Hontiveros: ‘Third time is the charm’ possible

MANILA, Philippines – Former PhilHealth Director and now senator-elect Risa Hontiveros said the expression “third time is a charm” worked for her in her three tries in the senatorial race.

Hontiveros said she is grateful for finally conquering the Senate seat in her third try and said that she also owe her win to Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach for serving as an inspiration.

“It feels great. I must elected Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach sa kanyang inspirasyon na posible ngang kapag may pinaglaban ka na sadyang ‘di natin bibitawan, it is possible in this life that the third time is the charm,” Hontiveros said in a press conference after the proclamation of the twelve winning senators.

Like Hontiveros, Wurtzbach gained the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title on her third try.

After the proclamation, the neophyte senator who ran under the Liberal Party announced the four priority bills she would enact once she sits in the Senate. She mentioned pushing for universal healthcare, widening of PhilHealth coverage, raising the compensation of basic health workers, and amending the Anti-Deposit Law in hospitals as the bills she plans to pass in the Senate.

In her third try, Hontiveros ranked ninth with 15,915,213 votes. She was on the thirteenth spot in the previous elections.