Coming from a long line of notable public servants, from the honorable Supre Court Chief Jose Abad Santos to her Senator aunt Pacita Madrigal-Gonzales who was also the proprietor of the Social Welfare Administration, the older version of our DSWD today, Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal is no stranger to politics and its intricacies. Jamby Madrigal, as she is more popularly known, is currently running in the presidential election race as an independent candidate without any slate under her wings. Dubbed as one-woman political party and probably leaning forward to be called as such, a lot of people are questioning and doubting this bold move in Jamby’s part. Speculations ran like crazy especially in political circles wondering and figuring out her unique political aspirations. However, Jamby bravely answers any questions and negate allegations thrown into her camp. Running as an independent will prevent her from incurring debts to any party list and prominent business figures that she claims to be the sole support group of candidates. She refuses to become a part of the long and traditional way of running for a government seat in the Philippines- belonging to a prominent party- and instead want to show everyone that she is a people’s candidate first and foremost.
Prior to becoming a Senator, Jamby Madrigal already has her hands full with various foundations that she is managing and spearheading. Notable are the Books-For-The-Barangay Foundation, Inc that aims to educating and enriching public elementary and high school students’ lives by way of shipping book donations to their respective locations in partner with a US based organization. She also provides scholarships to the poor but deserving youths for a long time now reiterating her strong will to help the poor and the youth. She is also a strong defender of children and women’s rights hence pushing for the Magna Carta for Women during her stint as a Senator. Aside from this, she is also intense in lobbying the right of teachers to a higher salary and daily wage hike for workers. She’s also keen in educating the public, the protection and conservation of environment and empowering the Filipino poor. Although Jamby has a lot of achievements under her name, Filipinos can’t help but doubt her political aspirations and intentions. After all, what the people most probably remember during her Senate days are the controversies (remember the dancing scenario?) she has ignite and was involved with. It would be hard to tell if she will clearly get the sympathies she is seeking from her target market.