Queen of all media Kris Aquino has earned a mention in Wikileaks, the organization known to publishing submitted private, secret, and classified media from unidentified sources. Aquino is among those mentioned in cable 07MANILA302, a leaked communique discussing the “FIVE INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES” as sent supposedly to the office of the US Secretary of State from the US Embassy in Manila, Jan. 2007.

According to the cable, the list was provided “in response to reftel request.” “Post suggests the following five Filipinas, who may not be as well-known internationally but are powerful and influential leaders in the country, for S/WE’s roster of influential women,” the cable said. Aquino, the sister of the incumbent president, is fifth on the list, which includes former senator Loren Legarda; executive director and co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Mangahas; former Ombudsman, Ma. Merceditas “Mercy” Gutierrez; and the former Governor of Isabel, Ma. Gracia Cielo “Grace” Padaca. Though Aquino is still very much on top of her game, having staged a successful comeback with a new TV show; and Mangahas is still head honcho at PCIJ, the list seems invalid today. Legarda failed in her bid for the vice-presidency in 2010.

Gutierrez is now back to being an ordinary citizen, having resigned her position early this year amid a looming impeachment case. Padaca likewise lost her shine, failing in the last local elections, eventually losing her position to rival Faustino Dy.(mb)

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