MISLEADING: Sen. Hontiveros seeks to use a P3.5-billion Sierra Madre budget for personal gain, calls it “insufficient”

Isabella Laraga

Posts have been circulating claiming that Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros is seeking a P3.5 billion budget for the protection of Sierra Madre, implying that the amount is still inadequate for the senator and leading some netizens to believe that she is doing it for personal ambitions. 

CLAIM:

A Facebook post has insinuated that Hontiveros said that the above-mentioned amount is not nearly enough when compared to the role of the mountain range in protecting communities against natural calamities and climate change. 

“Ayon sa senador, maliit pa ang halagang ito kumpara sa napakahalagang papel ng bulubundukin sa pagprotekta sa mga komunidad laban sa mga kalamidad at epekto ng climate change,” the post said. 

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

While the senator has backed calls for additional funding to refurbish Sierra Madre back in 2023 and proposed the amount of P3.5B for a “Sierra Madre Protection Fund,” there has been no proof that Hontiveros is doing it for personal reasons or any statement from her downplaying the amount. 

THE FACTS: 

• Senator Hontiveros backed additional funding to refurbish BRP Sierra Madre. 
• I proposed the amount of P3.5B for a “Sierra Madre Protection Fund” for the protection and reforestation of Sierra Madre. – Senator Hontiveros
• According to the senator, the motive behind the proposal is for the protection of Sierra Madre. There have been no reports that said otherwise.

THE BOTTOMLINE 

The truth was told in a different light. This led to the senator being viewed as a hypocrite by many netizens.