Lani Mercado, a no nonsense legislator

MANILA, Philippines - One of the popular partnerships in the US and in the world in the area of politics is that of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton. In the new Philippine political landscape, we have our very own power couple: Senate election topnotcher Sen. Bong Revilla and Cavite sole female Representative and first Bacoor congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla. Their advocacies are complementary. Either will support the other, one in the Senate, the other in the House of Representatives.

In my interview of Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla only after a day from President Noynoy’s SONA (which I hope crooks in the government take seriously), I was more than surprised to learn that she is a no-nonsense legislator who could definitely hold out her own in a sea of seasoned politicians. Her advocacies range from women and children, education, local government, ecology as well as the development of Southern Tagalog. At this early stage, she has filed three local bills (cityhood for Bacoor, the creation of a municipal district hospital and a high school for Molino, Cavite) and a national bill for an open high school program to open up opportunities for needy and worthy students.

She married her husband when she was only 18, while the senator was 19. With six children (ranging from 23 to 11 years of age) to raise, (add to that two grandchildren), how does she manage to fulfill multiple roles of mother, wife, (doting grandma) and lawmaker? “It is just a matter of time management,” the beautiful congresswoman declares. “I also have learned to delegate, and this early, our three elder children are already helping me and my husband Bong in our legislative offices,” she shares. It is no surprise that she has received much recognition as a mother, a family person and as a celebrity, proof that Rep. Lani will be an exemplar of family values — an asset that she will mirror in Congress.

Asked whether she will continue as an artist (being a multiple awardee for acting), and with standing offers from the networks and studios, she says this part of her life is at the backburner. “Perhaps,” she says, “during session breaks, but it is still a big IF.” She intends to focus on her legislative work and hone herself more through further learning.

Although she has attended a special class for legislators at the UP, she considers this not enough. She has even enrolled in an e-learning course on environmental planning and management at Miriam College, which she personally attends if her legislative work allows. The drive to learn and the determination is not surprising. She has been a consistent honor student since elementary grades and was a dean’s lister in college (at the then Maryknoll College). She is as well a voracious reader on her pet advocacies. Not only is she determined to learn and serve in the House, she also wants to be an effective team player in an Aquino-dominated House, even if she is with the opposition.

Foremost, however, Rep. Lani is very passionate about Bacoor. “It deserves to be a city with a population of almost 600,000 and an income of P730 million,”the congresswoman declares.

With Rep. Lani, soon this will be a reality. She has done a lot to improve the quality of life of the people of Bacoor, in her involvement with non-government organizations and as an active spouse of Sen. Bong, even when he was a governor, and then a Senator, sacrificing her own career as a much sought-after actress.

Now, who says showbiz people do not have the capability to become politicians? With Rep. Lani, we have someone from the entertainment industry who will make a positive and lasting contribution to our political life. Talented, driven, passionate, results-oriented, sharp, smart, witty, educated, media savvy, fulfilled in her various roles, whether personal and professional — that is the real Lani Mercado-Revilla. You have got to talk to her to enjoy a beautiful, intelligent, and interesting persona.

Yes. Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla is truly a compleat woman.

(E-mail author at [email protected] or text 0927-5000833.)