MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said the Senate minority bloc remains ready to resume work despite continuing tensions in the chamber following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and the subsequent boycott by majority senators.

In an interview on DZBB Super Radyo’s “One-on-one, Walang Personalan” with Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison, Hontiveros said minority senators would attend the plenary session and push for legislative work to continue as the Senate approaches adjournment sine die.

Responding to questions about claims that senators failed to extend gestures of support to Estrada during his arrest, Hontiveros said emotions were valid but stressed the need to prioritize institutional duties.

“Ok, so again, lahat ng mga damdamin na yan valid pero ito po.”

She said the minority remained focused on accountability and the rule of law, noting that the Sandiganbayan-issued warrant was a lawful step.

She also cited past cases of senators facing arrest, saying these moments formed part of accountability processes under the law.

Hontiveros rejected claims that the issue involved Senate independence, insisting instead that the controversy was about legal accountability and duty.

“Hindi po katanggap-tanggap na tawagin yung mga pangyayari kahapon na attack sa Senado kasi, ano ba, si Senate President Alan Peter ba, kino-question ngayon niya ang rule of law.”

She also expressed support for Estrada’s decision to face the allegations, saying she respected his statement that he would not evade legal proceedings.

“…personally I take my hat off to him na sinabi niyang haharap siya, hindi siya magtatago sa Senate, hindi niya gagamitin yung institution bilang isang kalasag…”

On criticisms that minority senators failed to accompany or “tapik” Estrada during the incident, Hontiveros said such actions were not required and stressed that the more important issue was upholding accountability.

“Palagay ko hindi naman magiging unethical yun para sa mga nag-hatid kay Senator Jinggoy…”

She also addressed allegations that minority senators were silent on the flood control issue, citing their participation in previous Senate investigations, including work under former Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Hontiveros said some minority senators had signed committee reports and expressed willingness to continue deliberations.

On proposals to form subcommittees, she said procedural steps must first be completed in the Senate before such bodies can be created.

The senator also urged the Senate leadership to reopen plenary sessions and allow legislative work to proceed, noting that several bills remain pending ahead of adjournment.

“This may be the first time in decades na tumigil ang Senado magtrabaho dahil ang presiding officer mismo nag-refuse na magtrabaho,” she said.

Hontiveros added that the minority bloc continues to report for work and will attend upcoming sessions, saying urgency is needed to pass remaining measures before adjournment sine die.

“Hindi po kami nawawala sa beat kasi araw-araw bumababa kami sa floor handang-handa na gawin ang aming trabaho,” she said.