Statement

Gabriela Women’s Party, a legislative champion of women’s demands

Center for Women's Resources Advocacy, Solidarity, Statement 0 Comment

Women’s rights and welfare are at stake in every election. Amidst a worsening economic crisis that severely impacts women—marked by rising prices of basic commodities, unemployment, low wages, rampant discrimination, and violence against women (VAW)—it is vital to ensure genuine women’s representation in Congress.

However, grassroots women are now facing a serious threat to their representation in parliament. The Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP), which has advocated for women’s rights in Congress for the past 21 years, has lost its seat. Throughout this time, GWP has maintained a consultative and inclusive approach, amplifying the voices of grassroots women and collaborating closely with institutions like the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR). Due to an electoral process marred by questions and irregularities, GWP has ended its 21-year congressional streak. 

But the fight for women’s rights continues; it is far from over. To understand why a women’s sectoral party is absolutely essential, we must look at the legislation Gabriela has pushed and championed—laws that specifically address issues affecting women and marginalized groups. 

In April 2025, before the midterm elections, CWR released a survey on women’s political participation, where women voters were asked what national and women’s issues they think candidates seeking office should address.

Results revealed that economic issues are women’s primary concern (61.35%), followed by the lack of social services particularly on health and education (29.26%). With regards to women’s issues, addressing gender-based abuse and VAW emerged as a top concern (28.9%), along with the respect and recognition of women’s rights and non-discrimination (15.1%).

Back 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. 

Bearing these calls in mind, Gabriela actively crafted bills and advanced laws that directly benefit women and other marginalized groups.

WOMEN’S AGENDA: Comprehensive social services

Social services and social welfare programs are essential in a feudal-patriarchal society where women are primarily expected to take care of the family. However, Filipino women still lack access to social services. 

Due to budget misprioritization and corruption, the maternal mortality rate remains high, and the number of teenage pregnancies continues to surge. In 2023, 1,868 maternal deaths were recorded. That same year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported 142,276 teenage pregnancy cases. Of this number, 3,343 were the result of statutory rape.

In addressing these challenges, GWP pushed for the passage of the following landmark laws:

  • RA 11210 or the Expanded Maternity Law (Principal author)
  • RA 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (Principal author)

GWP also continues to call for the full implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the immediate passage of the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.

WOMEN’S AGENDA: Anti-discrimination and Violence Against Women and Children 

Filipino women are extremely vulnerable to violence, especially amidst a worsening economic crisis. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), there were 12,046 cases of various types of violence against women from January to November 2024—a conservative figure due to the serious underreporting of VAW.  This means that an estimated 36 women per day experienced violence during the said year. 

Recognizing the urgent need to protect women and victim survivors, GWP sought the approval of the following laws:

  • RA 9262 or the Anti-VAWC Law of 2004 (Co-author)
  • RA 11648 or the End Child Rape Law
  • RA 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (Co-author)
  • RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Principal author)
  • HB 8009 – Anti-VAWC Law amendment (inclusion of Electronic VAW and penalty increase)
  • Adoption of House Resolution No. 650 for the ratification of ILO Convention 190 that seeks to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work

GWP has also persistently fought for the rights of women and the LGBTQI+ community. It continues to advocate for the passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill and the Absolute Divorce Bill which has been approved on the third and final reading in the House of Representatives. It also co-authored RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women.  

In addition to these laws, GWP also championed the following legislation in support of CHANGE:

  • RA 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Law
  • Magna Carta for Daycare Workers (House approved)

It also continues to call for the removal of regressive taxes that put additional burden on women such as the Value Added Tax, Excise Tax, and the Oil Deregulation Law. GWP also seeks to abolish the Rice Tariffication Law. Furthermore, it continues to advocate for genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization, and the implementation of the ₱1,200 national minimum wage based on the computed Family Living Wage—not band-aid solutions, but structural changes for the long-term benefit of women and the people. 

Nearly a decade later, the demand for genuine change from women remains strong, as substantiated by the current status of women and the findings of CWR’s latest survey. Since winning a seat in Congress in 2004, GWP has consistently amplified women’s calls by advancing legislative efforts that have led to several landmark laws. 

Coming from the people’s movement itself, Gabriela understands the deeply rooted ills of society that bar women from truly advancing. Without their representation, women risk losing their space, especially in a political environment that deliberately discriminates against, marginalizes, and stifles women’s voices. 

CWR stands in solidarity with the Gabriela Women’s Party in their fight for women’s rights and welfare inside and outside Congress.

Stand up for Palestine! Continue the call to end the genocide!

