Michael Maurilio accuses Senator Risa Hontiveros bribery over alleged witness tampering. Hontiveros denies the claims and prepares legal action. Full details inside.
Michael Maurilio Claims Senator Risa Hontiveros Bribed Him to Testify Against Ex-President
Senator Denies Allegation, Vows Legal Action
MANILA, Philippines — Michael Maurilio, a former Senate hearing witness, has accused Senator Risa Hontiveros of offering him a bribe in exchange for testimony against a detained former president. The Risa Hontiveros bribery allegation was made public through a recorded statement released earlier this week, sparking a wave of controversy across social media and political circles.
Maurilio alleged that he was promised cash, legal assistance, and protection in return for his cooperation. He did not disclose specific dates or names of intermediaries but claimed that the offer came directly from individuals linked to the senator’s office.
Hontiveros Refutes Bribery Accusation
Senator Hontiveros denied the bribery allegation, calling it “malicious, baseless, and fabricated.” In a press briefing held Wednesday, she said she has never bribed or coerced anyone to testify in any Senate investigation.
“The claim is a complete lie. I have never given money, promises, or incentives to any witness,” Hontiveros said. “This is clearly part of a larger effort to discredit my work and distract from real issues.”
The Risa Hontiveros bribery allegation is the latest in a series of attacks against opposition lawmakers. The senator emphasized that she is consulting her legal team to pursue charges of perjury and defamation against Maurilio and others involved.
Legal Options Under Review
According to her office, Hontiveros is planning to file a formal complaint against Maurilio for libel, cyber libel, and other relevant offenses. Her legal counsel stated that they are currently gathering documents and testimonies to counter the claims.
Hontiveros added, “We will not allow this kind of harassment to go unchallenged. We will respond in court.”
The Risa Hontiveros bribery allegation has not yet been investigated by any government agency or Senate committee.
Identity and Background of Maurilio
Michael Maurilio is a previously unknown figure who appeared as a witness in a past Senate hearing concerning national security matters. His credibility is now being questioned following his sudden re-emergence and controversial claims.
No official record currently ties him directly to any case involving a former president, and some senators have urged caution in accepting his claims without evidence.
Reactions from Lawmakers
Several senators and political figures have responded to the unfolding issue.
Senator Koko Pimentel said, “If there is evidence, it should be submitted. If there is none, the person making false statements should be held accountable.”
Senate President Chiz Escudero has not yet issued a formal statement but indicated the matter may be referred to the Senate Ethics Committee for review.
Meanwhile, supporters of Hontiveros launched a social media campaign defending her record in public service. The hashtag #StandWithRisa trended on X (formerly Twitter) for several hours on Tuesday evening.
Mixed Public Response
The Risa Hontiveros bribery allegation has drawn a range of public reactions. On social media, some users demanded a deeper investigation, while others dismissed the accusation as a political ploy.
Political observers noted that the lack of concrete proof makes the claim questionable. “Until documentation or corroborating testimony is presented, it remains a word-against-word scenario,” said Professor Lily Salazar, a political analyst.
No Official Complaint Filed
As of press time, no formal complaint has been filed either by or against Hontiveros in connection with the bribery allegation. The Senate has not scheduled any hearings to address the matter.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have also not received any related affidavits or requests for investigation.
Conclusion
The Risa Hontiveros bribery allegation made by Michael Maurilio remains unproven. Senator Hontiveros denies the charge and plans to pursue legal remedies. The issue highlights ongoing tensions between political camps and raises questions about the credibility of testimonies in Senate proceedings.
Authorities have yet to determine whether an investigation will be launched. In the meantime, both sides have presented their positions, and the public awaits further developments.
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