(Second of seven parts) In the May 9 elections, Filipino voters will choose 12 among 64 candidates for the Senate for a term of six years. The primary job of a senator is to draft proposed laws addressing policy gaps, amend existing laws, scrutinize the national government’s proposed annual budget, and exercise oversight functions, among other duties.
In this seven-part series, VERA Files Fact Check collated relevant information on select senatorial hopefuls to help the electorate choose their candidates.
From the Commission on Elections’ 64 official senatorial candidates, we narrowed down the list to 31 under the following categories:
- Reelectionists
- Former government officials
- Members of major political parties or candidates either backed by them or by the top presidential and vice presidential tandems
- Candidates that have made it at least once in the top 20 of pre-election surveys of independent pollsters Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations.
The 31 candidates were then grouped based on their Senate experience – those with and those without – and arranged alphabetically.
Each profile contains the candidate’s legislative agenda, government experience or field of expertise, issues and controversies faced, relatives in government and other interesting facts. Also included are the pertinent fact checks of, or related to the candidate, done by VERA Files Fact Check and its media and academic partners in the Tsek.ph collaboration.
Part 2 of the series covers two former senators – Antonio Trillanes IV and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda – and three incumbents – Joel Villanueva, Migz Zubiri and Risa Hontiveros – who are trying to regain or retain seats in the chamber.
Know more about your senatorial bets:
Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros
Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda
Antonio Trillanes IV
Emmanuel Joel Jose Villanueva
Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri
Check out other senatorial bets: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7
Editor’s note: This series was produced with the help of two students of the University of the Philippines Baguio as part of their internship at VERA Files.
Have you seen any dubious claims, photos, memes, or online posts that you want us to verify? Fill out this reader request form.
Sources
Hontiveros
- Risa Hontiveros Official Website, About Risa, n.d.
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Hontiveros vows to push for better jobs, dignity at work, Feb. 7, 2022
- Manila Bulletin, Hontiveros vows to support bill vs fake news peddlers, ‘troll farms’ using taxpayer’s funds, Feb. 15, 2022
- Inquirer.net, DOJ dismisses sedition raps vs Robredo, 2019 opposition bets, Feb. 10, 2020
- Rappler, DOJ clears Robredo, charges Trillanes in sedition case, Feb. 10, 2020
- GMA News, DOJ clears Robredo, indicts Trillanes and 10 others for ‘conspiracy to commit sedition,’ Feb. 10, 2020
- ABS-CBN News, Pharmally exec’s lawyer, group mull suing senator for allegedly bribing witness, Sept. 29 2022
- ABS-CBN News, Pharmally exec’s lawyer, group mull suing senator for allegedly bribing witness, Sept. 29, 2021
- Gov.PH, Lawyer wants Hontiveros’ office probed over witness bribery, Sept. 29, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Hontiveros charged with kidnapping, wiretapping, Sept. 25, 201
- ABS-CBN News, Wiretapping, kidnapping raps filed vs Hontiveros, Sept. 25, 2017
- Rappler, Hontiveros liable for wiretapping, says VACC’s Jing Paras, Sept. 12, 2017
- Philstar Global, Laughable, last-ditch effort’: Hontiveros denies charges filed by Pharmally employee, Nov. 3, 2021
- BusinessWorld, Pharmally files complaint vs Hontiveros, Nov. 3, 2021
- Inquirer.net, ‘Futile’ diversionary attempt: Hontiveros hits ‘laughable’ sedition, perjury raps against her, Nov. 03, 2021
- Philstar Global, Hontiveros posts bail in wiretapping case over ex-SOJ Aguirre’s text messages, Dec. 28, 2021
- Rappler, Hontiveros posts bail in Aguirre wiretapping case, Dec. 28, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Sen. Hontiveros posts bail for ‘sham’ wiretapping raps, Dec. 28, 2021
- Philstar Global, Hontiveros accused of wiretapping, kidnapping at Ombudsman, Sept. 25, 2017
- Vera Files, VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Hontiveros NOT involved in P15 billion corruption mess in PhilHealth, Aug. 14, 2020
- Rappler, FALSE: Hontiveros ‘confirmed’ to have stolen P15 billion from PhilHealth, Aug. 12, 2020
- Manila Bulletin, Hontiveros denies involvement in PhilHealth anomalies, Aug. 10, 2020
- Inquirer.net, Hontiveros says claims linking her to PhilHealth fund mess just ‘fake news’, Aug. 10, 2020
- Vera Files, VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Hontiveros NOT involved in P15 billion corruption mess in PhilHealth, Aug. 14, 2020
- Rappler, FALSE: Hontiveros ‘confirmed’ to have stolen P15 billion from PhilHealth, Aug. 12, 2020
- Rappler, PNP removes Cordillera police chief in revamp, Apil. 5, 2021
- GMA News, PNP reshuffles 22 top officials, April 5, 2021
- Philstar Global, PNP reshuffles 22 officials, April 6, 2021
- CNN Philippines, Michael Rama takes oath as Cebu City mayor, Dondon Hontiveros as vice, Nov. 20, 2021
- ABS-CBN News, Ex PBA star Dondon Hontiveros sworn in as Cebu City vice mayor, Nov. 20 2021
- Cebu Daily News, Rama, Hontiveros to take oath as Cebu City Mayor, Vice Mayor this Saturday, Nov. 20,2021
- Risa Hontiveros Official Twitter Post, Jan. 18, 2012
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Hontiveros joins VP Leni, rest of Tropa slate in Iloilo, Feb. 25, 2022
- Rappler, 1Sambayan endorses 7 Senate bets in Robredo’s ticket, Jan. 19, 2022
Legarda
- Senate of the Philippines, Senator Loren B. Legarda Biography
- Loren Legarda Official Website, Who is Loren Legarda?
