Solita "Winnie" Collas-Monsod
Economist, professor, and broadcast journalist
Who is she? Although she may have lost the 2001 senatorial elections, Winnie Monsod has not given up on Philippine politics. For several years, her watchful eyes and sharp tongue have been keeping the government in check through her columns and televised analyses of current events. If she's not in front of the camera, she's busy with her day job as a college professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE).
Why we love her: "Mareng" Winnie has exposed many politicians for their inadequacies and wrongdoings, all without flinching. Probably our most favorite exposition of hers was during a live interview on Unang Hirit where Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo tried, and failed, to keep up with her barrage of questions.
She says: "We must make sure that we are ready to file complaints against government officials who are living beyond their means – we have to be a nation of whistleblowers. That is what the times call for. We must heed that call."
Gang Badoy
Rock Ed Philippines founder
Who is she? Recently married Gang Badoy-Capati is an activist who started Rock Ed Philippines, an organization that promotes literacy, education and social awareness geared toward social change. She holds a weekly radio show with partners in crime Lourd de Veyra and Erwin Romulo, featuring guests and hot topics that deal with current issues.
Why we love her: Gang is the big sister most people wish they had. She's a genuine and sociable person on air who shows concern for major causes, but never comes off as a self-righteous activist.
She says: "My goal is to make spoiled teenagers care about national issues."
