Risa Hontiveros, who is currently in her second term as representative of AKBAYAN Party-list, is known as an opposition leader, a progressive lawmaker, a former journalist, and peace advocate.

She made her mark in national politics when the police illegally arrested her at the height of the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal. She joined the opposition to the GMA administration, endorsed the impeachment of President GMA several times, and faced harassment from the government. She has not received her pork barrel since 2005, a ‘badge of honor’ for this fiery congresswoman.

Risa’s oppositionist stance did not prevent her from pursuing her legislative agenda. Indeed, despite being in the minority, Risa was able to champion the enactment of several laws, among them the Cheaper Medicines Law, CARP Extension with Reforms (CARPER), and an amendment to the Tax Code to increase income tax exemptions for minimum wage owners. She has actively used Congress’ oversight functions to correct government abuses. Her diligence in her legislative work has earned the respect of her fellow lawmakers and various civil society groups.

Her activism began when she was still a high school student in Saint Scholastica’s College. She became a scholar and a student leader at the Ateneo de Manila University, where she graduated cum laude. While still in school, she entered the world of journalism, a career she pursued for more than a decade. She was awarded the Golden Dove for Best Female Newscaster by the Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in 1994. She also became active in the peace movement and served as the Secretary General of the Coalition for Peace and member of the GRP panel in the peace talks with the NDF. She was given the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Peace Advocacy in 2001.

In 2005, she became a widow and single mother to her four children. With her family as her main inspiration, she has made her mark in Philippine politics as a principled public servant and as a champion of the voiceless.

Author of more than 80 bills and resolutions on various concerns from SK Reform to BHW Bill, Security of Tenure to Students Rights and Welfare, Risa’s sense of integrity is a refreshing break in Philippine politics. Her demeanor epitomizes grace under pressure, a character that inspires people to listen to what Risa has been saying, and see what she has proven – that, if used properly, power can transform, and politics can be an instrument of reform.

from:http://www.risahontiveros.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=58