Center for Women's Resources Solidarity, Statement 0 Comment

The Center for Women’s Resources raises grave concern on the escalation of genocide in Palestine and the unimaginable violence being inflicted upon women, children, and entire communities.

According to a recently released report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel at the UN Human Rights Council, Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination. The report also details how Israel has carried out genocidal acts through the systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities.

Specific forms of sexual and gender-based violence including forced public stripping and nudity, sexual harassment and threats of rape, as well as sexual assault are cited as standard operating procedures of Israeli security forces against Palestinians.

Weeks after a ceasefire deal was signed in January, Israel launched airstrikes that killed at least 436 Palestinians, including 183 children, 94 women, and 34 elderly people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This is after Israel has consulted the US regarding the airstrikes. The Trump administration has ‘green-lighted’ the renewed military operations and enabled the ongoing genocide in Gaza by providing unwavering political, military, and financial support to Israel.

The international community must take decisive action to stop the genocide and hold perpetrators accountable. Mere condemnation by governments and international bodies, including the UN, is no longer enough. Concrete sanctions and accountability mechanisms must be enforced against Israeli perpetrators for its war crimes, including pursuing investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into these crimes.

Across many regions, particularly in the Global South, women and children bear the brunt of violence and abuse in conflict situations—often driven by proxy wars or aggression aimed at maintaining hegemonic interests. It is therefore crucial to collectively stand up and speak out for Palestine and support their struggle for self-determination and justice, including the end of occupation and apartheid. Free Palestine! End the genocide!

Clemency for Mary Jane Veloso!

Center for Women's Resources Solidarity, Statement 0 Comment

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) welcomes the announcement that Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina migrant worker who has unjustly spent 14 years on death row in Indonesia, will finally be coming home following an agreement between the Philippine government and Indonesian authorities. Although this is a significant step toward ending the years of suffering and injustice that she has endured, CWR joins rights groups’ appeal to President Marcos Jr. to grant her full and absolute clemency.

Mary Jane Veloso’s case is a tragic example of how vulnerable migrant workers—especially women—can fall victim to human trafficking and unfair legal processes. Authorities arrested Mary Jane Veloso in 2010 upon her arrival in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after finding heroin hidden in the lining of a suitcase her recruiters had provided. Convicted of illegally importing drugs, she has been on death row after enduring a series of unfair trials.

Prior to her arrest, Mary Jane worked as a domestic helper in Dubai to support her two young children. After an attempted sexual assault, she fled the country, returning home jobless and penniless. Despite the trauma, she decided to work as a maid in Malaysia. However, her recruiter instructed her to travel to Indonesia, where she received a suitcase filled with illegal drugs, as there were no jobs available in Malaysia.

Mary Jane’s case highlights the harsh realities faced by many Filipinos, particularly women, who are driven by economic hardship to work abroad—only to fall victim to human trafficking and endure inhumane working conditions. The number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) surged to 2.16 million in 2023, with women making up the majority, often subjected to precarious labor conditions.

We stand in solidarity with Mary Jane and all migrant workers and their families. Mary Jane’s execution was stayed in 2015 due to strong local and international pressure as well as the steadfast demands of the Philippine and Indonesian movements. While her return is a victory, the fight for her absolute clemency and protection of all migrant workers continues.

We call on the Philippine government to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all Filipinos working overseas and, more importantly, to address the root causes of migration! #

Demand for Accountability and Justice Amid the Worsening Impacts of the Climate Crisis

Center for Women's Resources Statement 0 Comment

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) stands in solidarity with the Filipino people, especially women, children, and other marginalized sectors, in demanding rightful compensation for the devastating impacts of disasters in their communities. The series of catastrophic events in recent weeks have laid bare the deep vulnerabilities of women. As the effects of the climate crisis become more pronounced, communities across the country are grappling with a cycle of poverty, hunger, loss of lives and livelihoods, and limited access to basic services.

In recent weeks, the death toll from the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) and Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) has reached 160, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). More than 9.6 million Filipinos were affected, including 617,168 who have been displaced from their homes.

Women, who already bear the disproportionate effects of poverty, are increasingly tasked with the burden of securing food, shelter, and care for their families amid disaster and displacement. As primary caregivers, a role determined by gender norms and societal expectations, women face greater demands during such crises.

Olivia Bajas, a resident of Brgy. Tumana, Marikina, faced the daunting task of cleaning the thick mud left inside her house followingTyphoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or habagat. She was unsure how to recover from such a devastating impact—there was no food and the flood waters had reached as high as their roof. The Marikina City LGU also recorded 31,128 evacuees across35 evacuation sites in the city.

