Political positions of Risa Hontiveros

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Hontiveros official portrait in 2022

Democracy is only meaningful if it is felt in the daily lives of ordinary people. We should continue to work that it be felt by our farmers, our fisherfolk, our workers, our OFWs, our every citizen.

— Hontiveros, April 19, 2026[1]

Risa Hontiveros is a Filipino politician and social democrat serving as a senator of the Philippines since 2016. She is a member of the center-left and progressive party Akbayan.[2] Throughout her political career, she has advocated policies relating to social welfare, public health, gender equality, labor rights, democratic governance, and Philippine sovereignty.

Social policy

Abortion

Hontiveros has expressed support for the decriminalization of abortion, arguing that women should not be imprisoned for the procedure and emphasized the need to reduce the social stigma surrounding abortion in the Philippines.[3]

LGBTQ rights

Hontiveros is a consistent major advocate for the SOGIE Equality Bill and the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community. She participated in the early pride marches along with early champions of the anti-discrimination campaign.[4] In June 2009, Hontiveros condemned the Commission on Election for its refusal to accredit the Filipino LGBT partylist, Ladlad.[5] In 2014, as a private citizen, she marched in the streets to campaign for the passage of the SOGIE Bill.[6] After being elected as senator in 2016, she immediately filed the SOGIE Bill and pursued the first Senate hearing on anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community.[7] In 2017, the Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of Hontiveros was passed in the Senate and enacted as law in 2019. The measure is the first legislation in Philippine history which recognized the LGBT community in its terminologies and within the legal system. The law criminalized street harassment and other forms of abuses.[8][9] Hontiveros participated in various pride marches throughout her career, wherein in most cases, she was the only Filipino senator to participate in those events. In 2019, she rallied with 70,000 attendees.[10] In 2023, she made a powerful speech of inclusion and called again for the passage of the SOGIE Bill. The numbers ballooned to 110,000 participants, the largest pride march in Southeast Asia.[11][12][13]

Philippine drug war

Following the murders of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz, and Reynaldo de Guzman, Hontiveros vocally opposed President Duterte's drug war.[14] She initiated Senate investigations into the police personnel involved in Delos Santos' killing and provided legal custody for witnesses, shielding them from potential police retaliation.[15] These investigations exposed widespread extrajudicial killings that targeted civilians, including children, with some victims allegedly tortured and intentionally displayed to instill fear in communities.[16] By 2018, reports estimated up to 30,000 deaths in Duterte's drug war. The investigations led by Hontiveros and her allies, as well as the reports made by veteran journalists, prompted the International Criminal Court to launch an investigation into the alleged crimes.[17][18] In 2025, Duterte was arrested by the ICC and charged with crimes against humanity.[19]

Economic policy

Hontiveros opposed the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, the proposed sovereign wealth fund for the Philippines. On May 31, 2023, she became the only senator who voted against the bill proposing its creation, which President Bongbong Marcos certified as urgent a week prior. Hontiveros explained that, while she believed that the country needed a new form of public financing, proposing a sovereign wealth fund was premature and more suitable in the medium term once the Philippine economy has commodity-based surpluses or surpluses from external trade from state-owned enterprises.[20][21]

Hontiveros has expressed support for the redistribution of wealth in a 2024 Rolling Stone interview, stating that "it just makes economic sense." She tied these policies to building support amongst the poor for democracy.[22]

Foreign and security policy

China—Philippines relations

Hontiveros maintains a staunchly critical and assertive stance on China, consistently condemning Beijing's maritime aggression and undiplomatic behaviors. One of the most vocal advocates for Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Hontiveros was one of the first senators to criticize China for publicly attacking Philippine officials who defend Philippine national territory. She led the passing of the strongest Senate resolution which condemned the Chinese Embassy's undiplomatic activities toward Philippine institutions. She was the first modern senator to visit the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG), promoting better education and national awareness on the country's territories and the South China Sea Arbitration award which favored the Philippines.[23][24] Hontiveros has filed resolutions demanding Beijing to pay reparations, intended to cover the cost of severe environmental destruction, including coral reef harvesting conducted by China. She has criticized the censorship and misinformation campaign being spread by the Chinese state apparatus, mostly covering maritime and sovereignty issues and political interference.[25][26] She favors a ban on Chinese state-owned companies in the Philippines due to national security concerns, while sounding the alarm against Chinese investments in critical Philippine assets such as the exposed 40% stake of China in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and ownership stakes of China in the Philippine-based telecom company DITO. She warned these holdings expose the country to potential foreign espionage and infrastructure shutdowns.[27][28]

