Manila, Philippines – Insertion Queen.
This is how Cavite 4th District Representative Francisci “Kiko” Barzaga described Senator Risa Hontiveros amid Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairmanship talks.
To recall, following Senator Ping Lacson’s resignation, Hontiveros was among the senators being considered to get the post, along with Joseph Victor Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Francis ‘Kiko Pangilinan, and Pia Cayetano.
Barzaga argued that instead of being appointed as the new chairperson, Hontiveros should be investigated by the committee instead over alleged corruption.
Barzaga cited reports about alleged P3 billion insertions and amendments made by Hontiveros under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), from which P750 million are allegedly under flood control projects.
These claims were already denied by Hontiveros, supporting her stand over the matter as one of those who did not sign for the 2025 GAA’s approval.
Barzaga said that while he does not dismerit Hontiveros’ record as a legislator, he noted that these allegations are enough to cross out the senator from the chairmanship options.
The lawmaker, in various facebook posts, have repeatedly criticized consideration of Hontiveros for the chairmanship position.
Barzaga did not miss the chance to criticize Hontiveros’ wealth, following the release of a copy of her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worths (SALN).
Hontiveros has a P18.99 million declared networth—P19.88 million in assets, while P897,840 in liabilities.
In a Facebook post, Barzaga called Hontiveros “wealthy”, criticizing the need to commit alleged budget insertions.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News