Hontiveros expects Marcos’ lifestyle check order includes himself

Sen. Risa Hontiveros delivers a privilege speech at the Senate on Thursday, August 28, 2025. — Photo from Senator Risa Hontiveros/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said she expects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for lifestyle checks to include himself.

She backed the President’s directive amid the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption that has marred various flood control projects in the country.

“I think this is just one of the many ways that can or should be done to show good faith to the public, especially now with the gravity of the corruption issue that we have, particularly on flood control projects,” she added.

“Maybe lifestyle checks are not bad because it can help create an environment of transparency. But of course, it should be accompanied by negative reinforcement…just like what Sen. (Panfilo) Ping (Lacson) was saying — negative reinforcement, the certainty that somebody would be arrested, prosecuted, and if found guilty, convicted and punished,” said Hontiveros.

READ: Marcos orders lifestyle checks, starts with DPWH

She herself was willing to undergo a lifestyle check “so that everybody will be able to see my middle-class lifestyle.”

“I’m willing to do it and more willing if it’s with the entire minority,” she added.

However, she emphasized that the order would carry more weight if the President were the first to disclose his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

“If [Pres. Marcos] ordered a lifestyle check, it would be a good example and leadership if it would include his own SALN,” the senator said.

Hontiveros said it should not be difficult to obtain a SALN, as it’s a publicly known document and covered by the principle of freedom of information. /das