CWR | Center for Women's Resources

The history of women’s struggle for the right to vote was born out of decades of militant and united action among women. It is through militant action that women’s basic rights can be achieved and legitimate demands be acted upon. It is also through militancy that these rights are retained, defended, and actualized.

Since the Spanish and American colonial periods, women have joined underground resistance movements in efforts to liberate the Filipino people from colonizers. From the Suffragists who campaigned for women’s right to vote and access education and from the Martial Law era, where women workers and leaders were martyred in the fight against dictatorship, to the ongoing struggles of thousands of women fighting for our rights and freedom up to this day. The struggles of Filipino women have always been linked with the struggles of the broad Filipino masses towards sovereignty and social justice from the exploitation of the ruling class.

In these 2025 midterm elections, we are bearing witness to a systematic attempt to silence women. We have seen how those who boldly resist political dynasties and big business interests—forces that have hijacked the Philippine party-list system—are met with blatant and normalized red-tagging, harassment, and unexplained anomalies during the election process. It hasn’t even been a century since women’s suffrage was won in the Philippines in 1937, yet the few genuine avenues for women’s political representation are already being deliberately targeted and forced out of the field.

It is without a doubt that women’s political participation does not begin and end during elections, but increased participation through genuine representation will help address gender disparities and ensure that laws address the needs of women and marginalized sectors. Thus, now more than ever, we must increase our tireless action, resist fascist forces, and hold accountable the perpetrators of this systemic repression to achieve our desired real change. We must take inspiration from the women who have gone before us, and we must not allow the hard-earned victories of our movement to be erased. Organize, mobilize, and demand accountability, transparency, and genuine representation in our political system!

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) stands with pro-democracy groups in demanding full transparency from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on the May 12 electoral process. We echo urgent calls for clarity and accountability on the alarming number of issues related to the automated counting machines (ACMs).ACM-related issues, as well as cases of voter disenfranchisement and other related election day concerns raise questions on the integrity and credibility of the recent electoral process and the public’s trust in the democratic process.

From the reports collected by women’s electoral watchdog Babae Bantayan ang Eleksyon (BaBaE), 58.80% are due to ACM errors and sensitivities – including paper jams, ink problems, issues with pens and ink compatibility, rejected ballots, and invalidated votes due to technical flaws of the machine. These technical malfunctions did not only cause significant delays in the voting process in several areas but also disenfranchisement of voters who were unable to cast their ballots within the allotted time.

In addition to automated election system (AES) anomalies, the question surrounding the upgrade from version 3.4 to 3.5 of the ACM software remains unresolved, as Pro V&V has yet to fulfill its promise to release a revised Final Source Code Review Report to the public. Until this report is released and it is proven that the hash codes of versions 3.4 and 3.5 are identical, CWR, alongside pro-democracy groups, vow to remain vocal and vigilant. We also urge the COMELEC to improve its public communication and refrain from labeling Filipino voters as uninformed while expecting trust in the institution.

We assert that the COMELEC’s blatant dismissal of irregularities as “minor glitches,” claiming that the midterm elections proceeded smoothly, is false. In addition to the numerous anomalies and problems on election day, BaBaE Network and other independent election watchdogs documented cases of intensified and systematic red-tagging, harassment, and disinformation – targeting progressive groups and candidates several months leading up to election day. Such conduct further undermines the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

Given the numerous loopholes and issues surrounding the automated election system, we join rights groups in urgently calling for the opening of the machines and a manual counting of the ballots to ensure that every vote is properly counted and the integrity of our elections is upheld. #

The upcoming midterm elections remain a critical opportunity to strengthen women’s representation at various levels of government, one of which is representation in Congress — a vital avenue for the advancement of pro-women and pro-people legislation. Increased participation of women in policy making will help address gender disparities and ensure that laws address the needs of marginalized sectors. The challenge for women is not simply about choosing leaders, but shaping a pro-women and pro-people legislative agenda and governance for all.

