At least two Facebook posts claim that Sen. Risa Hontiveros declared readiness to become the next president. This is fake.
The first post published on Oct. 6 contains a photo of Hontiveros and this fake quote attributed to her:
“HANDA NA PO AKONG MAGING PANGULO (I am ready to become the president).”
The post carried a caption meant to amplify the fabricated quote:
“SEN. RISA HONTIVEROS NANINDIGAN AT HANDA NA DAW SIYA MAGING PANGULO NG ASSOCIATION.
(Sen. Risa Hontiveros stood firm and is reportedly ready to become president of the association).”
Another user reposted the identical graphic on another public Facebook page three days after the original date of publication.
There are no official records, press statements, or news reports documenting the senator making this declaration.
While Hontiveros has stated that she is open to running in 2028, she has repeatedly emphasized that any candidacy is conditional on being selected by a unified coalition, rather than making an outright personal declaration.
During a press briefing on Feb. 9, when asked if she would run for president or vice president in the upcoming national elections, the lawmaker said:
“I would be willing to take on any task na hihingin ng united opposition. Kung magkaisa kami sa usaping 2028, palagay ko ‘yon ‘yung magpapalakas ng tiyansa namin. Kung sino ang bubuuin naming team or slate para doon, susuportahan ko ‘yon
(I would be willing to take on any task requested by the united opposition. If we unite regarding the 2028 elections, I believe that is what will strengthen our chances. Whoever will be part of the team or slate, I will support them).”
In a separate press conference on Aug. 21, Hontiveros also stressed that the coalition must focus on strengthening its foundation to field a single, competitive candidate:
“If it turns out that I am the strongest, that I can be elected from our party, then I will talk to the members, the allies in our party. It’s important that we have just one. Let’s unite around the strongest one, so that we have a fighting chance.”
The fake posts surfaced amid the Senate impeachment trial of the vice president, where Hontiveros serves as one of the senator-judges.
Posted by Facebook users, the posts have so far collectively garnered 11,786 reactions, 6,300 comments, and 248 shares.
