Innovation and Service: Risa Hontiveros’ Pursuit of Reform
March 23, 2025 1:08 AM PHT
Kingsley Santos, Neil Chester Sasalo, Kristine Soriano, Aljustine Raine Taluban, Blessie Liezil Ticar, Joshua Varron

Advocate. Legislator. Journalist. Senator Risa Hontiveros has fulfilled many callings, each driven by knowledge and principles. However, her mission remains resolute—change, justice, and equality. Through her transformative stewardship, she has illuminated a path of hope for the Philippines.
At the UST Legal Management Society conference on September 24, 2022, Hontiveros urged the youth to speak out, challenge authority, and advocate for reforms. She emphasized that in a world weighted with oppression, no one is ever too young to use their voice, empowering her lifelong commitment to advocating for social change and amplifying marginalized voices.
Driven by the influence of a family of dedicated public servants, Ana Theresia “Risa” Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel was shaped by the legacy of unwavering commitment to service as a lifelong calling. From an early age, she saw the entrenched injustices in social institutions and became a steadfast voice of the oppressed, a light for the neglected, and a champion for meaningful change. Even in her teenage years, she was already a symbol of justice, bearing a torch for the truth—paving the way for democracy during Martial Law. Her activism was only the beginning of a bigger fight for reform, guiding her to journalism, where she used her voice as a weapon, upholding human rights and exposing social oppression.
Before formal political involvement, Hontiveros sculpted her path in public service as a board member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), fighting for accessibility and quality health care. She served two terms as Akbayan’s representative before her 2016 election to the Senate. Her transition from activism to legislation reflected her lifelong mission, which deepened with each chapter of her journey. She is crucial in advancing quality governance in the Philippines, constantly nurturing the roots of progressive policy-making. With social justice as her compass and governance as her mission, she continues to mend societal cracks, proving the importance of virtuous leadership within the government.
Bridging STEM and Policy
Hontiveros’ unyielding advocacy illuminates the unification of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with legislation. Like two distinct roads converging—one driven by evidence and the other by ethical considerations—their integration has paved the way for innovation through informed laws. Hontiveros embodies this inclusion, fitting the puzzle pieces of scientific research and law together, forming a complete picture of solutions that address the Philippines’ most pressing societal challenges.
The need for evidence-based decision-making to ensure that laws are just and impactful is underscored by her commitment to bridging this gap. Through her legislative work, Hontiveros has demonstrated that knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to social justice can drive meaningful and lasting change for future generations. As society progresses, the connection between science and politics must become a priority for policymakers, crafting more effective and fair solutions for the nation.
A steadfast advocate for healthcare reform, Hontiveros fights for a nation with equitable access to quality medical services. As a key driving force behind the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, she strengthened the pillars of the country’s healthcare system, ensuring affordability and inclusivity for all. The law, rooted in public health and medical science, is a lifeline for Filipinos, filling the gaps in healthcare access and eliminating discrimination.
Apart from physical health, she championed mental well-being, speaking out on equal recognition for psychological and physical health awareness. The Philippine Mental Health Law (RA 11036) reinforces the significance of mental illnesses, empowering psychology, neuroscience, and medical research while reviving the long-overlooked role of mental healthcare in society. She was also instrumental in passing the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act (RA 11166), grounded in biological and medical research, modernizing medical response and awareness while combating stigma.
From hospitals to clinics to digital spaces where threats continue to unfold, her advocacy extended beyond healthcare, addressing digital safety and gender equality. Through the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OASAEC) Law (RA 11930), she fortified a shield against harassment and exploitation, pushing for stronger legal protection and cybersecurity measures. As technology rapidly advances, she ensures that the law runs alongside it, merging governance and digital innovation to create safer communities.
Beyond social welfare, Hontiveros has displayed a steadfast devotion to environmental sustainability in the Philippines through her advocacy and potent support of various initiatives. Notably, she has urged the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to prioritize renewable energy sources in addressing the country’s power shortage issues. She emphasized the significance of renewable energy in providing efficiency and sustainability, allowing equitable energy access to flourish within local communities.