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) reviews the leading women’s partylists to serve as a guide to women voters. Based on the surveys of Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations, the leading women’s partylist groups and their nominees are as follows:

Nanay Partylist

• Florabel Co Yatco – Chef-entrepreneur and owner of Florabel Group of Restaurants; married into the Laguna Political family of the Yatco’s – Mike Yatco running under Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Cookie Yatco under Aksyon Demokratiko
• Ananias Liangco Canlas Jr. – Male, 3rd District Pampanga Provincial Board Member under Aksyon Demokratiko
• Yolanda Miranda Pineda – Married into Pineda Pampanga Political Dynasty. Wife of Dennis Pineda, the son of alleged gambling lord Rodolfo Pineda.

Kababaihan Partylist (Hanay ng mga Kababaihan at Kanilang mga Kasangga sa Lipunan)

• Kate Abigael Galang-Coseteng – Councilor, District 3, Chairperson, Committee on People with Disabilities
• Ria C.Romualdo – Married into Camiguin political family Romualdos,  wife of incumbent Camiguin Governor Jesus D. Romualdo who was a member of 2020 Technical Working Group (TWG) that recommended the disapproval of ABS-CBN franchise application, affecting 11,000 workers.
• Carolyn M. Cabling – Lawyer

Gabriela Women’s Party

• Sarah Jane I. Elago – Former Kabataan partylist representative (2016-2022), Vice Chairperson of Gabriela Women’s Party, Convenor of Parliamentarians and Advocates for C190 and Babae Para sa Inang Bayan (BIBA)
• Catarina T. Estavillo – Secretary-General of Amihan Federation of Peasant Women, and Spokesperson of Bantay Bigas
• Jean Suzanne A.Lindo – Davao-based Community Doctor, former Chairperson of Gabriela Southern Mindanao, Co-Chairperson of Panalipdan-Mindanao, Faculty member of the Department of Community Medicine of the Davao Medical School Foundation

Babae Ako (Babae Ako Para sa Bayan Inc.) Partylist

• Rossel C. Dimayuga – CEO of multiple companies including Shantal’s Beauty and Wellness Products that launched eight months before elections, Bright One Glorious Star Inc., One Genki Corporation, RadCorp, Promptus Trading Inc., Nobles One Solutions Agency Inc., Bagwis Security & Investigative Services Inc., and Empress Textile and Garments Manufacturing Corp.
• Geeian M. Gambala – Member of Project Eight Initiative
• Loreta Caburnay – Program Lead for Fashion for a Cause from The Project Eight Initiative

1 out of 4 top women PL stands against corruption

In a survey conducted by the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) on women’s political participation, women voters were asked about the qualities they dislike in candidates. Corruption emerged as the most cited factor, with 31% of respondents identifying it as their primary concern. This strong response reflects the public’s demand for transparency and ethical governance, underscoring how deeply corruption erodes trust in leadership.

Interestingly, three of the four leading women’s party-list groups—Nanay Party-list, Kababaihan Party-list, and Babae Ako Party-list—did not articulate a clear stance on corruption issues. This silence persisted even as multiple corruption allegations surfaced during the budget deliberations and impeachment proceedings against former Vice President Sara Duterte, including accusations directly related to corruption.

Among the women’s party-list groups, only Gabriela Women’s Party has taken a clear stand against corruption, calling for a thorough investigation into the charges against former Vice President Duterte.

“We demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, especially in light of the severe implications of corruption, which manifest in widespread poverty, hunger, and the ongoing economic crisis affecting Filipinos every day,” said Representative Arlene Brosas.

Gabriela has consistently championed anti-corruption efforts, linking the fight against graft to its broader advocacy for social justice and the welfare of marginalized women and families, particularly those victimized by the War on Drugs.

Disparities in strategies to address women worker’s’ unemployment and meager wages

In the same survey by CWR, women voters were asked what issues they think political candidates must address;, 61.35% answered Economic Concerns – jobs creation (20.48%)

Among party-list groups, there is a noticeable disparity in how they propose to tackle this issue:

• Nanay PL and Babae Ako PL advocate for livelihood support through programs such as Nanay PL’s “Pangkabuhayan training and seminars” and Babae Ako PL’s “Tulong Pangkabuhayan Program.” These initiatives focus on small-scale livelihood as an immediate response to unemployment.
• Kababaihan PL, meanwhile, proposes to enhance women’s access to credit by pushing for a Microfinance Law for Women, aiming to promote financial independence through small loans.

