Next 6 years challenging – Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines – Administration senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros, who’s ranking 7 in the 12-person senatorial race based on unofficial results, stressed the value of an independent Senate given the “possible resurgence” of leaders’ “authoritarian tendencies.”

“The shape of the next 6 years has largely changed, mas challenging,” Hontiveros told Rappler during its Special Election Coverage on Tuesday, May 10.

Hontiveros ran under the coalition led by the ruling Liberal Party, whose standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Tuesday conceded defeat to frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte. The party list she belongs to, Akbayan, is a coalition partner of the LP.

Based on the latest election count Tuesday noon, 5 other LP candidates will likely make it to the Senate.

LP head President Benigno Aquino III ends his 6-year term on June 30, 2016. He campaigned for Roxas on the theme of continuity, repeatedly citing the gains achieved by his administration which he said should continue.

Hontiveros acknowledged the hard lessons from this campaign given the “push and pull” between Filipinos who recognize that change does not come in an instant, and those who have grown “frustrated” and “impatient” and want to see change now. 

In his presidential bid that has attracted Filipinos from all socio-economic classes and across geographical locations, the hardliner Duterte has used the slogan “Change is coming.”

For one who failed in 2 previous senatorial bids, Hontiveros conceded she has a lot to learn from Duterte, who’s never lost a race and who addresses “gut issues.”

The known feminist said that she can work with the outgoing Davao mayor on issues such as crime and employment, but stressed he should know that respect for women and human rights is “non-negotiable” to her.

Up to women

The trash-talking Davao mayor talks openly about his womanizing and never hesitates to kiss women in public. At the tail end of the presidential campaign, he joked about the rape of an Australian kidnap victim during his term as Davao mayor, triggering international outcry.

“Rape is not and is never a joke,” Hontiveros said, adding that she will continue to push for a “gender sensitive society, government and institutions.” 

Asked if she thought Duterte would change, the former director of PhilHealth quipped: “It’s up to us. The women should set the tone, the agenda. If Duterte wants to change, then that’s up to him. But in large part, this is really up to us.”

The former anti-Marcos activist noted that Filipinos had already seen “red flags” during Duterte’s campaign. “The stage is set for us to hold the line for women dignity,” she added.

On election day last Monday, May 9, Duterte said he will behave once he becomes president. – Rappler.com