- Loren Legarda Official Website, Advocacies
- House of Representatives, Hon. Loren Legarda
- Rappler, Loren Legarda first to file COC for senator, October 1, 2021
- SMNI News, Loren Legarda on her Priority Legislations during SMNI Senatorial Debate, March 2, 2022
- Official Gazette, RA 9501 or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- Official Gazette, RA 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004
- Official Gazette, RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013
- Official Gazette, RA 10606 or the National Health Insurance Act of 1995
- Official Gazette, RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010
- Inquirer.net, Loren charged with 5 counts of graft, May 7, 2013
- Inquirer.net, Legarda faces 2nd graft complaint, May 28, 2013
- ABS-CBN News, Senators tagged anew in 2012 ‘pork’ irregularities, September 4, 2013
- Inquirer.net, Legarda, Marcos gave ‘funds’ to Napoles for projects, says witness, Oct. 2, 2013
- ABS-CBN News, Cast of characters in pork barrel scandal, Nov. 7, 2013
- Senate, Statement of Senator Loren Legarda on the PDAF Scam, May 13, 2014
- Inquirer.net, As ‘pork’ heats up, Legarda mad, Marcos relieved over Napoles affidavit, May 27, 2014
- GMA News Online, Lacson-Sotto to cut Senate slate to 10 bets, Feb. 11, 2022
- Rappler, Confusion in Uniteam: Sara says Padilla 12th senator, Marcos says no, Feb 16. 2022
- Inquirer.net, Loren Legarda eyeing Senate comeback in 2022, June 21, 2021
- CNN Philippines, Labor and rights leaders, reelectionists part of Pacquiao’s senatorial slate, Oct. 15, 2021
- News5 on Twitter, “Conflict of interest” ang idinahilan ni House Deputy Speaker at dating ABS-CBN reporter Loren Legarda…”, July 12, 2020
- Rappler, Ex-Kapamilya Legarda, Vargas explain their silence during ABS-CBN voting, July 11, 2020
- ABS-CBN news, Legarda explains why she didn’t participate in ABS-CBN franchise vote, July 11, 2020
- The Philippine Star, ABS-CBN franchise renewal pushed anew in Congress, July 11, 2021
- GMA News Online, No conflict of interest in my ABS-CBN franchise vote –Vilma Santos, July 13, 2020
- ABS-CBN News, Lawmakers who started out at ABS-CBN push for network’s franchise renewal, June 1, 2020
- Inquirer.net, Finally, House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise bills, March 5, 2020
- Loren Legarda Website, House Bill No. 6293, Aug. 23, 2020
Trillanes
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Resume of Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV, n.d.
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Biography of Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV, n.d.
