seguridad, nag-aaksaya tayo ng panahon para sa interes ng iilan,” Hontiveros said.
On February 3, DICT announced that the hackers breached the email systems and internal websites of several government agencies including those maintained and operated by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, the Department of Justice, the National Coast Watch System, the House of Representatives, and that of the DICT itself.
Hontiveros said that this was a “major cyberattack.”
“While we are all busy cleaning up the mess of the sham ‘People’s Initiative,’ China has taken advantage of the current instability in the country to strike at our vulnerabilities. Dapat ito ang pagtuunan ng pansin, hindi yung mga pekeng insiyatibo na nanggugulo lang sa mga Pilipino,” the senator said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Watch her body language and Senator Risa Hontiveros’ brand new profile picture and cover photo on Facebook could be an indication that the lone survivor of the 2022 “massacre” of opposition senatorial candidates is flexing her ala-Gabriela Silang muscles for the 2028 presidential race.
Political analyst Ronald Llamas had earlier described Hontiveros as the new leader of the opposition after former Vice President Leni Robredo miserably lost in her 2022 presidential bid and seemingly no longer interested in national politics with her deafening silence in the face of current issues.
“New year, new profile pic, same advocacies. Always ready to fight!” Hontiveros said on her FB photo that shows a captivating close-up of the senator in a blue dress, exuding both elegance and strength with her arms confidently crossed.
It can be noted that the official Senate seal serves as the backdrop of her revitalized digital presence.
With the start of the “Year of the Dragon 2024”, Hontiveros also committed to pursue her advocacies on public health and women’s rights.
Her cover photo carried the caption: “Patuloy na magtatrabaho para makamit ang healthy buhay at hanapbuhay para sa lahat!”
Hontiveros is an advocate of democratic socialism and one of the pillars of the Akbayan party-list that she once carried at the House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns about the absence of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in the Senate hearing.
“Where is Quiboloy? We are preparing. Is he ready? If he is, he should just appear in the Senate,” stated Hontiveros.
Hontiveros emphasized that Quiboloy, being the point person for the victims, should personally attend the Senate probe.
“We are also considering urging the Department of Justice to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order or Hold Departure Order. I will send a formal letter to the DOJ regarding these matters,” she added.
“The subpoena has been issued by the Senate committee in the competent exercise of its legal mandate. So, Quiboloy, it’s time to show up.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros is urging caution among her fellow lawmakers in the ongoing discussion on Charter Change (Cha-cha), describing the journey as “treacherous, impractical, divisive, and unwise.”
“ChaCha has the potential to be transformative, but not when it is driven by hidden agendas, power struggles, and internal disputes,” Hontiveros emphasized.
Questioning the sudden push for Charter Change, she asked, “What’s the underlying motive, and why is this being forcefully presented to the public?”
If the intention behind the move is to enhance foreign investments, the senator suggested that it would be more beneficial to focus on strengthening domestic investor confidence within the Philippines.
“We must instill confidence in governance by rooting out corruption and enhancing our business environment, rather than introducing further instability through ChaCha,” Hontiveros stressed.
“I appeal to my colleagues in the Senate to advocate for practical solutions that don’t exacerbate existing problems.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros is determined to uncover the driving force behind the movement to amend the Constitution through a so-called people’s initiative.
“The sole motive of those orchestrating this people’s initiative is to sideline the members of the Senate—individuals elected by the entire nation—from participating in amending or revising the Constitution. Rest assured, we will closely monitor this,” remarked Hontiveros.
“If they persist in pushing this agenda, we must ascertain who truly is behind and financing this purported ‘people’s initiative,'” she added.
Hontiveros emphasized that instead of fixating on the people’s initiative, attention should be directed toward addressing issues such as low wages, soaring commodity prices, escalating corruption, and China’s persistent encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Senate, alongside the Filipino people, stands as a vanguard of democracy. We will not permit this to become an effortless, one-sided struggle. We will confront their planned deceit and disrespect for our Constitution with a resolute fight,” declared the senator.
Hontiveros also contended that labeling it a people’s initiative is inaccurate if the public is not the instigator of the plan.