In Bicol, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine affected more than 4.2 million Filipinos, which is approximately 986,974 families.. The storm has resulted in a death toll of 81, with 66 individuals injured, and 34 reported missing. As of October 28, the total damage to agriculture and infrastructure is estimated at Ph 3 billion.

In Cagayan, Typhoon Marce, which had the worst impact according to Gov. Manuel Mamba, caused Php 1.4 billion damage to agriculture, Php 25.3 million damage to infrastructure, and displaced 29,808 people, or 9,959 families, across 245 barangays.

According to NDRRMC, there are 1,145,942 individuals or 295,576 families affected by tropical cyclones Nika, Ofel, and Pepito in Northern Luzon. The cyclones also partially damaged 7,401 houses and totally damaged 437 others.

Low wages and income and rising cost of living make it nearly impossible for these families to recover, let alone rebuild their lives.

What exacerbates this situation is the environmental destruction caused by large-scale mining and quarrying operations and other large-scale resource extraction activities—many of which are controlled by local and foreign corporations and allowed to operate by the government. These activities are not only extracting our natural resources but also destroying vital ecosystems that protect our communities from the worst effects of the climate crisis. 

The aggressive implementation of development projects that often disregard the rights and welfare of local communities, and the environment also contribute to the degradation of natural habitat, disruption of livelihoods and displacement of communities.Many of these projects require land use conversion and reclamation, which further accelerate deforestation and biodiversity loss.

According to Kalikasan, there are currently 19 mining projects operating in Rizal covering 3,622 hectares.. Two hydropower projects, the Kaliwa-Kanan Laiban Dam and the Wawa Dam, are also ongoing. When Typhoon Enteng hit the province in September, eight people lost their lives due to drowning and landslides. 

As the world watches the ongoing COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, we must remain critical of the false solutions being peddled by corporate interests. Many of the proposed solutions focus on technological fixes, market-based mechanisms, and greenwashing, which fail to address the systemic drivers of the climate crisis. Despite the urgency of the crisis, big polluting corporations from imperialist countries continue to evade accountability.

The Filipino people must demand justice and accountability. Particularly, those affected must be compensated for the loss of lives, livelihoods, and damage to properties. The Filipino people must unite to demand that the Philippine government end its complicity in extractive and destructive mining and quarrying and instead, take a stand for the protection of the people and our environment. We call on everyone to unite in the struggle to fight for compensation, to demand real solutions to the climate crisis, and to hold accountable those who continue to profit at the expense of our environment and our lives.

Women call for accountability and action amidst another devastating disaster

Center for Women's Resources Statement 0 Comment

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) stands with disaster victims, women’s organizations, climate activists, and rights groups in holding the state accountable for its role in the destruction and displacement of communities, livelihood, and environment. The government’s support for large-scale mining companies, prioritization of corporate interests, and neglect of its responsibilities to the Filipino people have left many in a dire state.

While still reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Carina (Gaemi), only a few weeks ago, the Philippines has been hit with another disaster. Typhoon Enteng (Yagi) caused massive floods and landslides in many areas of the country. This relentless cycle of climate disasters hit women and children the most. With limited or no access to basic social services and resources, they are particularly vulnerable to displacement, joblessness, and health and safety risks.

Recent tragedies highlight this vulnerability. In Rizal, a mother, who was about to go to work in the middle of a storm, lost her home and two sons in a landslide. Another landslide in the same province claimed the life of a pregnant woman who was expected to give birth this month. In Bicol, a 9-month old infant drowned.

The massive infrastructure projects the Marcos Jr. administration shamelessly funds and supports make these communities increasingly prone to climate disasters. Despite this reality, a huge sum of funds in the proposed 2025 national budget have been allocated to further fuel destructive projects instead of assistance and services to mitigate and respond to these disasters. Large-scale mining and quarrying projects run rampant which ultimately destroy communities making them even more vulnerable to devastation.

CWR enjoins all Filipinos to continue to demand swift government action and assistance, and at the same time, hold duty bearers accountable for their neglect of these responsibilities. We urge everyone to scrutinize the 2025 national budget and demand allocations that benefit the most vulnerable. Together, let us ensure that every peso of the people’s money will be allocated to services that benefit the most marginalized, rather than serving narrow interests of a few. #

* CWR alongside other grassroots and civil society organizations is initiating relief efforts to provide immediate aid to families affected. We appeal to compassionate individuals and organizations to join us in supporting those in need. For those who would like to contribute, you may contact us at cwrgrl@gmail.com or 0953 478 0468.

#EntengPH