Statements and Media Releases

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.

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) strongly condemns the misogynistic and degrading remarks made by Pasig bet Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia during a recent public event, where he crudely objectified solo mothers, who make up 14 million of the 15 million Filipino solo parents.

His statements are a clear violation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution 1116, Magna Carta of Women, Safe Spaces Act, and the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act — laws that uphold the dignity, rights, and welfare of women.

CWR reiterates that women must be respected at all times and not be reduced to sexist jokes or treated as objects of ridicule. There are many cases of single mothers who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their partners, and making jokes at their expense exacerbates their suffering. Amid the intensifying economic crisis and rising costs of living, solo mothers, in particular, carry immense burden. They deserve support, not disrespect.

This public display of sexism and misogyny is a blatant disregard for women and are clear indicators of his lack of seriousness and respect, qualities that will undoubtedly shape his leadership should he secure a seat in the upcoming elections. A leader who holds such views is unlikely to advocate for the rights and dignity of women, and instead will perpetuate the same dismissive and harmful mindset in positions of power.

We urge the COMELEC to investigate this incident, enforce ethical and gender-sensitive standards among candidates, and ensure a safe and inclusive electoral process.

We call on all women to stand firm against candidates who demean rather than protect and uplift women. The campaign period must be a space to hear the issues, concerns, and agenda of women.

May this serve as a reminder and a warning to all candidates: women are not props for campaigns. We will not tolerate the use of sexist humor, objectification, or discrimination in any form. Such individuals perpetuating misogyny and exemplifying regressive principles have no place in leadership. #

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) stands in solidarity with the farmers of Central Luzon, especially women farmers, who embarked on a week-long protest caravan to amplify their calls against the rapid and aggressive land use conversion that threatens their livelihoods, food security, and the right to till the land.

CWR echoes the concerns raised by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) regarding the devastating effects of the Marcos administration’s Build Better More (BBM) program, which continues the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build (BBB) infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure projects under the Central Luzon Development Program (CLDP) are causing massive farmland loss that exacerbate the displacement of farmers and endangering local food production.

Central Luzon, the country’s rice granary, contributes nearly 20% of national rice production and has the largest harvested rice area in the Philippines.
However, this crucial agricultural region is now under threat as the government prioritizes urban expansion, commercial hubs, and road networks aimed at accelerating business activities and boosting profit of local and foreign businesses – often at the expense of agricultural sustainability.

According to KMP’s analysis of the latest Census on Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), farmland in Central Luzon has decreased by 18.44% over the past decade. This decline is driven by land conversion for infrastructure projects such as the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLex), the North Luzon East Expressway (NLEE), and New Clark City, among others.

These developments result in reduced agricultural production and displace farmers from their homes and communities. They also aggravate the impacts of climate crises such as flooding and landslides.

The lack of government support services for farmers further drives farming families deeper into poverty. A woman farmer from MAKISAMA in Hacienda Tinang, Tarlac, lamented the absence of subsidies for farm inputs and irrigation, compounded by the low prices of agricultural produce.

“Napakamura ng palay, umaabot lang sa Php 11 hanggang Php 15 per kilo ang palay, pero napakalaking puhunan ang nagagastos ng mga magsasaka. Kung sana ay may suportang serbisyo mula sa gobyerno, makakabawas ito kahit papaano sa gastos ng mga magsasaka.” (The price of palay is very low, ranging only from Php 11 to Php 15 per kilo, but farmers spend a huge amount on production. If only there were support services from the government, it would at least help reduce the farmers’ expenses.)

To sustain their production, many women farmers are forced to borrow from lending institutions with high-interest rates. Instead of relief, they find themselves trapped in a cycle of deepening debt.

“May mga pagkakataon na napipilitang mangutang sa lending na may mataas na interes para lang mabili ang mga pangangailangan para magtanim, tapos kapag anihan halos wala nang matitira dahil ibabayad lang sa pinag-utangan.” (There are times when people are forced to borrow from lenders with high interest rates just to buy the necessities for planting. Then, when it’s time to harvest, almost nothing is left because everything goes to paying off the debt.)

This worsening situation allows landlords and big businesses to exploit farmers’ financial struggles, pressuring them to sell their lands, which are then converted into commercial or non-agricultural properties. This further exacerbates the issue of landlessness and food insecurity.

Additionally, when farmers call for subsidies or demand a halt to infrastructure projects that displace them, they face various forms of repression, including surveillance, direct threats, and intimidation from police, military, and private goons working for landlords and businesses.

CWR strongly supports the demands of farmers in Central Luzon for agricultural subsidies and genuine rural development programs. We support their call to prioritize protecting farmlands and ensuring food security instead of promoting land conversion for commercial and infrastructure projects that undermine the country’s agricultural sector.

We urge everyone to stand with the farmers of Central Luzon in their fight to protect agricultural lands, to secure their right to land and livelihood, and our right to food sovereignty. #

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) welcomes the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte over crimes against humanity as an initial victory for Filipino women and the people. For years, we have demanded justice for the countless victims of the war on drugs—many of whom were poor, including women and children.

Based on CWR’s monitoring, from July 2016 to October 2017, at least 120 women and girls were killed in the bloody war on drugs. Thousands of mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters have also been left to bear the brunt of state-sponsored violence.

From the onset of the brutal campaign, CWR has emphasized that the policy is anti-poor. It targeted suspected drug users in impoverished communities instead of addressing the root causes of the problem. The campaign led to thousands of deaths among the poor. Meanwhile, big drug lords continue to evade arrest. They operate freely as the spread of illegal drugs still persists.

Alongside the brutal war on drugs, the Duterte administration also carried out extensive human rights violations and targeted political opponents and communities resisting its anti-people policies and programs. Thousands have fallen victim to illegal arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, even during the COVID19 pandemic. From July 2016 to June 2022, there were 422 cases of political extrajudicial killings, 66 of the victims were women.

Misogyny was also rampant during Duterte’s term. Between 2016 and 2018, CWR documented at least 30 misogynistic statements made by the former president. These included derogatory remarks about women, rape jokes, and offensive comments aimed at political opponents and critics.

Duterte’s arrest offers some relief to the thousands of women whose rights were violated under his rule. It stands as a testament to the power of people’s persistent calls for justice and accountability. It shows that when oppressed people come together and keep fighting, victories are possible.

However, we recognize that this is not the final victory. While Duterte’s arrest is a step forward, we urge everyone to remain steadfast in the fight to ensure his full accountability, including his co-conspirators, who must also face trial at the ICC. At the same time, we must combat the rampant spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news—tools that perpetrators use to distort the truth, manipulate public perception, and justify repression. Countering these tactics is crucial to our collective struggle for justice and accountability.

We also urge everyone to remain vigilant, as human rights violations continue under the Marcos Jr. administration. It upheld the Duterte administration’s repressive state policies and apparatus such as the Anti-Terror Law, using terrorism financing charges, and the NTF-ELCAC, to suppress women’s and people’s rights to freedom of expression and organization.

Finally, we call on the international community and all Filipinos to continue demanding accountability to ensure that justice will prevail.

Justice for the victims of Duterte’s crimes! End impunity – hold all perpetrators accountable! #