Beware Spice Boys, The Sugar Babes are here!

Take one former Cordon Bleu student, an ex-Company 17 model for Cinderella, a financial analyst who went to Harvard for an Economics program, and a self-confessed business wiz who specializes in getting big spaces in malls and subleasing them as specialized retail areas and what do you have? If you said a high-fashion restaurant occupying over 2,000 square meters, surviving on economies of scale go to the back of the class and repeat the semester. If on the other hand you said "Four neophyte congresswomen‚" consider yourself head of the class in Politics and Current Affairs.

Darlene Antonino-Custodio (South Cotabato and Gen. Santos City) is the girl who had culinary aspirations. Daughter of Adel and Lualhati Antonino, and granddaughter of Magnolia, she looks more waif than politician. Married to Benjie Custodio, she claims to be 27 years of age, though her fellow solons believe she can’t be a day over 14.

Eileen Ermita-Buhain is the daughter of former Secretary of Defense Gen. Ermita, and now represents the 1st District of Batangas, comprising of eight towns, from Nasugbu all the way to Taal. Eileen is married to the former Olympic swimmer Eric Buhain and was a Company 17 model in the late ’80s. Fondly called the "manang" of the group, she proudly stakes her claim as a "homebody of sorts."

Ma. Theresa (Maite) Defensor is the financial analyst who has now taken over the seat formerly held by her brother Mike. Coming as something of a surprise, she defeated political heavyweight former Sen. Nikki Coseteng to capture a Quezon City congressional seat. As a result, she was immediately thrust into the proverbial media spotlight.

Soraya Jafaar is the Representative from Tawi-Tawi. She grew up in Manila and settled into a business routine of mall-space development. Perenially garbed head to toe in black, she’s an outspoken, spunky woman, raising her three children on her own. When I joked that she may dethrone Imee Marcos as Congress’ Woman of Style, Soraya demurred saying Imee would always be the queen, she could only aspire to be a princess.

And before you yawn and mutter under your breath "political dynasty," let’s not forget that dynasty and elections are mutually exclusive terms. While one may speak of lineage, legacy and "advantage‚" the fact remains that one still has to go out and win the "damn election."

Despite what we may believe or cynically claim, it is not always a given that your family name will render the election a foregone conclusion.

Just ask Mel Mathay, Alfred Romualdez, or Nikki Coseteng. Give credit where it’s due. These four congresswomen fought the fight and now, it’s a matter of proving that they belong.

Philippine STAR: It’s a tough and mean world you’ve entered. Even before you took your seats, people had "sharp objects" to throw at you. Some political commentators have cynically referred to you as part of the BIMPO contingent – Mga Batang Itinulak ng Magulang sa Politika, or in Maite’s case, your brother. Your reactions.

Eileen Ermita-Buhain: Actually, in my case, my dad was surprised that I wanted to run. Initially, it was supposed to be my brother, but our leaders were saying it was me who was more into it, because I was in the front line, because I was there in Congress and I was also visiting the district office. And they knew me. So they were saying na mas madali daw ako lapitan. At first I really did not want to run, but I was thinking about it. Parang sayang what my dad started. Because in terms of projects and achievements, he has done a lot for our district. And of course, I still want to continue what he has done.

Soraya Jafaar: Ever since I can remember, ever since I was a child, my father or my family has been in politics. My grandfather was the superintendent of Jolo when it was not yet separated from Tawi-Tawi. My dad was the first civilian governor elected and then he became the first congressman. And now me, I’m the first congresswoman elected. Actually, the people chose me because probably they had seen and respected the pattern – what my grandfather, and my father have done for the province. They were also thinking – it’s time for a new breed of politician, kami na, mga bata. Probably we can do more or give new ideas to our district to be able to contribute more.

Darlene, you mentioned that at the age of 12, you were already on the political stage.

Darlene Antonino-Custodio: I was 12 years old and I was going up the stage and not doing the usual thing. Usually, you sing, you say "Iboto niyo ang tatay ko." Me? Actually, I was already interested in the programs. I don’t know why anyone at 12 years old would be interested in programs of government, but I really was. I spoke of the expansion of the airport and other issues and problems. Naturally though, they were not my solutions, but my father’s solutions I would expound on. After that, I was pretty active.

