RISA & LEILA – A group of entertainment writers noted that incoming senators Risa Honteveros and Leila de Lima come from the Liberal Party. And that while Rissa is a former congresswoman, Leila is a newcomer in politics.
And that both studied in Catholic schools, Risa from Ateneo and Leila from San Beda (lawyer and bar topnotcher).
Risa is compared to Pia Wurtzbach, who won Bb. Pilipinas and eventually Miss Universe after her third try. Risa won a Senator seat also after her third try. She has showbiz background, stage actress and singer and TV host.
Leila has no showbiz “connect.” But she also sings quite well.
By the way, like Leila, incoming or President-elect Didong Duterte is a San Beda law graduate. But she points out “He’s much older.”
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OTHER LADY SENATORS – Somehow, the topic segued to other lady senators. Couldn’t agree on how many ladies have served as senators from way back and so this columnist searched “high and low” for their names. Turned out there are 26, including Risa and Leila.
Who are they?
Pre-martial law. The first lady senator was Geronima Pecson, followed by Pacita Madrigal, Maria Katigbak, Tecla Ziga, Eva Kalaw, Magnolia Antonio, Helen Benitez.
Perhaps the most familiar to movie folk is Katigbak as she served as chief movie sensors during the last years of martial law. She was also Carnival Queen (Miss Philippines) in the ‘30s.
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POST MARTIAL POST – After martial law, when democracy was restored in 1986, elected senators were:
Letty Shanani (sister of President Ramos).
Santanina Rasul (first lady and only Muslim lady senator).
More:
Nikki Coseteng, Gloria Arroyo, Miriam Santiago, Tessie Oreta, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Pia Cayetano, Tessie Oreta, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Pia Cayetano, Loi Estrada, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, and Risa and Leila.
So there, 26 lady senators in all.