Photo credit: Senate PH

As Senator Risa Hontiveros continues to play a prominent role in national debates and Senate investigations, many Filipinos are asking: Who is Risa Hontiveros and what has she accomplished in public service?

Born Ana Theresia "Risa" Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel on February 24, 1966, Hontiveros is a veteran lawmaker, former journalist, activist, and advocate known for championing public health, women's rights, human rights, and social justice causes. She is widely recognized as the first woman from the democratic socialist movement to be elected to the Philippine Senate.

Before entering politics, Hontiveros worked as a broadcast journalist and community organizer. A graduate of Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Social Sciences, she became actively involved in civil society organizations and reform movements. She later helped build Akbayan, a progressive political party that would become one of the country's most influential party-list groups.

Hontiveros entered Congress in 2004 as a representative of Akbayan Party-list and served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives until 2010. During her tenure, she pushed for legislation focused on healthcare, women's rights, reproductive health, democratic participation, and social protection programs.

After unsuccessful Senate bids in 2010 and 2013, Hontiveros won a Senate seat in the 2016 elections and secured a second term in 2022. Since then, she has emerged as one of the Senate's most visible lawmakers and a leading voice on governance, accountability, and social welfare issues.

Among the landmark laws she helped author, sponsor, or champion are the Mental Health Act, which established the country's first comprehensive mental health framework; the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which increased paid maternity leave benefits for working mothers; the Safe Spaces Act, which penalizes gender-based harassment in public and online spaces; and the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which expanded benefits and protections for solo parents.

She also played a key role in advancing legislation against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, human trafficking, and measures aimed at improving healthcare access and social services for vulnerable sectors.

Beyond legislation, Hontiveros has gained national attention through several high-profile Senate investigations. She led the Senate inquiry into the so-called "pastillas" bribery scheme involving officials of the Bureau of Immigration, which resulted in administrative and criminal complaints against several government personnel.

In recent years, she has also spearheaded investigations involving illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), alleged human trafficking syndicates, and other matters concerning government accountability and public safety.

Before entering elected office, Hontiveros was active in peace-building initiatives and social justice campaigns. In 2001, she received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Peace and Advocacy. She was also among the Filipinas included in the international 1,000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 initiative, which recognized women working for peace and social change around the world.

Hontiveros comes from a family known in media and public service. She is the sister of broadcast journalist Pia Hontiveros and the cousin of former professional basketball player Dondon Hontiveros.

A widow and solo parent of four children, Hontiveros has often cited her experiences as a mother as one of the motivations behind her legislative priorities, particularly those involving families, women, children, and healthcare.

Today, Hontiveros remains one of the most influential figures in Philippine politics, continuing to advocate for public health, human rights, anti-corruption measures, women's welfare, and democratic governance while playing a key role in several of the Senate's most closely watched investigations.