Philippine Mental Health Act
The nation's first comprehensive legal charter integrating mental health services into the primary public healthcare system, establishing psychiatric facilities in regional hospitals and protecting patient rights.
Philippine Senate · 19th Congress · Deputy Minority Leader
Risa Hontiveros
Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel: Senator, Health Advocate, and Opposition Leader
Ana Theresia "Risa" Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel (born February 24, 1966) is a Filipino senator, journalist, and civil society leader recognized as the foremost voice of the democratic opposition in the Senate of the Philippines. Serving her second consecutive Senate term, she leads the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality. Over two decades of public service in the House of Representatives and the Senate, she has authored landmark legislation expanding healthcare, mental health coverage, maternity benefits, and protections against sexual abuse, while spearheading investigations into human trafficking, illegal offshore gaming hubs, and public corruption.
Current Office Senator (2016 to Present)
Senate Role Deputy Minority Leader
Committee Chair Women, Children & Gender
Party Leadership Akbayan Citizens' Action
Global Recognition 2005 Nobel Peace Nominee
Public Record
Fast facts and official credentials
Key biographical, academic, and governmental milestones of Senator Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel.
- Full Name
- Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel
- Date of Birth
- February 24, 1966 (Manila, Philippines)
- College Alma Mater
- Ateneo de Manila University (BA Social Sciences, cum laude, 1987)
- High School
- St. Scholastica's College Manila (Class Valedictorian, 1983)
- Early Performing Arts
- Louisa von Trapp, Repertory Philippines "The Sound of Music" (1980)
- Broadcast Journalism
- IBC-13 and GMA Network News (1986 to 1996; KBP Golden Dove Awardee, 1994)
- Peace Movement
- Coalition for Peace Secretary General; NDF Peace Panel Drafter
- House of Representatives
- Akbayan Party-list Representative (13th and 14th Congresses, 2004 to 2010)
- PhilHealth Service
- Member of the Board of Directors (2014 to 2015)
- Senate Mandate
- Elected 2016 (15.9M votes); Re-elected 2022 (15.4M votes)
- Spouse
- Francisco Baraquel Jr. (Married 1990; Widowed May 2005)
- Children
- Four children: Kiko, Iyah, Issa, and Sinta
Legislative Track Record
Signature landmark laws authored and championed
Senator Hontiveros has established an enduring legislative legacy across healthcare, women's rights, child welfare, and social protections.
105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law
Significantly expanded paid maternity leave from 60 days to 105 days for female workers across public and private sectors, with an option for 30 additional unpaid days and 7 days transferrable to fathers.
Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)
Pioneering legislation penalizing catcalling, sexual harassment, stalking, and misogynistic acts in streets, public utility vehicles, educational institutions, workplaces, and online platforms.
Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act
Modernized social safety nets for single parents, securing monthly ₱1,000 cash subsidies for minimum wage solo parents, a 10% discount on baby milk and medicines, and educational scholarships for children.
Anti-Online Sexual Abuse of Children (OSAEC) Law
Strengthened statutory mechanisms to dismantle internet child sexual exploitation rings, mandating internet service providers and financial intermediaries to report and block predatory material.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Law
Declared child marriages illegal and void from inception, penalizing the arrangement, solemnization, and cohabitation of minors to protect young girls from systemic premature unions.
Raising the Age of Sexual Consent Law
Raised statutory rape age limits from 12 years old (one of the lowest in the world) to 16 years old, closing a multi-decade loophole in the Revised Penal Code to safeguard adolescents.
Strengthened Anti-Hospital Deposit Law
Stiffened criminal penalties, fines, and license revocation for clinics and hospitals demanding upfront deposits or advance payments before administering emergency medical stabilization.
Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act
Overhauled the nation's response to HIV and AIDS by lowering voluntary confidential testing consent to 15 years old, prohibiting healthcare discrimination, and securing universal treatment access.
Universal Health Care Act
Principal sponsor and co-author ensuring automatic PhilHealth membership for all Filipinos, restructuring primary healthcare provider networks, and capping out of pocket hospitalization expenses.
Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act
Co-authored during her tenure in the House of Representatives, empowering the government to regulate maximum drug retail prices and permitting parallel importation of essential medications.
Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act
Institutionalized permanent, tax-free annual teaching supply allowances for public school teachers, lifting the burden of out of pocket instructional material expenses.