I would be help at the family foundation, it’s a medical and scholarship foundation. I would be helping when my dad was in Congress, and later on, my mom. Gradually, I was given more responsibilities. The last election before this I was already the campaign manager.

So, who was a more effective child campaigner, Kris Aquino or yourself?

Darlene: (Stops and smiles) I don’t know but she was campaigning nationwide.

Maite Defensor: It’s really spectacular. Imagine, she’s interested in politics when she was 12, and then she’s a congresswoman by 14.(Laughter from everyone.)

What about you, Maite? Any reaction to these criticisms?

Maite: I don’t take these things seriously. I simply don’t get affected, because even if they try to be mean, I know there’s nothing to it. They cannot say anything really, like question the integrity of my brother or the integrity of my family.

During the elections, you came face-to-face with the dirtier side of Philippine politics, what was the "muddiest issue" that was hurled your way? Did you, at any point, think of leaving the fray at all?

Maite: Actually, wala. Personally, there was nothing to attack, except that I was new. Of course, my opponents were saying I don’t have political experience, that perhaps I should be a city councilor first, that I am so young and I shouldn’t jump into Congress right away.

Soraya: First of all, I come from a very conservative Muslim district. So, it was more a question of whether as a woman I could rule the district. I had to explain that my job is to represent them and not to rule.

Did they feel you should always be garbed in traditional Muslim costume?

Soraya: Actually, no. There are instances when I would I meet someone and they would jokingly ask if I’m sure I’m the representative from Tawi-Tawi and not New York. They were expecting somebody very conservative. For me, if I’m in Manila, I dress like a Manileña. But if I’m there, I have to go with the flow.

So how are you dressed in Tawi-Tawi?

Soraya: Actually, the same. Except for the headdress. Siyempre, I have to respect our culture.

Eileen: Anyway, about the issue, on my part it was character assasination, nilagay nila sa Brigada, that I was immoral because I was pregnant five years ago or something like that. That’s why my father said, "Paano kaya yon, nabuntis ka five years ago, pero di namin alam na nabuntis ka at nanganak." They were really that petty. They would also hit my parents, because my mom was in real estate. They were making issues against my mom, land-grabbing and stuff.

Was there a really dirty issue that was thrown at you during the elections?

Darlene: In my case, it’s usually political dynasty. It’s not an issue for us. It’s been proven by my parents. My mom had to go through that, the political dynasty thing. So obviously, with me, it was the same. Sabi nila, yung unang tumakbo, siya ang Antonino. And then the next tinatak nila Antonina. And ang itinatak naman daw nila ngayon Antoneneng.

You’re also saying that without a predecessor, whether your parents or brother, it would have been a harder fight? Did it help that you had your father’s legacy or your brother’s legacy?

Darlene: Definitely, it did. And plus, we are our parents‚ kids. We were born this way. I wouldn’t have been exposed to the politics that I know if it weren’t for my parents. I probably wouldn’t be as interested if I were someone else’s kid.

Maite: There’s really no immediate translation in terms of votes. But then again, you can also use the family... Siyempre, pag political marketing, it’s really easier to introduce yourself by saying that okay, this person comes from a family who has served. There’s not a lot of introduction needed.

Have you had run-ins with your parents or brother or other family members concerning legislative agenda, policies or overall platforms before, during and after the elections? They must have had their own way of doing things and you have to develop your own style.

Maite: I get advice from my brother sometimes. Most of the time I get advice from these people (indicates the other three) and older congressmen.

Soraya: With me, I don’t think it’s really a conflict. For me, siyempre, I respect my dad. Before I do anything, I first consult him. He’s the most logical person I can ask. Dad, tama ba ’to, tama ba ’yan? Because he’s been in politics for so long and he knows our district more than I do.

Maite: That’s not really conflict, that’s common sense.

