Hontiveros Says Claims of ₱3B Insertions Are Fake News
RISA HONTIVEROS – The senator firmly denied claims linking her to billions of pesos in alleged budget insertions in the 2025 national budget. She clarified that she had no involvement in so-called bicameral “insertions” or in the unprogrammed funds that became controversial.
In a Facebook post on Friday, October 3, Hontiveros stated: “Wala po akong bicam insertions. Wala sa unprogrammed funds. PERIOD. Isa pa, HINDI AKO PUMIRMA sa bicam at bumoto rin ng NO sa kontrobersyal na 2025 budget.”
She warned the public not to believe fake news or misleading information about her. According to Hontiveros, every amendment she proposed went through the proper process and was approved by the Senate.
Along with former Senator Koko Pimentel, Hontiveros was one of the few lawmakers who voted against the bicameral committee’s 2025 budget report. That report later became controversial after rumors spread that House Speaker Martin Romualdez had added extra allocations.
Her name resurfaced after DZRH broadcasters Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja presented documents that allegedly listed ₱3.035 billion worth of projects under her name, including ₱750 million for flood control.
Taberna expressed disbelief, saying he could not accept that Senator Hontiveros would have a ₱750 million flood control insertion. He pointed out that she even voted against the bicam report, which made it unlikely for projects to be under her name. Baja, on the other hand, noted that flood control funds often raise suspicions of kickbacks.
Hontiveros, however, stood firm in her denial. She emphasized her simple, middle-class lifestyle and even offered to undergo a lifestyle check and make her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) public.
The senator concluded by assuring the public that she has no hidden projects or secret funds. She vowed to continue pushing for clean and accountable government spending and reminded everyone to be careful about believing false reports.