Hontiveros sees stronger opposition in Congress: ‘We can do this’

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Sen. Risa Hontiveros. (File photo from Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate Social Media Unit)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros is seeing a stronger opposition in Congress based on the partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The latest tally showed returning Senators Bam Aquino and  Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in the Magic 12, while Hontiveros’ Akbayan group is leading the party-list race.

“Lumalakas na ang totoong oposisyon sa Senado at Kongreso,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Tuesday.

(The true opposition in the Senate and Congress is getting stronger.)

“Hindi ito simpleng ‘comeback.’ Pinapatunayan lamang ng halalang ito na hangad pa rin ng masang Pilipino ang pamahalaang may puso, may prinsipyo at may tapang manindigan,” she pointed out.

(This is not a simple ‘comeback.’ This election proves that the Filipino masses still long for a government with heart, principle, and the courage to stand its ground.)

According to Hontiveros, Aquino and Panglinan are the “voices” that are badly needed in the Senate.

“I look forward to once again working with you both for the good of the people,” she said.

Aquino and Pangilinan ranked high in the winning circle of 12, despite trailing in pre-election surveys.

Hontiveros, meanwhile, considered Akbayan’s impending win as “historic,” owing it to the people’s trust and collective action.

“Once more, the Filipino people have brought Akbayan to the top of a very hard-fought party-list race,” she said.

Hontiveros is chairperson of Akbayan, while its lead nominee is Atty. Chel Diokno.

Aside from Akbayan, another opposition group, Mamamayang Liberal (ML), led by former Sen. Leila de Lima, is expected to get a seat in the House of Representatives.

Hontiveros said Akbayan will be joined by De Lima’s ML in pushing for justice, human rights, and good governance in Congress.

“Kasama sina Senator Kiko at Senator Bam sa Senado, at ang Akbayan Partylist at Mamamayang Liberal Partylist sa Kongreso, titindig tayong muli nang mas taas-noo, mas matatag, at mas handa sa hamon ng panahon,” the senator said.

(With Senator Kiko and Senator Bam in the Senate, and the Akbayan Partylist and Mamamayang Liberal Partylist in Congress, we will rise again—head held higher, stronger, and more prepared for the challenges of the times.)

“At sa milyun-milyong bagong kasama natin sa laban: Maligayang pagdating. Kaya natin ito,” Hontiveros further said.

(And to the millions who have newly joined us in this fight: Welcome. We can do this.)/apl

(NOTE: The English translations in the article were AI-generated.)