Ethics complaint filed against Sen Risa Hontiveros for witness tampering

An ethics complaint was filed against Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday for alleged witness tampering, citing claims that she paid witnesses to lie about abuses by Apollo Quiboloy and bribed another individual to testify against a pharmaceutical firm.

Former Congressman Jacinto Paras and lawyers Ferdinand Topacio and Manuelito Luna lodged the complaint with the Senate Office of the Secretary General, requesting punishment such as suspension or expulsion for Hontiveros if necessary.

Hontiveros has denied these allegations, calling them 'recycled lies' and stating that her office has evidence to refute the claims. She emphasized that she believes Michael Maurillo was coerced or paid off to issue his statements.

Maurilio recently accused Hontiveros of bribing him, an allegation which she formally rejected in a press briefing.

The senator expressed readiness to face the complaint once it is reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ethics, which has not yet been constituted for the 20th Congress and where Sen. Robin Padilla, who is rumored to chair, may have political motives.

Hontiveros also filed a cyberlibel complaint against Maurilio and several social media personalities tagged in a viral video criticizing her.