Listen to the article
False Claims Circulate About Senator Risa Hontiveros’ Arrest
Misleading videos claiming that Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros has been arrested are spreading on YouTube, despite the lawmaker continuing to fulfill her senatorial duties without any legal impediments.
Two videos uploaded on February 7 have collectively amassed over 55,000 views and 4,700 likes, both falsely suggesting that Hontiveros faces criminal charges. The videos feature sensationalized thumbnails and clickbait titles designed to create the impression of legal action against the senator.
One video, uploaded by “PINAS BALITA TV,” bears the title “Nakarma na! Hontiveros wala nang takas! Korte Suprema sinampolan na si Risa, sinupalpal ng katotohanan?” (It’s over! Hontiveros has no escape! The Supreme Court made an example of Risa, confronted by the truth?). Its thumbnail displays Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen apparently holding a court decision alongside images of Hontiveros and other politicians.
The second video, from “News Update Files,” goes further with its headline: “Traydoran na! Risa Hontiveros kulong na! Nilaglag ni Tito Sotto! Hinatulan na, kriminal pala?” (Betrayal! Risa Hontiveros jailed! Exposed by Tito Sotto! Convicted as a criminal?). This video’s thumbnail prominently features text declaring Hontiveros a criminal and shows an image of Senate President Tito Sotto allegedly holding an arrest warrant.
However, no such legal actions exist against Hontiveros. She has not been arrested, jailed, or convicted of any crime. The Philippine Supreme Court has issued no ruling against her, and no arrest warrant has been issued.
The misleading claims appear to deliberately misrepresent a recent Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution dated December 22, 2025, which actually dismissed a cyberlibel complaint that Hontiveros herself had filed. The senator had initiated legal action against social media personalities including “Banat By” and six others over videos that allegedly claimed she bribed a Senate witness to testify against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Prosecutors found insufficient evidence to pursue Hontiveros’ complaint, ruling that while the respondents’ statements were offensive, they weren’t legally actionable on their own. This dismissal of Hontiveros’ complaint was then twisted by the YouTube channels to falsely suggest she faced criminal charges herself.
The content of these videos further reveals their deceptive nature. While claiming to report on Hontiveros’ supposed arrest, the actual content of the first video discusses entirely unrelated topics, focusing instead on potential “power sharing” arrangements in the Senate. This discussion was apparently sparked by a photo posted by Senator Kiko Pangilinan showing the Senate’s majority bloc, which included both Hontiveros and Senator Loren Legarda. The video’s actual content centers on Legarda’s potential Senate leadership aspirations rather than any legal troubles for Hontiveros.
This pattern of misleading content follows a trend of disinformation targeting Hontiveros. Fact-checking organization Rappler has previously debunked multiple false claims about the senator, noting that many rely on similar tactics of clickbait titles and sensationalized content to attract viewers while spreading misinformation.
The proliferation of such misleading content highlights ongoing challenges with digital disinformation in Philippine politics, where social media platforms continue to be battlegrounds for political narratives ahead of election cycles. These fabricated claims not only mislead the public about a sitting senator’s legal status but also contribute to the broader erosion of factual political discourse in the country.
As of writing, Senator Hontiveros continues to fulfill her legislative duties without any legal impediments.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
18 Comments
This case highlights the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law in a democratic society. I hope the Supreme Court’s decision will be based solely on the merits of the case.
Well said. An impartial and transparent judicial process is essential for maintaining public trust in the system.
It’s concerning to see the spread of misleading videos and clickbait titles around this issue. Fact-checking and reliable reporting are crucial in times like these.
I agree. Misinformation can be very damaging, so it’s important to seek out authoritative and unbiased sources on this matter.
This case is a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, the judiciary, and the media in the Philippines. I hope the Supreme Court can provide clarity and restore public confidence.
Absolutely. Transparency and accountability from all involved parties will be key to ensuring a fair and just resolution.
The allegations against Senator Hontiveros seem quite serious, but it’s crucial that the legal process plays out without undue influence or sensationalism. I’ll be following this closely.
Agreed. It’s important to let the facts and evidence guide the outcome, rather than being swayed by partisan rhetoric or misleading narratives.
The allegations against Senator Hontiveros are certainly troubling, but it’s important to withhold judgment until the Supreme Court has had a chance to review the evidence and make a decision. I hope the process is fair and transparent.
Exactly. Due process and the rule of law should be the guiding principles here, rather than knee-jerk reactions or partisan posturing.
While the details of this case are still emerging, it’s concerning to see the apparent spread of disinformation. I hope the Senate panel and the Supreme Court can cut through the noise and focus on the facts.
That’s a good point. Cutting through the noise and misinformation is critical in a case like this, where the stakes are so high.
This is an interesting case. I wonder what the Supreme Court’s ruling will be and how it will impact the political landscape in the Philippines.
Indeed, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications. I’ll be following the updates closely.
The role of the Senate panel in this case is intriguing. I’m curious to see how they navigate the legal complexities and potential political tensions.
Absolutely. The Senate panel will need to tread carefully to ensure a fair and impartial process.
This case seems to be a complex intersection of legal, political, and media dynamics. I’ll be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what it means for the broader political landscape in the Philippines.
Well said. The implications of this case could be far-reaching, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming weeks and months.