LEGARDA, LORNA REGINA BAUTISTA

"Loren"
Nationalist People’s Coalition

Born: January 28, 1960 in Manila

Children: Lorenzo Antonio, 20; Leandro

Antonio, 17

Civil status: Legally single; marriages

annulled, to Jose 'Jonjie' Aranda (1986),
Jose Leviste (2007)

Parents: Bessie Gela P. Bautista, retired

PNB secretary; contributing writer,
Philstar; Antonio Cabrera Legarda, car
salesman, molasses trader

Educational attainment: Assumption

(primary and secondary); Broadcast
Communication, cum laude, University of the Philippines; Degree in National
Security Administration, National Defense College of the Philippines (now
reserve officer of the AFP with the rank of lieutenant colonel).

Previous employment: Broadcast journalist.

State of wealth: More than what I would ever need in my entire life because I live
a simple life. It’s a product of hard work.

State of love: El Niño. If there was any, I’d be happy to tell you.

State of health: Very good as any 50 year old could be.

Blood pressure: 121/83

Blood sugar: 95

Cholesterol: 150

Medications: Multi-vitamins; Lipitor, thrice a week.

Have you consulted a psychiatrist? No, not yet at least. I’m the one who drives
them crazy.

How do you see the role of the vice president?

I’m going to be a 24/7 vice president as I am a 24/7 senator. I am certain that my

president knows my capabilities, my dedication to hard work, and work ethic and
will utilize me in areas where I am competent. That includes the chairmanships (of
committees) in the Senate now - health, agriculture, climate change; and previous
committees which I chaired like social justice, economic affairs and environment.

Will you ask for a Cabinet position?

I will leave it up to my president, because I am not supposed to ask for it. The
president is given the authority to select his Cabinet. He knows my competence, he
knows my areas of expertise, he knows that I’m such a hardworking public official.
Manny (Villar) always tells me: “Loren, you’re so hardworking you don’t sleep.”

My president will use me where I am suited. I can be Social Welfare, Environment,

Agriculture, Education.

Will you be a traveling VP? Which countries will be your priority

destinations?

I will be a much traveling vice president. From Cordillera, to all regions, CARAGA. I
will be immersing myself in the culture of our people, their needs, and provide them
whatever they need. I will bring government closer to the people. I will give
government a heart.

Priority destinations overseas?

It’s not for me to say, it’s for my president to give the assignments. It will depend
on whatever Cabinet position I am assigned to take.

If you were the vice president in January 2001, would you have taken over
from Joseph Estrada?

If it was thrust before you, if it was constitutionally done.

It’s a difficult thing to answer because when I look back, there shouldn’t have been
a walkout of the prosecutors, Estrada should have been given his day in court.
There should have been a completion of the whole legal process in the Senate.

Will you be a high-profile VP, or stay in the shadows?

I will not be in the frontlines. I will not overshadow the president. Ask Manny or
Cynthia, they’re very happy with me. I’m very cooperative, I follow, I have learned
to follow. I will be a 24/7, working vice president. I will be submissive, supportive
and protective of my president.

If you were the vice president in 2005 and the Hyatt 10 had asked you to
take over from President Arroyo, would you have agreed?

First of all, it’s really difficult to answer ifs. I think the vice president should really
remain loyal to the president. That’s why I am in favor of having bloc voting – the
president and vice-president of the same political party, of the same coalition party.
Here, it’s so confusing, the vice president is waiting for a coup, kickout or some
problem. It’s counter productive to the people. It’s difficult when there’s infighting
and conflict, you cannot govern.

I would not want, I will never be part of, any coup, impeachment or anything that
will disrupt the democratic processes and the smooth governance of our country.
Our country has been on a political roller-coaster. I think we should start unifying
our people instead of being divisive. That’s why I’m so much against black
propaganda. I’m so much against the politics of hate.

If you and the elected president come from different parties, what will
your role be?

I would like to think positive, wish it, claim it. I will always be supportive of any
constitutionally-elected president but I am certain that my president will become
president. That’s it.