Fact Check: Hontiveros not facing arrest warrant from Supreme Court

Claims circulating on social media about Senator Risa Hontiveros being arrested are false. Two YouTube videos uploaded on February 7 falsely claimed that Hontiveros had been arrested, but these videos discussed unrelated topics. The misleading content of these videos led to the spread of false information.

The first video, uploaded by PINAS BALITA TV, was titled “Nakarma na! Hontiveros wala nang takas! Korte Suprema sinampolan na si Risa, sinupalpal ng katotohanan?” (It’s over! Hontiveros has no escape! The Supreme Court made an example of Risa, confronted by the truth?). The second video, uploaded by the channel “News Update Files,” was titled “Traydoran na! Risa Hontiveros kulong na! Nilaglag ni Tito Sotto! Hinatulan na, kriminal pala?” (Betrayal! Risa Hontiveros jailed! Exposed by Tito Sotto! Convicted as a criminal?). However, both videos failed to provide accurate information about Hontiveros.

Despite the false claims in these videos, the reality is that Senator Risa Hontiveros has not been arrested, jailed, or convicted of any crime. There is no Supreme Court ruling against her, and no arrest warrant has been issued. She continues to fulfill her duties as a senator. The confusion seems to have originated from a misleading interpretation of a Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution from February 5.

In the mentioned DOJ resolution from December 22, 2025, a cyberlibel complaint filed by Hontiveros against certain social media personalities was dismissed. This complaint was related to online videos and commentaries that insinuated Hontiveros had bribed a Senate witness for testimony against Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. However, prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge the respondents. The distorted information presented in the videos misled viewers into believing that Hontiveros was facing arrest, when in reality, it was a dismissal of her complaint.

It is essential to be critical of the information we encounter online to avoid falling victim to false claims and misinformation. In the case of Senator Risa Hontiveros, the allegations of her arrest were unfounded and based on inaccuracies. These videos highlight the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before spreading it further. Let us remain vigilant against false narratives and continue to seek the truth in all matters.