Fiscalizer & Oversight Record
High profile Senate investigations and inquiries
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women and senior member of the minority, Senator Hontiveros has exposed systemic corruption, human trafficking rings, and transnational crime.
Unmasking Alice Guo & Illegal POGOs
Spearheaded the explosive 2024 Senate inquiry into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga. Exposed fraudulent birth certificates, human trafficking, torture compounds, and money laundering, ultimately unmasking dismissed Mayor Alice Guo (Guo Hua Ping) and precipitating a nationwide POGO ban.
Myanmar & Cambodia Cyber-Scam Rescue
Exposed transnational syndicates trafficking hundreds of Filipinos into guarded compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Rescued over 170 victims forced under torture into romance and crypto investment scams, compelling regional ASEAN police cooperation and tightening airport anti-trafficking protocols.
Apollo Quiboloy & KOJC Abuse Inquiry
Conducted extensive Senate committee hearings into allegations of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and forced labor within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). Despite immense political pushback, she held firm on contempt citations and subpoenas that led to law enforcement operations and subsequent custody.
Bureau of Immigration "Pastillas" Scheme
Uncovered a multi-billion peso bribery syndicate at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where immigration personnel accepted cash rolled like pastillas sweets to facilitate seamless entry of unvetted Chinese nationals linked to illegal online gambling syndicates.
Pharmally Pandemic Procurement Probe
Served as key interrogator during the Senate Blue Ribbon hearings into over ₱8 billion in government medical supply contracts awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation, exposing overpriced face masks, test kits, and shell company connections.
Confidential & Intelligence Funds (CIF)
Consistently scrutinized and challenged unjustified confidential and intelligence funds in the national budget, demanding full transparency and public accounting for allocations within civil offices and departments.
19th Congress Priorities
Ongoing legislative bills and social reforms
Measures currently championed in the Senate to protect basic civil liberties, social inclusion, and maritime resources.
SOGIE Equality Bill
Comprehensive anti-discrimination measure protecting every Filipino from discrimination in employment, schooling, access to healthcare, and public accommodation based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.
Absolute Divorce Act
A civil legal remedy granting battered, abandoned, and irreconcilably separated spouses the right to legally dissolve their marriage, protect their children, and rebuild their lives with dignity.
National Autism Care and Inclusion Act
Institutionalizes early screening, specialized therapeutic healthcare, and inclusive education programs for individuals on the autism spectrum, supporting families across every province.
Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve Act
Secures protected area status and sustainable management protocols over the biodiversity and mineral reserves of Benham Rise, affirming sovereign maritime rights under international law.
Universal Social Pension for Seniors
The "Lingap Para Kay Lolo at Lola Act" seeks to expand monthly social pensions to all Filipino senior citizens, regardless of whether they receive private pensions or social security coverage.
Free Dialysis and Cancer Care Coverage
Pushes for mandatory 156-session annual free dialysis coverage under PhilHealth and dedicated cancer assistance funds to relieve families from catastrophic medical spending.
Biographical Trajectory
From youth activism and journalism to the Senate
A chronology tracing four decades of advocacy, media, peacebuilding, and democratic leadership.
- 1980 Theater Debut in "The Sound of Music"
At age 14, performed as Louisa von Trapp in Repertory Philippines' iconic production of The Sound of Music, sharing the stage with young performers Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, and Raymond Lauchengco.
- 1983 to 1987 Ateneo Student Leadership & Democratic Struggles
High school valedictorian at St. Scholastica's College Manila. Led youth protests against authoritarian rule, graduated cum laude from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, and co-founded progressive student coalitions.
- 1986 to 1996 Ten Years of Broadcast Journalism
Served as a dedicated news anchor and investigative journalist for IBC-13 (Headline Trese) and GMA Network (GMA Network News and Firing Line), winning the KBP Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster in 1994.
- 1996 to 2004 Peace Negotiations & 2005 Nobel Peace Prize Nomination
Served as Secretary General of the Coalition for Peace and drafted peace terms on the Government of the Philippines panel negotiating with the National Democratic Front. Nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize among 1,000 PeaceWomen worldwide.
- 2004 to 2010 House of Representatives (Akbayan Party-list)
Elected to the 13th and 14th Congresses as Akbayan representative. Championed the Cheaper Medicines Law, CARPER agrarian reform extension, and protections for agrarian reform beneficiaries.