However, amid the worsening economic crisis — marked by rising unemployment, inflation, and deepening poverty — these approaches, while helpful at the micro level, risk falling short if they are not matched by structural policy changes that address the root causes of women’s economic marginalization.

In contrast, Gabriela PL maintains a more systemic approach, advocating for the strengthening of local industries and pro-farmer legislation as the foundation for genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization, and sustainable job creation. This perspective emphasizes that what is urgently needed are structural economic reforms — such as land redistribution, support for domestic production, and protection of workers’ rights — to create stable, decent employment and raise wages rather than rely solely on stopgap livelihood projects or microcredit schemes.

1 out of 4  top women PL with a concrete plan to lower the prices of commodities, calls for wage increase

Survey respondents indicated that candidates must address the rising cost of commodities (23.23%) and the need for higher wages (17.64%).

However, there is no available information on the positions of Nanay Party-list, Babae Ako Party-list, and Kababaihan Partylist regarding the escalating cost of basic goods and persistently low wages. In contrast, only the Gabriela Partylist has explicitly called for the removal of regressive taxes—including the Value Added Tax, Excise Tax, and the Oil Deregulation Law—as immediate measures to provide economic relief for women.

On the issue of wage increases, Nanay Party-list has highlighted the need for regular and fixed wages specifically for Barangay Health Workers. On the other hand, Gabriela Women’s Party advocates for the abolition of Regional Wage Boards and the establishment of a national minimum wage of Php 1,200, based on the Family Living Wage standard. Meanwhile, Kababaihan Party-list and Babae Ako Party-list have yet to release any statements on wage-related concerns.

Toward genuine women’s representation

As the country faces an intensifying economic crisis, voters—especially women—are encouraged to be critical and discerning in choosing whom to vote for. It is important to examine candidates’ platforms, track records, and advocacies and to support those whose concrete plans and commitments can genuinely improve the lives of women and families in these challenging times.

With the upcoming midterm elections on Monday, May 12, the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) calls on women to fulfill their democratic responsibility by voting candidates who have been proven to advance the interests of women and the people.

Since women were granted suffrage in 1937, Filipinos have elected two women presidents and have had a women’s party list in Congress. However, their government representation and engagement in political dialogues and movements remain hindered by societal norms, roles, and stereotypes. Out of the 13,586 elected positions in 2022, only 4,141 (30.47%) were held by women, with many being placeholders to the position of their incumbent male relatives. Political dynasties have long used these tactics to maintain power.

With this political landscape, women’s voices remain unheard and sidelined in the formulation of policies and programs. In the current political system where power revolves around a few, they are systematically denied a genuine voice and decision-making power. Hence, the elections are a critical avenue in advancing women’s demands amidst the worsening economic and political crisis that disproportionately impact their lives.

In 2016, women presented a call for “CHANGE”—Comprehensive social services, Human rights, peace and social justice, Anti-discrimination and Violence Against Women and Children, National sovereignty, Genuine land reform and National Industrialization, and Environmental protection. Almost ten years later, women’s call for real change still stands.

The fulfillment of these demands is only possible if those elected in the upcoming elections are truly patriotic, pro-women and have a strong commitment to dismantle neoliberal policies that have plunged the country into a deep crisis. This can only happen by also promoting a politics of change that rejects traditional politics. This means promoting a kind of leadership that is accountable and puts the democratic interests of the people, including the women’s agenda, above all. It must be emphasized that women’s political participation does not begin and end with voting or elections. Continuous engagement in issues affecting women and society is essential. Women know that they must rely on their organized action to achieve real change in the country’s governance and economic system. The real challenge remains: women need to further strengthen their voices, take action, and continue to organize and strengthen their ranks.

Nevertheless, the upcoming elections and policymaking in general remain a vital arena in advancing our demands and in addressing gender disparities. Amidst the dominance of pro-Marcos and pro-Duterte candidates, women must ensure genuine representation by rejecting corrupt and self-serving candidates, and instead vote for candidates that carry with them our demands.