Who Is Risa Hontiveros? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Risa Hontiveros, born on February 24, 1966, is a prominent Filipino politician, serving as a Senator since 2016. With a career spanning decades in social activism, journalism, and public service, Hontiveros has established herself as a key figure in the pursuit of social justice and progressive reforms in the Philippines. As of 2025, she is 59 years old and continues to make an impact in the Senate.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1966 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Manila, Philippines |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Philippines |
Popularity
Risa Hontiveros's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Risa Hontiveros stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall, maintaining a healthy physique with a weight around 130 pounds (59 kg). Her dedication to a balanced lifestyle is reflected in her disciplined approach to health and fitness, which often resonates with her advocacy for wellness in the community.
Hontiveros first entered politics as the third nominee of the Akbayan party-list in the 2004 national elections. She was one of the prominent opposition figures during the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration, especially throughout the height of the Hello Garci controversy.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Risa Hontiveros is known for her public persona, she maintains a degree of privacy regarding her personal life. As of 2025, there have been no public declarations regarding her relationship status. She is believed to be single, focusing her energy on her political career and advocacy work, though some rumors about dating have circulated. Risa is known to come from a supportive family that has always encouraged her pursuits in both activism and politics.
She attended St. Scholastica's College, where she joined the glee club and participated in musical theater, including Repertory Philippines' The Sound of Music.
Encouraged by her mother, she became socially aware at a young age, participating in the 1978 noise barrage for democracy when she was 12 years old, and attending a Nuclear Free Philippines Coalition Symposium during her high school sophomore year, where she organized a campaign against the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Risa Hontiveros has an estimated net worth of around $1 million to $2 million, primarily derived from her salary as a Senator, along with earnings from her past work in media and activism. The average Senator's salary in the Philippines is approximately ₱700,000 (around $14,000) per year, which contributes to her financial standing.
In January 2022, her Prohibition of Child Marriage Law was enacted, making child marriage illegal nationwide. In April 2022, the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, which she co-sponsored, provided financial aid and recovery assistance for citizens affected by the Marawi siege.
Career, Business and Investments
Risa Hontiveros has had an illustrious career marked by her commitment to public service and social justice. Before her tenure in the Senate, she was a well-regarded journalist and activist, known for her work in health care, women's rights, and anti-corruption initiatives. Aside from her legislative duties, Hontiveros is actively involved in various non-profit organizations and community projects. Her investments remain primarily focused on advocacy-related initiatives, though she is an outspoken supporter of local businesses and sustainable enterprises.
Hontiveros belongs to prominent Filipino families. Her paternal lineage includes Jose Hontiveros, a former senator and associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, while her aunts and uncles include National Artists Daisy Hontiveros Avellana and Lamberto V.
Avellana, Jesuit priest and liturgical music pioneer Eduardo Hontiveros, and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) founder Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco.
Her siblings include journalists Pia Hontiveros and sustainability executive Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, while her extended family includes notable figures such as singer Leah Navarro, Cebu City Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros, and musician Barbie Almalbis.
Social Network
Risa Hontiveros is active on several social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where she connects with her constituents and promotes her legislative agenda. With a following of over 500,000 across these platforms, she utilizes social media as a tool for transparency and engagement, sharing updates on her work and speaking on pertinent issues affecting the Filipino people.
After graduation, Hontiveros pursued careers in journalism and teaching. She worked for networks IBC and GMA Network, co-anchoring programs like Firing Line and Headline Trese.
In the mid-nineties, she helped form the progressive political party Akbayan, and was asked to represent it in Congress, but she begged off the proposals twice due to family reasons.
Hontiveros also served as Secretary-General of the Coalition for Peace, advocating for peace zones and leading discussions on socio-economic reforms in peace talks with the National Democratic Front.
For her work, she received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Peace and Advocacy in 2001 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. Before the 2004 elections, her peers again convinced Hontiveros to represent Akbayan, which she finally accepted.
Education
Risa Hontiveros pursued her higher education at the Ateneo de Manila University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Her academic background laid the foundation for her career in journalism and activism. Hontiveros's education continues to inform her policy-making and advocacy efforts, as she remains committed to addressing pressing societal issues through informed decision-making.
Running under the ticket of then-senator (later president) Benigno Aquino III, Hontiveros lost in the 2010 national elections, placing 13th overall, one place short to be elected.
In 2012, Hontiveros called for the abolition of the pork barrel system, which was not necessarily corrupt if used appropriately but have been exploited by corrupt politicians. By the end of the year, the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law) passed into law.
The law mandated an age-appropriate sex education in the Philippines while providing maximum benefits to those with serious and life-threatening reproductive health conditions. Hontiveros has called on the government to fully implement the law amidst opposition from ultra-conservative factions.
Conclusion
Risa Hontiveros remains a dynamic and influential figure in Philippine politics as of 2025. With her rich background in activism, education, and social justice, she is poised to continue making strides in her career while managing her personal life. Keep an eye on this trailblazer as she navigates the complexities of public service and champions the voices of the marginalized in the Philippines.
