Gatchalian assures security for Hontiveros amid online threats

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has assured the security of Senator Risa Hontiveros amid online death threats and comments directed at her. Gatchalian stated that the Senate is coordinating with intelligence agencies regarding the incident, assuring that security and protection will be provided to senators, especially Hontiveros. The senator mentioned that the wave of online threats and comments erupted following the death of vlogger Mima Alicia, who was shot by assailants outside her home in Caloocan City on July 17. "We are coordinating with intelligence agencies to shed light on this incident, and of course, to provide security and protection to our senators, especially Senator Risa," Gatchalian told reporters. "But I will assure the public that the SONA will be safe, will be orderly on Monday. We are in continued meetings with all Senate personnel," he added. Hontiveros thanked Gatchalian on X (formerly Twitter). Marcos is set to deliver his penultimate SONA on Monday, July 27, 2026. According to Gatchalian, the Senate is "very prepared" for the SONA and expects to hear the President's economic plans for next year. He also believes that the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte will not be included in the SONA, as it is purely the function of the Senate. "We cannot predict what the President will say, but one of the things we all want to hear is how the corruption that happened last year in the flood control issue will not happen again," the lawmaker said. He added that they want to know not only how people were held accountable but also what reforms the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies have implemented to prevent recurrence of such flood control issues. Safeguards and transparency were put in the 2026 national budget, but the execution is what they want to see, he emphasized. Source: GMA News Philippines