United States

Hontiveros advocates for a balanced and pragmatic alliance with the United States on regional security while still firmly opposing US unilateral military actions. She also advocates for the civil rights of Filipinos living in America.[29][30] Hontiveros has welcomed US support amid Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, but maintains that the Philippines must not become a pawn in the geopolitical tug-of-war between China and the United States. Her position advocates for an independent foreign policy, prioritizing national interests without being entirely dependent on the US.[31] Hontiveros is an outspoken critic of unilateral US military strikes overseas, which she has previously condemned and called as grave violations of international law. She has urged the US and its allies to pursue diplomatic negotiations rather than military escalations, particularly in Western Asia (Middle East).[32] After American marine officer Joseph Scott Pemberton killed Filipina transgender woman Jennifer Laude in 2014, Hontiveros strongly condemned both the murder of Laude and the systemic impunity granted to Pemberton, while pushing for the reviewal of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States.[33] In 2020, she also criticized the swift granting of the early release petition of Pemberton by a local court, stating that such privilege was "never accorded to many Filipinos",[34] as well as the pardon granted by Duterte to Pemberton, which Hontiveros called "an affront to the Filipino people."[35]

Other nations

Hontiveros (left) on the panel discussion at the Global Progressive Mobilisation conference in Barcelona, 2026

Hontiveros has supported strengthening ties with ASEAN member states, Taiwan, and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue composed of Australia, Japan, India, and the United States, among others.[36][37] She has called for an international crackdown on syndicated crime in Southeast Asia conducted mostly by Chinese-affiliated groups, which have victimized thousands of locals in the region.[38] Hontiveros, a firm supporter of democracy, was also a vocal critic of the military junta in Myanmar following the ouster of the civilian government.[39] She has called for a peaceful resolution to the continuous West Asia conflicts, including the Gaza genocide and the 2026 Iran war, prioritizing humanitarian aid, civilian protection, and the safety of Filipinos in the region.[40][41] Although initially friendly to both Israel and Palestine in support of the Philippine national position, her political position shifted after the bombings in Gaza Strip were reported. During the onslaught, she supported the maintenance of border crossings, so that vital goods such as medicines and food can go to Gaza. She stressed that existing aids are insufficient and called for more humanitarian corridors to protect trapped civilians, including Filipino workers.[40][42][43] Hontiveros has backed immediate ceasefires, de-escalation, and a return to the negotiating table among the involved parties to resolve the root causes of the crisis.[40] She has also backed calls to allow Palestinian refugees to enter the Philippines.[44] In April 2026, Hontiveros joined world leaders at the Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona, including Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and former Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.[1]