Additionally, she championed a bill establishing a national coastal vegetation program, addressing the increasing threat of typhoons and coastal erosions. This initiative focuses on creating a 100-meter strip of mangroves and beach forest species along coastlines to serve as natural barriers against storm surges, thereby protecting coastal communities and enhancing biodiversity.
Lastly, Hontiveros has called for a Senate investigation into the country’s mining and quarrying activities. According to her, people are losing their livelihoods and lives, and regulations must be enforced to stop these tragedies. These advocacies highlight her dedication to balancing economic activities, environmental integrity, and community welfare. Moreover, they highlight her passion and drive, establishing her as a steward of God’s creation.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Hontiveros’ legislation aligns well with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and, Strong Institutions). Her series of legislative efforts, such as promoting agrarian reform, decreasing the cost of medicines, safeguarding the mental health of Filipinos, expanding HIV and AIDS awareness and testing facilities, and protecting women against various forms of harassment, has actively helped pave the way to success for these goals and promote sustainable development in the Philippines. She played a crucial role in empowering Filipinos and improving Philippine society by forming allegiances with the SDGs in policy making.
Hontiveros is a modern Filipino role model, actively embodying the gospel values of Justice, Peace, and Integrity. Through her advocacies, she upholds justice by constantly defending the vulnerable and ensuring that laws are in service of the marginalized to remove every loose thread of injustice in the ever-changing fabric of society. Her reform measures, notably exposing various corruption cases, such as the “pastillas” scam involving personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and exposing a “grease payment” within the National Food Authority (NFA), including her support for numerous laws that ensure legal protection against exploitation and abuse, echoes Isaiah 1:17, stating “Do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed.”
Psalms 34:14 says, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” This verse significantly reflects Hontiveros’ embodiment of the gospel value of peace and her vocal opposition to transgressions that violate human rights, particularly extrajudicial killings and discrimination. She counters these disparities by championing laws that foster community stability and protect each individual from conflict, including the SOGIE Equality Bill and Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210), fortifying inclusivity and gender equality within the nation. Chairing the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, she continues to forge a path to peace by breaking the barriers against the marginalized.
At the heart of her mission is integrity, a value that enforces her life-long battle against corruption and her journey in empowering righteous leadership. Exposing governmental abuse uplifts her advocacy on transparency and accountability, which characterizes the words of Proverbs 10:9: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Through her commitment to illuminating honesty within the dark corners of societal institutions, she is pivotal in setting the standard for leaders to impart community service rooted in authenticity and dignity.
Hontiveros exemplifies the power of transforming one’s voice to drive meaningful reform. Her call for young Filipinos to “speak truth to power” is not just rhetoric but a challenge, an invitation to actively participate in shaping policies that impact their lives. Through her legislative efforts, she showcased that informed and valiant leadership, grounded in science and social justice, is imperative to enact lasting change—setting a precedent for future leaders to approach governance with a balance of knowledge, compassion, and integrity.
Ultimately, Hontiveros’ leadership is a testament to the impact of speaking out with purpose and conviction. As the nation navigates perplexing social challenges, her deeds remind us that advocacy can mold a more just and progressive society. Through this commitment to informed action, young Filipinos can convert their voices into catalysts for real, transformative change.
Asia, T. (n.d.). Risa Hontiveros | Tatler Asia. Tatler Asia. https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/risa-hontiveros
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Gozum, I. (2024b, April 21). Hontiveros pushes Senate probe into ‘devastation, loss’ caused by mining, quarrying. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/hontiveros-resolution-senate-probe-mining-quarrying-impacts/
Hontiveros files bill seeking to build 100-meter strip of coastal vegetation to help address flooding. (2020, November 23). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/23/hontiveros-files-bill-seeking-to-build-100-meter-strip-of-coastal-vegetation-to-help-address-flooding/
Hontiveros: Prioritize renewable energy. (n.d.). Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201160
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Philippines, S. O. C. (2024, October 4). Republic Act No. 11930: Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act | Situation of Children Philippines. Situation of Children Philippines. https://situationofchildren.org/latest-evidence/all-reports/publication/republic-act-no-11930-anti-online-sexual-abuse-or