Hontiveros says opposition has ‘capability and willingness’ to work with anyone

FILE PHOTO: Senator Rosa Hontiveros. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said the opposition has proven that it is capable and willing to cooperate with its counterparts in the administration and will continue to do so under the next Congress.

“I think all this time, the opposition has shown and in particular the minority in the Senate, has shown that within the independent institution of the Senate, those of us in the minority have exhibited the willingness [and] the capability to work with any other colleague in the majority,” Hontiveros told CNN Philippines’ The Source in an interview.

“Within the Senate, the minority that we are building right now, [it] will continue to have the attitude and behavior with our colleagues in the majority and I think with the administration as well,” she added.

She made these remarks when asked whether the public can expect either a “hardliner” opposition or one that is willing to compromise under the administration of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.

READ: Hontiveros bares talking to Pimentel about forming Senate minority bloc

Hontiveros stressed that the new Senate minority would be prepared to raise “critical points” and “constructive criticisms” in the incoming administration.

“We will be prepared to raise critical points [and] constructive criticisms. We will also be prepared to support good programs that the administration may launch,” she said.

The lawmaker also said that the Senate minority bloc in the 19th Congress will be a “genuine and effective minority.”

READ: Hontiveros reaching out to other senators to form Senate minority bloc

“My main interest is that in the minority of the 19th Congress, we [will] be a genuine and effective minority, [and to be] able to pass laws needed by our people,” said Hontiveros.

“The minority will help not just the opposition outside the Senate, but also the broad citizenry to arrive at broader unities on issues of common concern[s],” she added.

Hontiveros also said she believes that the voice of the opposition will not be weakened despite their numbers under the next Congress.

READ: Supermajority, family ties shape new Senate

“[The voice of the opposition is] not at all [weak]. Sen. Koko [Pimentel] and I both have a long tradition in the democratization process,” said Hontiveros.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is poised to be a member of the minority in the 19th Congress.

READ: Hontiveros eyes at least 3 minority bloc senators as talks continue

“We can [and] I’m very hopeful [to] still make a strong push, still raise strong voices for checks and balances, and for fiscalizing very, not just important, but essential elements of any democratization process,” the lawmaker added.

Hontiveros also said that the Senate minority could draw support from the majority concerning common advocacies.

“In the minority, we are capable of making common cause with the majority and drawing their support, the support of members of the majority to advocacies which we may hold in common,” she said. — Iliana Padigos, INQUIRER.net intern.

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