References

  1. Mendoza, Ralph (April 19, 2026). "Sen. Risa Bumida sa Global Progressive Mobilisation". Balita. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  2. Subingsubing, Krixia (May 11, 2022). "Hontiveros may be lone oppositionist in Senate". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  3. "PHILIPPINES – "Justice" Minister rejects decriminalising abortion". International Campaign for Women's Right to Safe Abortion. November 30, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
  4. Mamshie Jeff Crisostomo (2024-06-23). "Senator Risa Hontiveros in Pride Marches in 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2024. 🏳️‍🌈 Consistent LGBTQIA+ ally and human rights advocate. Principal author ng SOGIE Equality / Anti-Discrimination Bill in ALL of her terms as Akbayan Party-List Representative and Senator". Twitter.
  5. "Manila Pride March 2009, Gay and Lesbian Festival in Philippines, Special Report by Utopia".
  6. Salcedo, MJ (June 9, 2024). "Sen. Risa sinariwa 2014 Pride March, muling nanawagan para sa SOGIE bill". Balita.
  7. "Press Release - Hontiveros conducts "historic first hearing" on SOGIE-specific anti-discrimination bill".
  8. Elemia, Camille (October 8, 2018). "Senate approves bill punishing catcalling, street harassment". Rappler. Archived from the original on October 14, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  9. "Duterte signs Philippine law against public sexual harassment". BBC News. July 16, 2019. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  10. "'Rainbow wave coming': Hontiveros hopeful SOGIE bill will pass 18th Congress". June 30, 2019.
  11. "110K attend in Quezon City's Pride Fest". www.ptvnews.ph.
  12. "Celebrities spotted at Pride events over the weekend". PEP.ph.
  13. "Press Release - Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on PRIDE month celebration".
  14. Regencia, Ted (February 28, 2018). "Senator: Rodrigo Duterte's drug war has killed 20,000". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  15. "Witnesses in Kian's killing now with Hontiveros". philstar.com. August 20, 2017. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  16. "New Publication: Iglesias, Explaining the Pattern of "War on Drugs" Violence in the Philippines under Duterte". polisci.upd.edu.ph. 2023-04-04.
  17. "Timeline: The International Criminal Court and Duterte's bloody war on drugs". June 26, 2022.
  18. "What to Know About the ICC Probe into the Philippines' Drug War". November 27, 2023.
  19. "ICC charges Rodrigo Duterte with crimes against humanity". 23 September 2025.
  20. "Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Maharlika Fund". Senate of the Philippines (Press release). June 2, 2023. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  21. Villaruel, Jauhn Etienne (June 1, 2023). "Hontiveros, Binay explain refusal to support Maharlika bill". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  22. Versailles, Sai (27 November 2024). "Senator Risa Hontiveros: 'We Must Fight'". rollingstonephilippines.com. Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved 4 May 2026. In the face of strongman populism, authoritarianism is a wake-up call for us who say we believe in democracy — not just here, but all over the world. It has to matter. We keep blaming the poor for voting this or that, as if middle-class and rich people didn't vote for these candidates who win — who shouldn't have won, or shouldn't win. We're not poor! If we were poor, and all this democracy that we in the middle-class and the rich love to talk about, but don't always vote either… we haven't made it matter. Why is there still that poverty and inequality? Even if you don't share the same politics or ideology, it just makes economic sense to redistribute wealth so people can have a stake in this democracy. People can fight for democracy if and when it's threatened because democracy makes life better for people. It hasn't yet completely. So, nobody can take People Power away from us and all the struggles since then.
  23. "'Pinaka kontrabida!' Hontiveros blasts China anew over WPS claims". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. January 26, 2026.
  24. "West PH Sea: Hontiveros calls for action as Chinese embassy targets Tarriela". Philippine Daily Inquirer. January 20, 2026.
  25. "Hontiveros accuses China of 'actively censoring truth' about collision". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 15, 2025.
  26. "Hontiveros files resolution seeking diplomatic pressure against China". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 21, 2025.
  27. "Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the alleged China interference in the Philippines May 12 elections". April 25, 2025.
  28. "Hontiveros: NGCP awarded 43 contracts to Chinese firms". December 9, 2019.
  29. "Hontiveros to gov't: Assist Filipinos at risk of deportation from the US". March 7, 2025.
  30. "Transcript Interview Senator Risa Hontiveros on The Source (CNN PH) with Pinky Webb". April 11, 2023.
  31. "Transcript Interview Senator Risa Hontiveros on The Source (CNN PH) with Pinky Webb". April 11, 2023.
  32. "Hontiveros condemns US actions vs Venezuela". Daily Tribune. Jan 4, 2026.
  33. "Condemn violence against LGBTs". October 18, 2014.
  34. "Hontiveros hits court 'swiftness' over early release order for US Marine in transgender Filipino's slay". September 3, 2020.
  35. "H'An affront to the Filipino people': Opposition senators slam Pemberton pardon". September 7, 2020.
  36. "Transcript Interview Senator Risa Hontiveros on The Source (CNN PH) with Pinky Webb". April 11, 2023.
  37. "Hontiveros meets with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen". May 12, 2023.
  38. "Hontiveros pushes Anti-POGO Act, ASEAN crackdown on scam hubs". Philippine News Agency. April 7, 2025.
  39. "Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the Secretary of Foreign Affairs' participation in the emergency ASEAN summit on Myanmar". April 8, 2021.
  40. "Hontiveros calls for ceasefire in Middle East; Sotto urges 'close monitoring'". March 2, 2026.
  41. "Hontiveros to DFA: Join the call for even more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza". October 23, 2023.
  42. "DFA asked to seek opening of more humanitarian corridors in Gaza". October 23, 2023.
  43. "Hontiveros to DFA: Join the call for even more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza". October 23, 2023.
  44. Cruz, RG. "Senators: Temporarily taking in Afghan refugees shows compassion, humanity". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2026-05-23.