- Rappler, FALSE: Trillanes to be imprisoned for kidnapping, May 25, 2021
- Rappler, Senate panel junks ethics complaints vs De Lima, Lacson, Trillanes, Feb. 20, 2018
- Rappler, Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio file libel complaints vs Trillanes, Sept.7, 2018
- Inquirer.net, Trillanes posts bail for libel cases filed by Paolo Duterte, Dec. 10, 2018
- Philstar Global, Trillanes in Davao to face Paolo Duterte’s libel case, Jan. 15, 2019
- Rappler, Jing Paras sues ‘liar’ Trillanes over Senate confrontation, June 6, 2018
- CNN Philippines, Trillanes charged with grave threat, Jan. 11, 2019
- Inquirer.net, Trillanes charged with grave threats over ‘face off’ with Labor exec, Jan. 11, 2019
- Philstar Global, Trillanes faces grave threat case, up for arraignment, Jan. 11, 2019
- Philstar Global, Antonio Trillanes IV arraignment on grave threat case reset, Feb.16, 2019
- The Manila Times, Pasay court defers Trillanes’ arraignment, Feb. 15, 2019
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Ombudsman junks treason, espionage case against ex-PNoy, Trillanes, June 18, 2017
- Rappler, QC court orders arrest of Trillanes, 10 others for conspiracy to commit sedition, Feb. 14, 2020
- Rappler, CIDG sues Robredo, LP, bishops for sedition over Bikoy videos, July 18, 2019
- Inquirer.net, Makati RTC finds Trillanes guilty of libel for ‘justice for sale’ statement, May 31, 2021
- Philstar Global, Court finds Trillanes guilty of libel over 2015 statements vs ex-Makati Mayor, May 31, 2021
- Rappler, Trillanes guilty of libel for accusing Junjun Binay of buying off CA, May 31, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Makati RTC finds Trillanes guilty of libel for ‘justice for sale’ statement, May 31, 2021
- Inquirer.net, CA affirms Trillanes’ amnesty as it rejects ‘Janus-faced‘ gov’t position, June 09, 2021
- Rappler, QC court orders arrest of Trillanes, 10 others for conspiracy to commit sedition, Feb. 14, 2020
- Rappler, Priests plead not guilty to sedition in ‘oust Duterte’ plot charge, Oct. 22, 2020
- CNN Philippines, Trillanes, 10 others ordered arrested over ‘Bikoy’ videos, Feb 14, 2020
- Inquirer.net, Trillanes posts bail for conspiracy to commit sedition charge, Feb. 18, 2020
- Inquirer.net, Court resets Trillanes sedition arraignment over pending motion to quash case, Oct. 22, 2020
- Rappler, Priests plead not guilty to sedition in ‘oust Duterte’ plot charge, Oct. 22, 2020
- Rappler, Trillanes on Robredo’s slate in Senate comeback bid, Oct. 8, 2021
- CNN Philippines, Robredo-Pangilinan tandem bares senatorial slate, 12th spot up for grabs, Oct. 15, 2021
- Philstar Global, Leni’s list final: No more additions, subtractions from Robredo senatorial slate, March 20, 2022
- Magdalo Partylist Official Website, Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes Iv, n.d.
- Senate of the Philippines, De Lima grateful for 1Sambayan endorsement, Jan.20, 2022
- Rappler, 8 things to know about Antonio Trillanes IV, Oct.3, 2015
- ABS-CBN News, Aquino grants amnesty to Trillanes, mutineers, Oct. 12 2010
- Inquirer.net, CA affirms Trillanes’ amnesty as it rejects ‘Janus-faced‘ gov’t position, June 09, 2021
- Philstar Global, Benigno Aquino III: ‘Amnesty valid, final, irrevocable,’ Sept. 5, 2018
- Inquirer.net, WHAT WENT BEFORE: Oakwood Mutiny and Trillanes’ 2nd try to oust Arroyo, Sept. 04, 2018
- Time, The Mutineer: How Antonio Trillanes Came to Lead the Fight Against Rodrigo Duterte, Oct. 27, 2017
- GOV.PH, Trillanes’ amnesty, one of Aquino’s ‘glaring mistakes’: PRRD, Sept. 11, 2018, 9:45 pm
- Rappler, DOCUMENT: Proclamation No. 572 voiding Trillanes’ amnesty, Sept.4, 2018
- GOV.PH, CIDG files kidnap raps vs. Trillanes, 4 others, Aug. 30, 2019
Villanueva
- University of the Philippines Official Document, Dec. 5, 2020
- House of Representatives Official Document, June 2, 2020
- House of Representatives Official Website, House Members: Hon. Villanueva, Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C., n.d.
- Inquirer.com, Bro. Eddie to be antigraft czar if Pacquiao win, Feb. 18, 2022
- VYMaps.com, CIBAC Representative Sherwin Tugna, n.d.
- CIBAC Partylist Official Website, Party President’s Corner, n.d.