- 2014 to 2015 PhilHealth Board of Directors
Served on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation board, advancing universal healthcare coverage for low income families and expanding basic primary benefit packages.
- 2016 to Present Two-Term Senator of the Philippines
Elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2022. Emerged as Deputy Minority Leader and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, authoring over 15 enacted Republic Acts and steering landmark fiscalizer inquiries.
"True leadership is not about consolidating power for oneself, but ensuring that those who have the least in life have the most in law and dignity. We speak truth to power because the Filipino people deserve nothing less."
Senator Risa Hontiveros · Senate Plenary Address In-Depth Leadership Interview Senator Risa Hontiveros reflects on women in public leadership, personal resilience, and navigating legislative battles during Women's Month on Toni Talks.
Public Access & Engagement
Official Senate directory and verified digital channels
Connect with the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros for legislative proposals, constituent assistance, or public affairs.
Senate of the Philippines Office
- Office Address:
Room 527, 5th Floor, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1307, Metro Manila, Philippines - Telephone Trunk Lines:
(02) 8552-6601 to 70 (Connecting to Room 527)
Direct Senate locals: 5505, 5781, and 5782 - Official Senate Email:
senator.hontiveros@senate.gov.ph - Official Website:
risahontiveros.com
Verified Digital & Social Channels
Follow official legislative updates, committee hearing livestreaming, and constituent service announcements:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Senator Risa Hontiveros
Answers to recurring inquiries regarding her legislative record, committee duties, investigations, and background.
Who is Senator Risa Hontiveros?
Ana Theresia "Risa" Navarro Hontiveros-Baraquel is a Filipino politician, former broadcast journalist, and human rights advocate currently serving as Senator of the Philippines. First elected to the Senate in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, she serves as Senate Deputy Minority Leader and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality. She is a senior leader of the Akbayan Citizens' Action Party.
What are the landmark laws authored by Risa Hontiveros?
Her signature enacted laws include the Philippine Mental Health Act (RA 11036), the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210), the Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law (RA 11313), the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861), the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse of Children Law (RA 11930), the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law (RA 11596), Raising the Age of Sexual Consent to 16 (RA 11648), the Strengthened Anti-Hospital Deposit Law (RA 10932), the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act (RA 11166), and the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223).
What was Risa Hontiveros's role in the Alice Guo and POGO investigations?
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, Senator Hontiveros led the inquiry into illegal POGOs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga. Her committee unmasked dismissed Mayor Alice Guo as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, uncovered forged late-registration birth certificates, documented torture compounds and human trafficking hubs, and traced money laundering networks, directly leading to a nationwide presidential ban on POGOs.
Was Senator Risa Hontiveros nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes. In 2005, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the "1,000 PeaceWomen Across the Globe" collective initiative, recognizing her work as Secretary General of the Coalition for Peace and her participation in peace drafting panels between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front.
What is her educational and broadcast journalism background?
She graduated valedictorian from St. Scholastica's College Manila high school in 1983 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, cum laude, from Ateneo de Manila University in 1987. For ten years (1986 to 1996), she worked as a television journalist and anchor for IBC-13 and GMA Network, receiving the KBP Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster in 1994. In 1980, she also starred as Louisa von Trapp in Repertory Philippines' production of The Sound of Music alongside Lea Salonga.
What are her key bills in the 19th Congress?
In the 19th Congress, Senator Hontiveros is championing the SOGIE Equality Bill (Senate Bill No. 1600) to penalize discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Absolute Divorce Act (Senate Bill No. 2443) to provide a civil dissolution of marriage for abused and abandoned spouses, the National Autism Care and Inclusion Act (Senate Bill No. 1822), and the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve Act to protect sovereign maritime ecosystems.
How can citizens contact the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros?
Citizens can visit or write to her office at Room 527, 5th Floor, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1307. The office telephone trunkline is (02) 8552-6601 local 5505, 5781, or 5782, and official email inquiries can be sent to senator.hontiveros@senate.gov.ph or submitted via risahontiveros.com.
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Sources and Editorial Verification. Information compiled by the PHSHIRT Editorial Team from the Senate of the Philippines Legislative Reference Bureau and Issuances Library, official records of the Senate of the Philippines (senate.gov.ph), English and Tagalog Wikipedia entries for Risa Hontiveros, Rappler investigative reports, Tatler Asia, risahontiveros.com, Repertory Philippines archives, and official verified social media communications. Last reviewed and updated October 2026.
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