CWR | Center for Women's Resources

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.

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. #