Risa Hontiveros denies bicam insertions, Anthony Taberna responds

• Senator Risa Hontiveros denied having any insertions in the 2025 national budget, saying in a Facebook post that she did not sign the bicam report and voted “no” on the measure
• Her statement followed broadcaster Anthony Taberna’s discussion on alleged budget amendments, prompting him to go live on Facebook to clarify his remarks amid backlash
• Taberna said insertions are legal unless linked to corruption, citing documents allegedly showing Hontiveros’ ₱3 billion worth of projects
• He maintained that his report was based on Senate records and not meant to spread misinformation

Senator Risa Hontiveros has issued a strong denial regarding claims that she made “insertions” or amendments to the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), following discussions on the issue in the radio program Dos Por Dos hosted by Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja.

In a Facebook post on Friday, October 3, Hontiveros stated, “Wala po akong bicam insertions. Wala sa unprogrammed funds. PERIOD. Isa pa, HINDI AKO PUMIRMA sa bicam at bumoto rin ng NO sa kontrobersyal na 2025 budget.”

The senator’s remarks came after Taberna and Baja discussed statements from several lawmakers suggesting that nearly all senators in the 19th Congress had insertions or amendments in the national budget.

In response, Taberna went live on Facebook on Saturday, October 4, addressing Hontiveros’ post and clarifying his earlier statements. The broadcaster said he decided to speak up after receiving backlash online, noting that even his wife and their child, a cancer survivor, were being attacked by some of the senator’s supporters. His live stream was captioned, “insertion ni Senator Risa Hontiveros. Meron Resibo!”

During his live broadcast, Taberna maintained that there was nothing illegal about insertions, explaining that they are part of the budget process.

He said, “Nagiging ilegal o masama lamang daw ang insertion kapag nakikialam ang senador o congressman sa implementasyon nito, kung nakikialam sa pagpili ng contractor, at kung sila ay tumatanggap ng kickback o komisyon mula sa kaniyang insertion.”

Taberna also questioned Hontiveros’ strong reaction, saying, “Kaya 'yong reaksiyon ni Sen. Risa Hontiveros, medyo nakakagulat, bakit ba gano'n? Masama ba ang amendment per se? Hindi po. Kaya nakakagulat po na sasabihin niyang fake news ang atin pong sinabi o ipinahayag.”

The veteran broadcaster cited statements from Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Panfilo Lacson, who earlier said that almost all senators from the 19th Congress had insertions amounting to around ₱100 billion in the 2025 GAA.

Taberna presented documents allegedly showing that Hontiveros had budget allocations for several infrastructure projects, including the “Construction of Sinili Flood Control Structure, Section 3, Barangay Sinili, Santiago City, Isabela” worth ₱100 million, and the “Construction of Flood Control Structure along Sawaga River, Linabo Bridge Section, Brgy. Violeta, Malaybalay, Bukidnon” worth ₱200 million.

Other highlighted projects included flood control structures in Tarlac amounting to ₱75 million, and three seawall projects in Sorsogon with budgets of ₱40 million and ₱20 million. According to Taberna, these records allegedly came from Senate documents, totaling ₱3.035 billion under Hontiveros’ name.

He clarified, however, that he was not accusing the senator of wrongdoing and would first seek clarification from her office. “Itinatanggi po ba ninyo na sa inyo ito?” Taberna asked.

In closing, Taberna emphasized that their discussion was based on official records and not meant to spread misinformation. “Uulit-ulitin ko po ito ha, wala pong masama sa amendment insertion per se,” he said, reiterating that all of Hontiveros’ alleged projects appeared legitimate and beneficial.

Ana Theresia "Risa" Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel is a Filipino politician, journalist, and community leader. She was born on February 24, 1966. She won a seat in the Philippine Senate, placing 9th, during the 2016 general elections. Previously, she served as Akbayan sectoral representative in the Philippine House of Representatives from 2004 to 2010.

As previously reported by KAMI, Ogie Diaz penned a message to those who find Sen. Risa Hontiveros annoying. Recently, the talent manager took to his Facebook account to share a post from Juan Luna Blog FB page. “GOOD NEWS! Thanks to Risa Hontiveros' efforts, Meralco has agreed to refund ₱19 billion to consumers,” the post reads. Along with the status post, Diaz reacted, “O ayan, ha?” Mama Ogs went on to share his frank message to the senator’s detractors.

In another report, Sen. Risa Hontiveros has addressed the alleged fake video of former Senate witness Michael Maurilio, alias “Rene.” Hontiveros said in a statement that she would personally go to the NBI to file a complaint against the people behind the video. The lady senator also aired a fiery message to the people behind the video, saying they “have crossed the line.” In the said video, Maurilio claimed he was paid by the senator to give a false testimony against Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Source: KAMI.com.gh