Talk First, Think Later

One Day

The Leni-Loren feud has escalated to stratospheric heights after Leni's press conference and the succeeding showdown in the plenary hall. In an unprecedented shift in public opinion, even some otherwise pro-administration mouthpieces have sided with Leni and praised her handling of the situation, while at the same time slamming Loren for her "desperate power-tripping moves".

Within the halls of the Senate, Risa's heels clicked on the tile flooring as she walked onto the 9th floor. On her way, she found stacks of boxes and a couple of workers bringing out things from one of the offices.

Curious to find out what's going on, Risa approached that particular office only to find Loren barking orders to a couple more men dismantling the tapestry hanging on her ceiling. "Ate Lo?"

Loren turned to face her and pointed to the door inside, to which Risa nodded and quickly went to the now almost empty working office.

Risa then approached Loren, sat down next to the lone white couch left, and eyed the bare walls. "Ate Lo, what's going on?"

"I'm stepping down.", Loren calmly said.

"As Pro-Tempore?"

"No, as Senator."

Risa's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what? Why?"

Loren sighed and fiddled with her fingers. "Leni did me a big favor, you know. She made me realize a lot of things that I've put on the backburner."

"But why resign, Ate?", Risa inquired. "You can always join us in the minority, you know. You're always welcome here."

Loren let out a loud guffaw. "And work with Leni after all this? Wag na lang, teh!"

Risa eyed her with a questioning look. "Nag-showdown na nga kayo at lahat and you're still at it?"

"No, I'm kidding.", Loren continued. "It's just that there's nothing here for me, you know. I don't have allies in the Senate."

"You have us."

"I know, but..."

After a couple of minutes of silence, Risa continued with her questions. "So what are your plans?"

"I'm flying to London tonight."

Risa's jaw dropped upon hearing Loren's last words. "WHAT? Agad-agad?"

Loren stood up and paced around. "I've lived my life for other people for the past 65 years. For once, I want to live my life on my own terms."

"Does Pia know?"

A bewildered look etched on Loren's face. "Does she have to?"

"Loren, come on. If there's anyone here who deserves to know about this, it's her.", Risa said, firm and resolute in her stance. "Wag niyo naman sayangin ang ilang dekada sa iisang iglap."

With her final words, Risa then stood back up and left the office.

—

Back in the plenary hall, a full house of senators arrived and were ready to listen to Loren's speech. Her hands shook and the stacks of paper holding her speech crumped as she held them tight, but for the first time in her life, she no longer felt the need to hold back.

"Senator Legarda is recognized.", Migz said from the rostrum.

Loren turned on the mic and began her speech. "Thank you, Mr. President. Today, I rise on a matter of personal privilege, with emphasis on the personal. Over my last three and a half terms as a Senator, I've accomplished so much for the environment, culture, women, and other causes close to my heart.