The political education of Bong and Lani

Until Lani Mercado joined the mayoralty race in Bacoor town in Cavite, she didn’t know what it was like to be in the heat of a political campaign.

In the past, she hit the road campaigning for her father-in-law who became Senator Ramon Revilla.

When her husband, Bong Revilla, ran for governor, it was the usual chores and routine mapped by the campaign’s organizational structure.

But when she decided to run for mayor while her husband Bong is in the thick of a reelection bid, things turned around for Lani Mercado.

"This election is indeed different," said Lani during a break in her campaign sorties. "I think it is easier to campaign for another person. But when you are the candidate yourself, you feel the pressure yourself. Unlike in Bong’s campaign, you cannot afford to be just in the background. I am not just taking care of myself but of the entire team from my slot down to my vice mayoralty candidate down to the councilors."

Bong agrees this year’s election is made of dirtier stuff.

"In terms of dirty political tricks," he says, "this year’s election is dirtier because of the dirty players. We are being demolished with fabricated charges but fortunately, voters can see through the dirty propaganda. Kahit bugbog sarado na kami, we still emerge the winners."

The political education of Bong and Lani started when the former ran for vice governor and went on to become Cavite’s top official. His master plan for Cavite in the current millennium is being implemented at full speed and he has 2.3 billion worth of infrastructure to his credit.

For Bong, there is more to look forward to in Cavite now considered one of the most peaceful in the entire country. A new LRT line is being extended up to Bacoor, a new convention center will rise in the province’s premier city and a new hospital will rise with help from the Korean government, which provided $3.8 million in counterpart fund. "That is our answer to the Makati Medical Center," said Bong.

Lani once she becomes a full-time town executive will concentrate on the solid waste management program of the province. "Bacoor is a coastal town and I was shocked by the study of the DENR that our town is actually part of the catch basin of waste coming all the way from Pasig River. We ought to have alternative program to counter pollution in this part of Cavite."

Bong has no doubt that his wife would make a good town mayor.

Says he: "First is that she has a heart for the masses. She has a certain touch and on top of that, she has her own brand of leadership. Her being organized will work well for Bacoor. And she has a distate for anything that smells of corruption."

Lani herself is amazed by the transformation of her husband from actor to public servant. "Even if he didn’t finish his studies, I would say that Bong’s growth is extensive. He has a sense of vision that I didn’t see when he was just starting as a movie actor. He is a hard working person and the thing that works for him is that he has a big heart for Cavite."

To survive politics, Lani recommends presence of mind. "You should think like your enemy because even if you mean well, chances are you also being set up in a trap. You want clean and honest elections but if your opponent doesn’t think that way, you have to be able to anticipate your opponent’s next move."

But on the practical side, Lani says there is nothing like a good brain to help you meet the challenges of politics. "You should have a good head upon your shoulders, so to speak," she points out. "You must know how to manage time properly. And everything you do should be coming from the heart. There is a big difference when you just do what you have to do and doing it with a heart. Lastly, you should have God in mind in everything that you do. Otherwise, you will be confronted with empty spaces even if you do your job well enough."

Needless to say, Lani and Bong had their own encounter with the dirty side of politics. "When things get too dirty; I pray and pray real hard," said Bong’s better half. "You have to try to look at the better side of things. If we want change, I think it should start with every individual and not just with the politicians. If the voters are themselves corrupt, it is most likely that they will elect a corrupt official. That is the sad thing. What we really need is moral recovery among leaders. What we need is new politics, not the traditional kind."