“Right from the start, when the advertisement went viral, it was evident that this move was solely for the benefit of those with abusive personal interests. The organizers behind the TV ad and those distributing the forms raise suspicions, as they refuse to reveal their identities and hide behind a law firm,” she remarked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Not taking any chances, democratic socialist Senator Risa Hontiveros has alerted the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the possible escape of self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) who is allegedly facing charges of sexual abuses and human trafficking in the United States.
Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, has written to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, seeking the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) ahead of the Senate’s impending investigation into Quiboloy and church officials scheduled for January 23, 2024.
It was learned that the ILBO is different from a Hold Departure Order (HBO).
An HBO is issued by a court, while ILBO can be issued by the DOJ and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
On Wednesday, December 13, Hontiveros stressed that the ILBO will serve as a preventive measure against Quiboloy’s potential departure from the country and compel him to be present at the January 23, 2024, Senate hearing.
Senate Resolution 884 filed by Hontiveros stated: “An investigation in aid of legislation will also allow us to determine whether our updated human trafficking laws can cover large-scale and systemic acts of trafficking done under the cover of a religious organization.”
The resolution revealed that Quiboloy’s KOJC has pastorals divided into the “inner circle” and the “inner of the innermost circle”.
“Some of these pastorals were still minors during their recruitment and during the period they were made to perform sexual services… Apollo Quiboloy allegedly coerces the members of the organization — many of whom are minors — to perform exploitative acts, such as begging in the streets and soliciting money from strangers,” it also claimed.
Last year, Quiboloy was sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, among 40 other individuals and entities sanctioned due to their supposed connection to corruption or human rights abuse across nine countries.
But Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has brushed off allegations against his client.
“These are already the subject of a criminal proceeding in California in the United States,” he disclosed in an ANC Dateline Philippines interview.
“If you think your witnesses are strong, why don’t you take them to court where the fight is fair and there is due process?” Topacio also dared Hontiveros.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate is scheduled to investigate the alleged criminal acts of Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). The hearing is on January 23, 2024.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has shared a copy of the notice of the hearing regarding Quiboloy.
The chair of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has also sent a letter to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, seeking assistance to ensure Quiboloy’s physical presence in the Senate.
“In the interest of justice and due process, it is my strong desire to ensure that he will be physically present in the Senate for the hearing,” stated Hontiveros.
Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla opposes the Senate’s probe on Quiboloy, arguing that the case falls outside the jurisdiction of the Philippines.
“That’s an American case. Pastor’s case is an American case. What is it? Like the International Criminal Court (ICC)? Are we going to bow down to foreigners again? Is that how it seems?” Padilla remarked.
“For us, especially for me, I feel uneasy when it involves a case with foreigners… [Andres] Bonifacio would be offended. I don’t like it. But if it’s in the Philippines, I can’t do anything. He’s a Filipino. If we base it on the courts of other countries, no way,” added the senator.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Alleged victims of human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, and child abuse linked to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ recently collaborated with Senator Risa Hontiveros in a press conference to expose and share their experiences.
“Last night, we formally urged the Senate to investigate the cases of human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, and child abuse filed by numerous victims against Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ,” stated Hontiveros.
“This is not mere gossip. What we hold against Quiboloy are the testimonies of the victims,” she emphasized.
Jackson, a pseudonym used for an alleged victim of Quiboloy, disclosed that they were lured into joining a youth camp and later coerced into soliciting funds.
“I was carried away; we were on a bus, mostly young people, often underage. I was 15 years old. We solicited in Dipolog, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, the entire Misamis Occidental, and the whole Misamis Oriental,” he recounted.
“We were many at the age of 15, my peers and I.”
He went on to share an incident where he was slapped when he could only remit P300, his lowest contribution to the minister.
“For us in full-time service, you’re there inside [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] your whole life. The worst part is the beating. In 2000, I can’t forget, more than 50 were beaten in the gym,” added Jackson.
Another victim, Arlene, narrated how she was compelled to sell products and beg for alms.
“I was 15 years old when I first converted to Quiboloy. We were sent to Amoranto to beg. We were sent from Davao to Manila for begging. The first place my sister and I stayed in was the Amoranto Colosseum in Cubao in 1991. We pretended to be mute and deaf, fake students carrying various associations to raise money,” shared Arlene.
(ai/mnm)