MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said she is committed to continuing the work of the Senate despite the recent leadership change and expressed support for Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

Hontiveros, now part of the majority bloc supporting Senate President Tito Sotto III, said she was not surprised by the leadership shift. “Bagamat parang hanggang ngayon medyo surreal pa rin ito pero masayang-masaya po ako at nadagdagan po ng pag-asa para sa aming patuloy na pagtatrabaho moving forward,” she said.

She assured that ongoing committee hearings, investigations, and legislation—including the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe into alleged anomalies in flood control projects—will continue. Hontiveros confirmed she declined an offer to chair the Blue Ribbon Committee, saying consensus within the Senate supported Lacson’s leadership.

Regarding criticisms that the flood control hearings have become a “volleyball” between the Senate and House of Representatives, Hontiveros emphasized the proceedings are a serious effort to hold accountable contractors, DPWH officials, and lawmakers allegedly involved. She also welcomed the creation of an independent investigative body by the President, noting that multiple investigating bodies could work complementarily.

On ethics complaints filed against her, Hontiveros described them as “recycled lies and harassment” and said she will respond fully once she reviews the allegations.