- Toni Gonzaga Studio, Why Did Senator Joel Villanueva Question God After Losing His Mom, Sep. 27, 2021
- Technical Education And Skills Development Authority Official Website, Villanueva Receives Devex 40 Under 40 Award, Feb 20, 2013
- Joel Villanueva Official Facebook Post, Sept. 9, 2019
- Inquirer.net, FULL TEXT: INQ&A with Senator Joel Villanueva, July 29, 201
- Business Mirror, Gordon, Villanueva welcome 3 presidential bets’ support for ’22 Senate election bid, Oct.18, 2021
- CNN Philippines, Zubiri, Villanueva file candidacy for Senate reelection, Oct 6, 2021
- Manilla Bulletin, Joel Villanueva files COC, seeks re-election as senator, Oct. 6, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Villanueva’s work-from-home bill signed into law, Jan. 10, 2019
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Free tech-voc education seen as better alternative if Duterte vetoes free college tuition bill, Aug. 4, 2017
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Villanueva’s Doktor para sa Bayan Law gets sufficient funding in the newly signed 2021 Budget, Jan. 5, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Statement of Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, and Technical and Vocational Education on the approval of the locally-made COVID-19 test kit developed by UP, April 3, 2020
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Statement of Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development, on the plight of OFWs, June 14, 2020
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Senators of the 18th Congress, n.d.
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Senators of the 17th Congress, n.d.
- ABS-CBN News, Sen. Joel Villanueva talks to reporters after filing COC for reelection, Oct. 6, 2021
- Manilla Bulletin, Gordon, Villanueva welcome 3 presidential bets’ support for ’22 Senate election bid, Oct. 18, 2021
- The LawPhil Project, G.R. No. 189600.
- Tribune.Net.Ph, Senator Joel Villanueva’s shameless disregard for the law, July 22, 2020
- Tribune.Net.Ph, TESDA ‘ghost’ scholars real, Aug. 23, 2018
Zubiri
- Miguel Zubiri’s Official Facebook Post, May 7, 2016
- Inquirer.net, Zubiri gets endorsement of renewable energy groups, to push for sustainable, February 24, 2022
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Zubiri: Specialty Hospitals Must Go Regional, March 21, 2022
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Senators of the 14th Congress, n.d.
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Senators of the 18th Congress, n.d.
- Inquirer.net, Largest cooperative party list endorses Zubiri as number one senator for 2022, Sept. 12, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Largest Cooperative Party List Endorses Zubiri as Number One Senator for 2022, Sept. 11, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, n.d.
- Tatler Asia, Juan Miguel Zubiri, n.d.
- The LawPhil Project, G.R. No. 178413
- Rappler, Political Dynasties 2022: Zubiris rule Bukidnon after Fortich, March 20, 2022
- Mactan Inquirer, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, n.d.
- Inquirer.net, Former VP Binay, 5 others in Robredo-Pangilinan Senate slate, Oct. 15, 2021
- CNN Philippines, Robredo-Pangilinan tandem bares senatorial slate, 12th spot up for grab, Oct. 15, 2021
- Philstar Global, Leni’s list final: No more additions, subtractions from Robredo senatorial slate, March 20, 2022
- Philstar.com Interaksyon, Rundown: Prominent figures common in senatorial slate of Robredo, Lacson, Pacquiao, Oct. 15, 2021
- Inquirer.net, Zubiri, Binay thankful for inclusion in Robredo, Pacquiao, Lacson’s senatorial slate, Oct. 15, 2021
- Manila Bulletin, Pacquiao bares 10 senatorial bets for 2022, Oct. 15, 2021,
- Inquirer.net, Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem adds Zubiri, Gadon, Marcoleta to Senate slate, Jan. 20, 2022
- CNN Philippines, Gadon, Marcoleta, Zubiri added to Marcos-Duterte senatorial slate, Jan. 20, 2022
- Rappler, Marcoleta top pick in 10-member Marcos-Duterte Senate slate, Jan. 20, 2022
- Inquirer.net, Zubiri accepts invite to join HNP slate, says 1Sambayan reaching out, Jul 26, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Largest Cooperative Party List Endorses Zubiri as Number One Senator for 2022, Sept. 11, 2021
- Senate of the Philippines Official Website, Largest Cooperative Party List Endorses Zubiri as Number One Senator for 2022, Sept. 11, 2021
(Guided by the code of principles of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter, VERA Files tracks the false claims, flip-flops, misleading statements of public officials and figures, and debunks them with factual evidence. Find out more about this initiative and our methodology.)