She is from a family of nation-builders and public servants. She is the granddaughter of a national hero and martyr, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos.

She was elected during the 2004 general elections and is currently serving as a Senator. Senator Madrigal is currently the chairperson of four committees in the Senate, namely, the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; Committee on Youth, Women, and Family Relations; Committee on Cultural Communities; and the Committee on Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation.

Senator Madrigal has likewise filed bills to advance nationalist economics and has a 100% consistent nationalist voting record. She voted against oppressive legislation such as the E-VAT law, the JPEPA treaty and the Anti-Terrorism law.