MANILA – Risa Hontiveros called for a full and independent investigation into the recent incident inside the Senate, while urging Ronald dela Rosa to cooperate with law enforcement authorities regarding his warrant.

In a statement, Hontiveros denied accusations linking her and other minority senators to the controversy surrounding the incident at the Senate.

“Ito po ang katotohanan: tapos na ang session, kaya umuwi na ang mga empleyado. Ako, lumipad papuntang probinsya para sa scheduled na conference. Ang mga colleagues sa minority, ang aming mga staff, pati ang marami sa aming mga katrabaho ay nag-uwian dahil tapos na ang trabaho,” she said.

The senator also defended Senate employees against criticism and accusations tied to their departure after the session adjourned.

“Wag naman nilang gamitin sa pamumulitika ang pag-uwi ng ating Senate employees, who are doing an honest day’s work,” she added.

Hontiveros claimed that some individuals were attempting to politicize the issue to shield Dela Rosa from legal accountability.

“There is only one reason some bad faith actors are trying very hard to make this controversial event about me and other minority senators and the times we went home. All this for a man who simply doesn’t want to face the law. That’s it. That’s the whole story,” she said.

The senator also condemned the violence that occurred inside the Senate premises, describing it as an attack on the institution itself.

“Unfortunately, the Senate, The People’s House, the hallowed space where laws are made and rights are defended, was turned into a shooting range. That is desecration, not just of our walls, but of the trust placed in that institution. What a historic low for our country,” Hontiveros said.

She stressed that senators are merely caretakers of the institution and that the Senate ultimately belongs to the Filipino people.

“We, Senators, are mere stewards of the Senate. The Senate belongs to the Filipino people, so no one gets to act like they own the place, much less barricade themselves inside it,” she said.

Hontiveros also appealed to Dela Rosa to voluntarily cooperate with authorities to prevent further tension and violence inside and outside the Senate.

“Kaya sana, para maiwasan ang panibagong karahasan at tensyon sa loob man o labas ng Senado, mag-submit na at makipagtulungan si Senator Dela Rosa sa mga alagad ng batas ukol sa kanyang warrant,” she said.

The senator emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding the incident.

“We need to get to the bottom of this. The Filipino people deserve a full, independent, and unobstructed accounting. Walang takipan,” Hontiveros said.

She added that despite the controversy, the Senate would continue carrying out its legislative duties.

“Anuman ang mangyari, magpapatuloy ang trabaho ng Senado. Let’s get our act together.”