Actresses turned-lawmakers bare plans for the 15th Congress

July 9, 2010

QUEZON CITY – Two actresses-turned politicians have vowed to pursue legislative agenda on environment, women, children, tourism and agriculture. Rep. Lani Mercado Actresses turned-lawmakers bare plans for the 15th Congress Revilla (2nd District, Cavite) said her “pet bill” is the cityhood of Bacoor, Cavite. “I will file this measure in the 15th Congress because it is one of the promises I made during my election campaign,” said Revilla.

However, Revilla said her concerned and advocacy will center on environmental issues and the protection of women and children.

Revilla said she will introduce a bill stablishing a disaster and rescue groups to address calamities like flooding and the onslaught of El Niño. She will also file a measure establishing an “open high school” for outof-school but deserving youth and students, Revilla added. Revilla, who won under President Arroyo’s Lakas- Kampi-CMD, appealed to the next ruling party in the House of Representatives that neophytes and other
lawmakers who belong to the opposition party be treated equal. “I hope we will be treated fair by the next
Speaker of the chamber so we can deliver the needs of our constituents,” Revilla said.

Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez (4th District, Leyte) said her immediate concern is to lower the electric rates in her
district. Gomez said her constituents should be given preferential electricity rates since their province hosts
several geothermal plants. She strongly opposed the privatization of electric cooperatives saying “it would lead to higher electricity rates.” Gomez said her other advocacies include agriculture, tourism, welfare of
women and children. Meanwhile, Neophyte Rep. Dakila Carlo Enriquez Cua (Lone District, Quirino), who is also a member of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, expressed optimism that the opposition and the new ruling party can forge a common agenda for the good of the Filipino people.