Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Monday that she is likely to position herself as an independent member in the upcoming 20th Congress, acknowledging that forming a minority bloc might not be feasible given the current political landscape.
“Just based on the numbers… as much as I dream of being part of a minority, it seems more realistic to become part of an independent bloc or be an independent senator,” Hontiveros told reporters during a press briefing.
Hontiveros, who served in the 19th Congress as part of the two-member minority with former Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, emphasized that she is not joining the majority bloc — something she has consistently avoided for nearly a decade.
She revealed that discussions are ongoing with fellow opposition senators Bam Aquino and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on possible alignments, and she remains open to the idea of other senators stepping into the minority space.
While she admitted aspiring to take on the role of Senate minority leader, Hontiveros said others might have the numbers to secure the post. She also briefly weighed running for Senate President, noting that the second top contender often assumes the minority leadership role if the bid fails.
Meanwhile, returning Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he is open to becoming minority leader once again, should he not clinch the Senate presidency. “Magandang role ‘yun… handang-handa [ako] sapagkat ako’y naging minority leader na dati,” Sotto said during his oath-taking.
