Senator Risa Hontiveros strongly criticized the video presentation shown during the privilege speech of Senator Imee Marcos, labelling it “fake news” and urging that it be removed from the official Senate records.

Speaking on the Senate floor on Monday, May 25, Hontiveros questioned what she described as the declining level of political discourse inside the chamber, warning against the spread of unverified claims presented as evidence.

“Ganito na ba kababa ang inaabot ng politika sa Pilipinas? Na hanggang dito sa floor ay magbabatuhan tayo ng putik?” she questioned, emphasizing that while debate and scrutiny are part of legislative work, misinformation should not be treated as fact.

She directly objected to the video, saying it contained serious allegations about fellow senators’ intentions regarding charter change without sufficient proof.

“Ang pinakita po na video ay fake news. Hindi ko yan pwedeng hayaan kasama ng ating mga kasama na andyan na lang unchallenged,” Hontiveros said.

The senator added that while privilege speeches allow lawmakers to raise concerns, they do not justify the introduction of what she described as misleading or unsubstantiated material into the official record.

“Delivering a privileged speech is not the same as having the privilege to have fake news entered into the official record as if it were evidence,” she said.

Hontiveros also reiterated her firm opposition to charter change, noting that claims made in the video did not reflect any verified Senate discussions or formal proposals.

She urged colleagues to maintain the dignity of the institution and avoid escalating political tensions through unverified narratives.

At the end of her intervention, she seconded Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri's motion to strike the video from the Senate record.

The Senate leadership has yet to decide whether the controversial video presentation will be officially removed.