Soraya: No, but in some instances I want to do something for my district, which he may not approve. There’s conflict there. It may be a question of priorities. What we do is talk about it. We try to meet halfway. Dad, I think this is good for women. "No, I think that’s gonna create a problem. Maraming maiinggit. You cannot please everybody. Finally, we always meet halfway. I’m the congresswoman now. He’s behind me, siyempre. I call the shots. But it’s important for me to know his stand on decisions I will have to make.

Darlene: You know, I idolize my parents, so in a way, especially when it comes to public service, they’re my idols. So obviously, when it comes to a lot of things, I do consult them. Especially when it comes to issues affecting the constituents. But in terms of issues, my dad knows I have my own opinions. And they’ve always respected that. Ever since we were young, it’s always like that in our household. My concerns are the rights of women and children.

Maite: Basically, sa akin, friction lang yata during the campaign period because my brother was so nervous. There was a lot of friction between us because he thinks I shouldn't make a single mistake. So he was very strong, very tough on me, bordering sa cruelty.(Laughter) I knew he was very nervous. I was very calm during the campaign period. He said I’d rather you listen to me, shut up and do what I say. I did. Because it’s true, I couldn’t afford to make a mistake.

Soraya: It’s very important for us to watch our ... Our parents have been in politics for so long, they’ve done well, and ayoko naman na ako ang sisira sa pangalan ng Dad ko. It’s not that I’m dependent on him. No. I just want to ask, to consult him. Is this right, is this wrong?

People speak of the "new politics." Do you believe you epitomize the phrase? Because while a call for new politics ushered in the street actions of January, it’s observed that the elections of May were ruled by the "old politics" of personality and power base as opposed to issues and platforms. Do you agree?

Maite: Normally, when you say "new politics‚" you get the impression that what they really mean is that it’s the opposite of traditional politics. You do away with guns, goons and gold. I think the elections were affected this way. Because a lot of young people were voted into political office, it was more because they see that as "new politics‚" he or she is a new hope for us. He or she will not look after his or her own interests, but our interests. There’s something, there’s a freshness into it. Kumbaga sa sunshine coalition natin, there’s light.

Political savvy and spin doctors would have it that as a representative, what ultimately counts are your constituents. Headline grabbing may be fine, but ultimately it's how the voters perceive your acheivements that will keep you there.

Maite: I don’t really see the connection between the session and how your district sees you. They are two different things. All that people want is to hear is what you’re going to do for them.

Soraya: I think it’s a case-to-case basis. Like for me, I think most people in our district are looking forward talaga for me to get some projects, especially in infrastructure. I think I owe my people because they voted for me. Hey, there’s an island called Tawi-Tawi in the Philippines.

Maite: In fact, the congressmen in the far-flung areas play a very important role. If you're a mayor or councilor in Manila, it's easy just to go to Malacañang. But those in far-flung areas, they can’t even lobby...they’re far from Malacañang. They’re far from the President. That’s why Congressmen from these areas are very important.

Then there’s the "bursting the bubble of youthful idealism" issue. At one point congressional politics becomes humdrum and routine (one reason we don’t telecast sessions is because so many are asleep or roaming around). The process to effect change and reform is long and arduous and stiffly procedural. How do you plan to safeguard against this "bursting"?

Darlene: Me, I understand the process. The body is really a debating body.

Maite: Can you imagine on the first day of session somebody was questioning why the secretary general was presiding over the meeting. My God, is this Congress? Then the second-termers were trying to explain that these people were trying to embarrass the administration. On the second day of session, people were questioning the systematic clapping during the SONA.

More and more women enter politics but there’s an underlying perception that sexual prejudices and even harassment prevail. President Aquino is seen as having been a necessary "symbol" more than a competent leader and to this day some would criticize President Arroyo and her handling of the Abu Sayyaf with veiled references to her gender. How would you debunk this?

Soraya: You shouldn’t underestimate women. There are things women can do that men cannot. That’s my thinking.

Maite: You can always blame everything on gender. Just because she’s a woman, the President is a woman, you can always make it an excuse. But, of course, in our society, there are very few women leaders. So there’s little basis for comparison. When you’re saying she’s making this kapalpakan because she’s a woman, hey! Look at the man who preceeded her. Tingnan mo naman kung anong ginagawa niya.

