Risa Hontiveros is currently in her second term as representative of AKBAYAN Party-list, she is known as a progressive lawmaker, a women’s rights advocate, former journalist, and peace advocate. She is active in more than 17 congressional committees and often seen and heard on vital issues confronting our nation.

Her activism began when she was still a student in Saint Scholastica’s College. She became a scholar and 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, and a prime mover of the recently enacted Cheaper Medicines Act and CARP Extension with Reform Law.