26/06/2025
Imagine if it were a Duterte-allied senator caught harboring a self-confessed scripted witness. Imagine if that witness said he was fed lines, paid per “intel,” and asked to destroy political enemies with made-up testimonies. Imagine if that senator, instead of answering directly, dismissed the witness as “bribed” by the accused.
There would be outrage. Headlines. Hashtags. Calls for resignation.
But today, it’s Senator Risa Hontiveros—and the silence is deafening.
THE WITNESS SPOKE. RISA DEFLECTED.
Michael Maurilio “Alias Rene” didn’t just make vague accusations. And while still subject to verification, he came with receipts:
• Names.
• Dates.
• Meeting locations.
• A script.
• A condo unit.
• A price tag.
And what was Senator Risa’s response?
“We have reason to believe he was coerced or paid off.”
No proof. No detail. Just a blanket dismissal and an emoji 🤨.
That’s not leadership.
That’s damage control.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HIGH GROUND?
Wasn’t she the one who told students to “vote with conscience and integrity”?
Wasn’t she the symbol of moral clarity during the darkest hearings?
But now that the script is crumbling, the same woman who preached truth is accusing a witness of lying—without refuting a single fact.
When you build your brand on integrity, you don’t get to hide behind vague counter-accusations when it’s your turn to be questioned.
You answer. Transparently. Courageously. Without emojis.
THE DANGER OF POLITICAL THEATER MASQUERADING AS JUSTICE
Let’s connect the dots.
If the Senate becomes a stage…
If witnesses are handpicked, scripted, and paid…
If testimonies are tailored for narrative, not truth…
Then our democracy isn’t just fragile—it’s performative.
And if the “conscience” of the Senate becomes its chief playwright, then we are all being played.
THIS IS ABOUT WHAT WE’RE ALLOWING
When truth becomes a tool, and conscience becomes a costume, we’re no longer talking about one senator.
We’re talking about the collapse of accountability itself.
We’re talking about the youth being told to lead with truth—while truth is being edited behind Senate doors.
So ask yourself:
• Where are the independent investigations?
• Where is the outrage from the “truth defenders”?
• Where is the Senate ethics committee now?
Or are we only outraged when the script says we should be?
Because if this is how we destroy our enemies—with lies dressed as testimony—then don’t be surprised when one day, truth itself is no longer believed. And by then, it won’t matter who’s in power…
Because even the truth won’t be safe.
•••
OPINION | BY ROB RANCES
Disclaimer: This opinion piece is based on publicly available testimonies, statements, and sources. It is intended to provoke critical thought and civic discourse—not to accuse, convict, or malign any individual. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. Readers are encouraged to examine all sides and seek verified information.
The goal is to uphold truth, transparency, and accountability—no matter whose side it challenges.
