“I wouldn’t say there was a transition when it comes to activism. It’s a constant presence in my life, something I carry with me no matter what profession I choose. Kahit na nasa pulitika ako, I would say na nasa prinsipyo at puso ko ang activism.” – Sen. Risa Hontiveros
From joining the 1978 Lakas ng Bayan noise barrage to pursuing broadcast journalism as a profession, Hontiveros has always been amplifying the voice of the masses. Her family is not the only thing close to heart, it’s also the people she gets to serve.
“I realized that I could shed light on social issues and mobilize people through policy solutions. Politics provides a larger platform to push for the advocacies I have long been fighting for,” says Hontiveros, whose political labor is also fueled by the involvement of individuals and groups who share the same calling as her.
“I can’t take all the credit for myself because there were people who believed in me – my party Akbayan, our coalition partners, the advocacy groups we’ve worked with. They became my motivation and reason to transition to public service,” she continues.
Like a mother in labor, Hontiveros has seen and felt the birth pangs of politics firsthand – there is the challenge of having “less voice” for being in the minority, navigating the legislative system while staying true to one’s own values, and pushing through progressive reforms. For her, “politics is a space of compromise,” where she learned to establish a balance between her primal roots and new convictions. “Pushing for women’s rights, accountability, and good governance wasn’t always popular, but it is the heart of my service.”
“When it comes to women’s rights, as a woman, I experience firsthand the struggles and our limited opportunities in education, employment, and even leadership,” says Hontiveros. “Even though progress has been made, true success cannot be achieved if there are still women left behind. Every Filipina deserves the freedom to make choices, pursue careers, and live without fear of violence or oppression,” she continues.
Hontiveros, who was first elected to the Senate in 2016, revels in her landmark laws, including the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210) and the Mental Health Law (RA 11036) which is the first in the country. Other bills she has pushed into law are the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861), Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Law (RA 11930) or AOSAEC – which are what she calls the “products of both [her] love and labor.”
“These laws were the result of collective efforts from women’s groups, advocates, labor organizations, and the working moms and solo parents who are directly affected and will benefit from them,” says Hontiveros, who has also championed policies on public health.
“Even before the pandemic, the country already had many challenges when it came to healthcare—many people die without ever having the chance to see a doctor or be hospitalized, and those who have often end up buried in debt due to the high cost of medical treatment,” she continues, stressing that it’s a fundamental Filipino aspect that doesn’t get much attention. “My dream is for every Filipino to have access to healthcare, regardless of their economic status.”
Besides women empowerment and public health, Hontiveros has been leaving a fingerprint on justice since becoming a public servant. She led the Pastillas scam investigations that caused the Ombudsman to file charges against officials involved in 2022, and uncovered a far more terror scheme in 2024 involving former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, leading to the total ban of POGOs in the country.
Keeping her head high, Hontiveros holds integrity with greater importance. For her, it’s a value that ought to be protected at all times, especially when one enters the political stage. “That’s why it’s important to always keep your north star at the heart of everything you do. It will guide you on the right path and ensure that your decisions are always made with integrity,” she says.
Behind all these love and labor are the individuals who embody the reasons why Hontiveros took this path – her family, team, and political party. As her eldest son Francisco “Kiko” Baraquel puts it, she is the very definition of beauty, grace, and liberty – the true definition of a woman.