Darlene: Then again, they’re being gender insensitive. Certain women can always be more insensitive than certain men. You can’t generalize. Whatever mistakes women make, whatever mistakes men make, it’s not because of gender. It’s because of the individual.

Maite: (Nodding) Siguro we still have to evolve. We have to see more women leaders. When it’s equal, 50 percent women and 50 percent men, then we can look at how women decide. Siguro puwede din ma-compare.

Has there ever been a female Speaker of the House? Who would be the ideal candidate?

All chorus: There should be one, and soon!

Excluding your relatives, if there was one political figure you’d like to emulate, who would it be?

Eileen: In all honesty, without trying to sound sipsip, it’s Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She’s tough and sticks to her decisions.

Maite: Siguro what comes to mind, more of a Colin Powell type, somebody who was disadvantaged, really studied, an average student, but very diligent. Basically... sometimes in politics you forget one rule and that’s you use your common sense and think.

Darlene: If my parents are not included, I’m really stumped. (And shrugs her shoulders)

Soraya: Si Erap.(And laughs as the other three turn to her in disbelief) OK, Margaret Thatcher because she’s tough, she’s strong.

Complete this sentence: The funniest thing that happened to me on my way to Congress...

(Prolonged silence as all four are at a loss for words)

Maite: Oh my God, we don’t have a sense of humor. I don’t know.

The other three: Meron yan.

Eileen: It would have to be during the campaign, when I had to sing and dance with my "angels."(Blushes at the recollection)

What’s the enjoyment factor been like so far? If tomorrow you’d awaken and find yourself no longer in politics, what would you do?

Soraya: For me, nothing different, as most of the time I forget I’m a congresswoman anyway. (And laughs at herself) I’d be a businesswoman. I’m really good in business.

Eileen: Actually, I’m also a real estate broker. So I would want to deal with buying and selling real- estate or helping my mom.

Maite: If I wake up tomorrow no longer in politics? What a release, ’no? I can wash my face before facing people. I’ll look for a job. You know, I’m really a financial analyst. If ever I didn’t become a politician, probably I would enter government by way of the executive branch, as a technocrat. There’s tons of work every day. In fact I was meeting a group of people yesterday, putik-putik yung sapatos ko. I was in the community and nakita ako, putik-putik. Naglinis ako ng sapatos sa kuwarto. And then they were throwing new problems at me. One after the other.

Darlene: Seriously, I’d try doing the same thing I was doing before. I was a project manager of the family corporation. Actually, it brought me to so many places. I learned new things. Yes, I love the private sector. I’d be back in the business sector, I really idolize my dad. Now it’s my husband who took my place, and he’s going to be directly under my dad, which I envy, I swear. And my dad would always tell me, "congresswoman ka na nga ngayon, why are you complaining?" My dad has had a liver problem so I feel anytime God can take him away from me. I want to learn everything I can and spend as much as time as I can with him. My dad’s a financial analyst as well. He’s really a very good businessman. I’ve always wanted to learn from him. If I wasn’t in Congress I would be with my dad.

What do you like to do when you have the chance to unwind, or what do you miss not having the time to do now that you’re in Congress?

Eileen: Me? Being with my baby.

Maite: Dating, I’ve had a boyfriend for close to eight years now, and it’s just so much more difficult to find the time to spend together.

Darlene: Spending time with my baby. I can do with two or three hours of sleep. So I can spend time with my husband. But my baby’s different. When Congressional work’s done, I have meetings after. So I get home 10, 11 p.m. If my husband’s out, I join him for coffee. Late sleepers naman kami. But with my son, it’s different. Today, my husband called me at work. ’Yung anak mo kanina ka pa hinahanap. He looked for me in the bathroom. Naglalakad na, nagsasalita na. So I talked to him on the phone. That’s something I really miss, something I hope I won’t regret, especially since it’s his formative years. I think that’s my only qualm about the job.

Soraya: Thank God, my kids are big. They’re all over 10 years of age. What’s scary is it may soon be "Mommy, pahingi pera. Mommy, pahingi kotse. Mommy, I want this, I want that."(Laughs)