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Senators Aquino, Pangilinan, and Hontiveros Have Substantial Legislative Records, Contrary to False Claims
Claims circulating on social media that Senators Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros have not passed any laws during their terms in the 20th Congress are demonstrably false, according to official records.
A Facebook post from an account named “Sir Jack Argota” on January 9 has gained significant traction with approximately 4,700 reactions, 1,700 comments, and 196 shares, spreading misinformation about the senators’ legislative achievements.
The Senate’s official website, revamped in November 2025, offers comprehensive statistical summaries of each senator’s legislative accomplishments, clearly contradicting the viral claim. The data shows that all three senators have authored numerous bills and successfully shepherded many into law.
Senator Aquino’s record indicates he has authored 272 bills and co-authored an additional 70. He has also introduced 114 resolutions and co-authored 146 more. Most significantly, 42 of his bills have been enacted into law, underscoring his effectiveness as a legislator.
Pangilinan’s record is similarly substantial, with 246 authored bills, 97 co-authored bills, 187 authored resolutions, and 241 co-authored resolutions. His total of 57 bills passed into law represents one of the more productive legislative records in the Senate.
Senator Hontiveros leads the trio with 314 authored bills, 124 co-authored bills, 192 authored resolutions, and 321 co-authored resolutions. Her 60 bills passed into law demonstrate her considerable impact on Philippine legislation.
Beyond mere numbers, these senators have championed significant legislation that has shaped Philippine society and economy. Aquino focused his legislative efforts on education, entrepreneurship, and social welfare, playing a key role in the passage of the Go Negosyo Act and co-authoring the Philippine Competition Act. Perhaps most notably, he sponsored the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which revolutionized higher education access by providing free tuition at state universities and colleges.
Pangilinan’s legislative impact includes the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act 11321), which aimed to improve farmers’ incomes and agricultural productivity. He also contributed to the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (Republic Act 11210), significantly enhancing support for working mothers. His broader legislative agenda has encompassed food security, education reform, and judicial system improvements.
Hontiveros has established herself as a champion for public health and the rights of women and marginalized communities. As principal author of the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, she has helped provide critical support to single-parent households. The Safe Spaces Act and Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Law further demonstrate her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
This is not the first instance of misinformation regarding legislators’ performance circulating on social media. Rappler has previously fact-checked similar false claims about the number of laws passed by various legislators.
The Facebook account spreading this misinformation, “Sir Jack Argota,” has been flagged for disseminating false information before. In a previous instance, the account incorrectly attributed full credit to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration for the Bucana Bridge project in Davao City.
The persistence of such misinformation highlights the importance of verifying claims against official records, particularly when evaluating the performance of public officials and legislative bodies.
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12 Comments
While one may not agree with all their policy positions, it’s clear these senators have been effective lawmakers based on the official records. Misinformation can distort the reality, so I’m glad this fact check provides the full picture.
Exactly, this underscores the importance of relying on authoritative and transparent data sources when evaluating the work of our elected representatives. Fact-checking is essential for an informed citizenry.
While the statistics are impressive, I’m curious to know how the senators’ legislative output compares to their peers. Relative performance could provide additional context for evaluating their effectiveness.
That’s a good point. Benchmarking their records against other senators would help put the numbers in perspective. A comparative analysis could offer deeper insights into their productivity and influence as lawmakers.
Interesting to see the facts behind the claims about these senators’ legislative records. Official data seems to contradict the misinformation circulating online. It’s important to rely on authoritative sources when evaluating politicians’ achievements.
Absolutely, fact-checking is crucial to cut through the noise and get the real picture. The Senate’s own website provides comprehensive data – that’s a reliable source to refer to.
The data highlights the senators’ legislative productivity, which is an important metric for assessing their performance. However, the quality and impact of the laws passed is also crucial. I’d be curious to learn more about the specific bills they’ve authored.
That’s a fair point. Quantity doesn’t always equate to quality or meaningful change. A deeper dive into the substance of their legislative work would provide more context. Fact-checking is an ongoing process.
These numbers suggest the senators have been quite active and productive in passing laws, contrary to the misleading social media claims. It’s good to see the data sets the record straight.
Agreed, the statistics speak for themselves. Passing over 40 bills into law is a substantial legislative accomplishment that deserves recognition, regardless of political affiliation.
This fact check is a good reminder to be wary of unsubstantiated claims, especially when they seem politically motivated. It’s important to cross-reference information from reliable sources to get the full picture.
Absolutely. Misinformation can spread quickly on social media, so it’s crucial to verify claims before accepting them as fact. This fact check demonstrates the value of transparent government data.