MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros reiterated the need for a proposed P52.8-billion supplemental budget to support vulnerable sectors amid rising oil prices and global tensions, while also raising concerns over alleged abuse of the country’s asylum system.

Speaking in a radio interview, Hontiveros said the proposed funding aims to provide immediate assistance to transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing crisis.

“Bukod doon sa AICS na regular program ng DSWD, itong 52.8B pesos supplemental budget na inihain ko sa Senate, inihain narin ng Akbayan Party sa House, at ni Dinagat Representative Kaka Bag-ao. Ito pong 52.8B ay para mabigyan ng ayuda, suporta, agaran yung at least tatlong pinakabulnerableng sektor sa ngayon, yung ating mga tsuper, pati po mga delivery riders ah at mga TNVS drivers, plus yung ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at yung ating mga OFWs na nagpaparepatriate at kailangan ma-reintegrate dito sa ekonomiya natin sa ating bansa.”

The senator said P12 billion from the proposed package would be allocated for public transport drivers, noting that rising fuel prices have made daily operations unsustainable.

“So dun palang muna po sa mga public transport drivers natin, 12B pesos po ang nakapaloob dito sa supplemental budget, just in the first three months kasi talagang sumisirit ang presyo ng langis so halos palabas palang sila sa pinaparadahan ng kanilang mga tricycle at jeep, lugi na sila.”

She added that P2.8 billion is earmarked for agricultural and fisheries subsidies covering around 1.1 million farmers and fisherfolk, while P38 billion is proposed for OFW repatriation and reintegration.

“And then bukod po sa para public transport drivers natin, may 2.8B pesos din na agricultural at fisheries subsidy sa ating mga 1.1 million na mga magsasaka’t mangingisda – ito para hindi naman po humina ang ani nila, at huli nila, at para din sa ating mga mamimili sa palengke, grocery, hindi kaagad, tumaas ang presyo ng mga pagkain.”

“And last but not the least, of course, 38B pesos naman dagdag na repatriation at reintegration fund para sa ating mga OFWs.”

Hontiveros emphasized the urgency of passing the measure, suggesting that Congress may convene a special session to approve the proposal.

“Kaya kaagad naming finile itong bill para sa supplemental budget. Bagamt adjourned na kami pwede naman kaming mag-special session, kahit isang linggo lang, para lang maipasa itong supplemental budget na ito.”

She also backed the suspension or reduction of excise tax on fuel but noted that its impact may take weeks to be felt, underscoring the need for immediate financial assistance.

“So yung pinasa naming pagbigay ng kapangyarihan sa presidente na i-suspend o bawasan ang excise tax, ok yun, sinuportahan ko yun, pero good lang yun para sa unang mga linggo.”

“…isinabi na it could take from 1 to 1 1/2 months bago maramdaman talaga itong pagbaba ng presyo, lalo na ng diesel, plus gasolina. So diba sa loob ng 4-6 na linggo na iyan, urgent talaga na maipasa na ang supplemental budget para mabigyan na ng suporta, ng ayuda, yung mga bulnerableng sektor natin…”

The senator said there is growing support in the Senate for the proposed budget, citing previous discussions with fellow lawmakers and agencies.

“I believe dito sa Senado may chansa talaga ito dahil nun palang pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Migrant Workers at sinabi ng Department of Migrant Workers, humihingi na sila ng dagdag na budget…”

On the issue of overseas workers, Hontiveros warned that existing government funds may fall short as more Filipinos seek repatriation due to security concerns abroad.

“Kukulangin talaga. Kasi nung hearing na yun, sinabi ng DMW, meron nalang silang hinihinging 1.76B na natitira para sa emergency fund…”

She said the proposed P38-billion allocation aims to ensure both safe return and reintegration of OFWs into the local economy.

“Kaya, repatriation at reintegration supplemental item na 38B pesos ang hinihingi ng supplemental budget bill namin.”

During the interview, Hontiveros also raised concerns over the granting of asylum to certain foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal activities, including a figure identified as Mr. Yin, also known as Elvis Chan.

“Napag-alaman na siya rin ay isang kinikilalang Elvis Chan, dating CEO ng AB Leisure, na subsidiary ng kilala nating online gambling company na Digiplus…”

“…So sino nga ba itong pinagbibigyan natin ng refugee status? Una, pugante sa sarili nilang bansa, at ngayon, nasa mga negosyo na talagang iniimbestigahan natin ng maigi. Baka mamaya hindi lang gambling personality itong si Elvis Chan o Mr. Yin, mamaya, siya kaya ay agent of influence din at malign actor din ba siya?”

She called on authorities to investigate possible misuse of the asylum system and coordinate with international law enforcement agencies.

“Niraise ko na pareho sa DOJ at sa BI nung nakaraang pagdinig, tungkol dito sa asylum system, at pagsamantala dito.”

Hontiveros added that asylum grants may be revoked for valid reasons and expressed hope that concerned agencies are reviewing the cases raised.

“…sinabi naman ng DOJ ang grant of asylum ay pwede namang, for good reason, i-rescind.”

On legislative matters, the senator said preparations are underway in case impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte are transmitted to the Senate, which would then convene as an impeachment court.

“Ngayon pa lang naghahanda ako na kung itratransmit nila ang impeachment complaints sa amin, una gaya ng sinabi ni SP Tito Sotto, kikilusan namin yan forthwith…”

She also underscored the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds vote, or 16 senators, to convict or acquit in an impeachment trial.

“Opo. Kailangan parin namin sumunod sa Konstitusyon, sa bawat sandali. Opo, 16 parin.”

Meanwhile, Hontiveros said she remains hopeful that a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report on an alleged flood control scam will gain enough support to be brought to the plenary for deliberation.

“Hopeful ako para diyan… Umaasa ako na aabot kami ng siyam na gustong matalakay sa plenary itong napakahalagang committee report sa isang napakahalagang imbestigasyon sa napakahalagang isyu ng korapsyon.”