Two YouTube videos are spreading false claims that Senator Risa Hontiveros has been arrested on court order, but this is untrue. A fact check confirms no Supreme Court ruling against her exists, and she continues serving as a senator. The videos use clickbait and distort a Department of Justice resolution.
A Rappler fact check clarifies that Senator Risa Hontiveros has not been arrested, jailed, or convicted of any crime. No Supreme Court ruling against her exists, and no arrest warrant has been issued, contrary to claims in circulating videos.
The false claims originate from two videos uploaded on February 7, 2026. The first, from PINAS BALITA TV, is titled “Nakarma na! Hontiveros wala nang takas! Korte Suprema sinampolan na si Risa, sinupalpal ng katotohanan?” Its thumbnail shows Justice Marvic Leonen holding what appears to be a court decision, alongside images of Hontiveros and other political figures. However, the video's content discusses Senate 'power sharing' talks, sparked by a photo of Senator Kiko Pangilinan with the majority bloc and Senator Loren Legarda. Hontiveros appears in the photo, but the issue focuses on Legarda’s potential leadership bid, not any criminal charges against her.
The second video, from “News Update Files,” is titled “Traydoran na! Risa Hontiveros kulong na! Nilaglag ni Tito Sotto! Hinatulan na, kriminal pala?” Its thumbnail features Senate President Tito Sotto holding an alleged arrest warrant for Hontiveros, with text reading “Kriminal si Hontiveros! Risa Hontiveros hinatulan na!” It distorts a December 22, 2025, Department of Justice resolution that dismissed Hontiveros’s cyberlibel complaint against Banat By and six others. The complaint arose from their online videos and commentaries amplifying allegations that Hontiveros bribed a Senate witness against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy. Prosecutors found insufficient evidence to indict, noting the statements were offensive but not actionable on their own.
As of writing, the videos have garnered over 55,000 views and 4,700 likes. This is part of multiple Rappler fact checks debunking claims about Hontiveros, including those on removal from office, fake quotes, and more. Rappler invites reports of disinformation to factcheck@rappler.com.
