This year, in celebration of Women’s Month, the House of Representatives featured an allwomen ensemble of officers from the presiding officer to the majority leader leading the plenary session last March 13, 2023, as the leadership’s gesture of recognition of the significant role women play in our society.

Pursuant to Section 15 (H), Rule IV of the rules of the House of Representatives, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has designated Rep. Yedda Romualdez, Reps. Rep. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Florida “Rida” P. Robes, Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara, Lorna C. Silverio, Anna York P. Bondoc, Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., Ruth Mariano-Hernandez,Midy N. Cua, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Margarita “Atty. Migs” B. Nograles as presiding officer during the all-women-led session.

“It is an honor to be present today (Monday) with fellow women who work tirelessly to make the Philippines a better place for our countrymen. Women are powerful agents of change, and the advancement of women in the society, including increased leadership and decision-making roles, is a positive indicator of progress for all of us,” said Rep. Romualdez in her brief opening remark before plenary sessions.

This year, the House has focused its energies on passing the priority measures of the Women power in Congress : Representatives Romualdez and Villarica, Chairperson and President of the AWLFI, respectively, with the women solons celebrating the 2023 National Women’s Month. administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos meant to further stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, reduce poverty, and provide better health care services for Filipinos.

Before going on its Lenten break, the House has already approved on the third and final reading 23 of 31 bills listed by the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as priority measures under the Marcos administration, Speaker Romualdez has reported.

However, the House is equally hard at work in the consideration of various proposals meant to advance the welfare and the rights of women in our society. Currently undergoing consideration by the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, chaired by Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, are 41 measures for the advancement of women’s rights and welfare.

Among these bills and resolutions include the following:

An Act Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) and Providing Penalties Therefor (HB 222, 460, 3418, 4177, 4277, 5551, 6003, 7036) An Act Defining Electronic Violence Against Women and their Children, Providing Protective By Ryan Ponce Pacpaco Measures, and Prescribing Penalties Therefor
(HB 86, 403, 4954)) An Act Ensuring the Fundamental Equality of Men and Women Under the Laws of Marriage and Family Relations, Amending for the Purpose Articles 14, 96, 124, 211, and 225 of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the “Family Code of the Philippines.” (HB 1335, 5281) An Act Amending Republic Act 11313 Otherwise Knowns as Safe Spaces Act Providing Penalties for Gender-based Sexual Harassment in Educational and Training Institution and the Workplace. (HB 6971, 7376, 7537) An Act Establishing Resource Development and Crisis Assistance Centers for Women and Children in Every Province and City or the Counntry, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 8505, Otherwise Known as the “Rape Victim Assistance And Protection Act of 1998”. (HB 4967, 5186, 6393) An Act to Promote Women’s Economic Empowerment Inclusive Business to Support and Accelerate Inclusive Development at the National and Local Levels Through Private Sector Involvement (HB 6544) and An Act Creating a National Women’s Business Enterprise Policy and Prescribing Arrangements for Developing, Coordinating, and Implementing a National Program for Women’s Enterprise

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco