SOL Aragones, a distinguished former ABS-CBN news presenter and field reporter (1998 – 2012), transitioned seamlessly into public service as the congresswoman for Laguna’s third district from 2013 to 2022.
Her tenure solidified her reputation as a dedicated public servant, and she now appears poised to take on the province’s highest elective position.
My first personal encounter with Aragones left a lasting impression. Even then, I saw the potential for her to rise as a leader—a vision that would materialize with her election to Congress.
A memorable moment occurred during a typhoon in 2009 when Aragones arrived at Malabon City Hall to report on the storm’s aftermath. The city was inundated, making the situation extremely hazardous.
Yet, despite the risks, she insisted on venturing into the most affected areas, wading through deep floodwaters—a determination not commonly associated with someone of her refined demeanor.
As Malabon’s information officer at the time, I accompanied her on a military truck as she conducted her coverage.
What struck me most was her fearlessness; even while reporting live on radio and television, she prioritized showcasing the plight of affected communities over her personal safety.
This was not an isolated event. Aragones consistently demonstrated professionalism and bravery during numerous high-risk typhoon coverages, earning the admiration of those who worked alongside her.
During one of these coverages, I casually suggested she consider running for mayor of her hometown, San Pablo, Laguna. Her response was a polite but firm, “That won’t happen, Kuya.” Yet history unfolded differently, as she eventually became a member of the House of Representatives.
Recently, Aragones filed her certificate of candidacy for the governorship of Laguna, known as the “Silicon Valley” and “Detroit” of the Philippines.
She is set to face formidable opponents, including Representatives Dan Fernandez and Ruth Hernandez and Vice Governor Karen Agapay.
Aragones, however, holds a strong lead in surveys, consistently emerging as the preferred candidate—a testament to the trust and confidence of Laguna voters in her leadership capabilities.
Based on her track record and the numbers, it seems highly likely that Sol Aragones will secure the Laguna Capitol seat in the 2025 midterm elections.
