Senator Risa Hontiveros has captured online attention once more by incorporating a trending phrase in a clever critique of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent children’s book. The verbal exchange between the two began during the Senate’s budget discussions, where Duterte’s office proposed a P2.037 billion budget for 2025, which includes a PHP10 million allocation for an illustrated children’s book titled “Isang Kaibigan.”
During the session, Hontiveros raised questions about the need for the OVP’s budget, suggesting that the proposed programs could be absorbed by existing government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and Department of Labor and Employment. She particularly scrutinized the “Pagbabago Campaign,” which aims to distribute bags to one million children, each containing a copy of Duterte’s book.
As the discussion became more intense, Hontiveros inquired about the content of the book, leading Duterte to accuse her of politicizing the issue. Despite the tension, Duterte assured that copies of the book would be sent to those present at the budget deliberation, and Hontiveros received her copy the following day.
@senrisahontiveros very demure, very cutesy, very mindful #demure #risahontiveros #senrisa #senrisahontiveros ♬ son original – Cat’slife
Hontiveros then shared a video on social media, humorously captioning it with the phrase, “Very demure, very mindful,” a popular phrase recently trending on TikTok, thanks to internet sensation Jools Lebron. The post, which featured Billie Eilish’s edited version of “What Was I Made For” as background music, quickly went viral, accumulating millions of views and thousands of reactions and comments.
The phrase “very demure, very mindful” has become a sarcastic expression on social media, often used to mock overly conservative behavior. By using it in reference to Duterte’s book, Hontiveros added a layer of irony to her critique, which resonated with many online users. The post quickly spread beyond Facebook, reaching Reddit, where users found the senator’s witty use of the trending phrase both humorous and insightful. Hontiveros’ knack for blending pop culture with political commentary continues to engage her audience and provoke thought on critical issues.
As the video continues to gain momentum, it highlights the intersection of digital culture and political discourse in today’s society, where even the most serious topics are discussed in the language of the internet.