Review of Leading Women Partylists’ Stances on Women’s Top Concerns

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.

𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄: 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼-𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

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.

Women’s Political Participation Survey Center for Women’s Resources

Before women were allowed to vote and take part in politics, the 1935 Constitution only allowed male Filipino citizens aged 21 or older to vote. Like every hard-fought and earned democratic right in the country, the right for women to vote was a significant milestone in the fight for women’s political participation and representation in government.

The right of women to participate in political and public life is protected both by international conventions and by Philippine law. The 1987 Constitution guarantees gender equality and affirms women’s vital role in nation-building, including their right to vote and hold public office. This is reinforced by the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), which mandates the elimination of discrimination and calls for increased women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

Despite advancements, women’s involvement in politics, including running for office and engaging in political dialogues and movements, continues to be a challenge. Some of these barriers include societal norms and gender roles, and stereotypes that hinder women’s full participation. 

According to COMELEC’s Election Records and Statistics Division, of the 65.7 million eligible voters for the 2022 elections, 33.6 million are women, while 32.07 million are men. This indicates that there are 1.5 million more female registered voters than male voters. The voter turnout for women was 82.43% in 2016 and 76.16% in the 2019 elections, slightly higher than the male voter turnout at 81.43% and 75.62%, respectively. 

As of the 19th Congress, there are seven women senators out of 24 (29%) and 85 women representatives out of 311 (27.3%). Out of the 13,586 elected positions in 2022, only 4,141 (30.47%) were held by women, with many being placeholders for term-limited incumbents who are male family members. Political dynasties have often used these tactics to maintain power. The country has also elected two women presidents in the past and has had a women’s party list in Congress since 2004. 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported that at least 43,033 individuals have submitted their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 national elections. Among them, male candidates significantly outnumber female candidates, with 33,652 males, accounting for 78%, compared to 9,381 or 22% females.

The situation prompts an inquiry into how women vote in the Philippines. Women’s rights advocates will tell us there is no “women’s vote.” Thus, this survey aims to delve into how women vote, exploring the factors that influence their choice of candidate and whether they prioritize platforms that promote women’s rights. It also seeks to examine the role of gender in the political process and understand what issues make up the women’s agenda.

Download: https://centerforwomensresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WPP-2025-Survey-Results.pdf

Women workers unite for living wages, decent work, and labor rights!

May 01, 2025

As we commemorate International Labor Day, the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) honors the strength, struggles, and contributions of all working women across the country and around the world.

At the same time, we raise urgent alarm over the continuing crisis of labor exploitation, discrimination, and insecurity—conditions brought by neoliberal policies in labor that disproportionately affect Filipino women and must shape the choices we make in the coming elections.

In recent years, mass layoffs have devastated working-class communities. From 2020 to 2024, over 17,000 workers, mostly women in garments and electronics, lost their jobs in the Mactan Export Processing Zone. Layoffs continue to rise in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector as AI threatens 300,000 jobs, with women among the most vulnerable. In Davao del Sur, 3,200 contractual workers at Franklin Baker Inc. were placed on “floating status” with no assurance of reemployment or income.

Due to contractualization and low wages, women are more likely to experience discrimination, harassment, and poor working conditions. The largest number of contractual workers is found in major sectors (wholesale and retail trade, other service activities, accommodation and food service activities, and manufacturing). According to the Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment 2021/2022 (ISLE) data, there are only 392,007 women non-regular workers in establishments with 20 or more workers.

Contractualization remains rampant, even in institutions that should uphold labor standards. The government itself employs nearly a million contractual workers, with women accounting for almost four in every ten under job order or contract of service arrangements. These workers are excluded from the most basic benefits and protections, a betrayal of the state’s duty to uphold secure employment and quality public service.

Under the Marcos Jr. administration, only two small wage increases were implemented—insufficient against the skyrocketing prices of goods and services. Meanwhile, the gender wage gap persists. A 2022 Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) study indicated that women in digital jobs earn 18.4% less than men. In agriculture, women earn only 92 centavos for every peso paid to their male counterparts. Limited data on the gender wage gap further obscures the real scale of inequality.

Workplace violence and harassment also remain widespread. In a survey by the Lloyd Register Foundation and Gallup Report, 22% of women have experienced violence and sexual harassment at work. The majority of those who responded – 47% of women — did not report the incident due to fear of retaliation and the belief that nothing would happen if they reported it. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), many cases of sexual harassment are underreported, with only 30% of victims filing complaints due to fear of retaliation and lack of support from the company or workplace.

Worse, union and labor repression is on the rise. Only 4.5% of workers were unionized in 2022, down from 6.3% in 2018. Women’s participation in unions is still lower than men’s, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as manufacturing and construction. According to the 2024 Global Rights Index, the Philippines has been on the list of the ten worst countries for workers for eight consecutive years.

The upcoming elections must be a time of reckoning. In CWR’s recent electoral survey, women themselves have made clear that jobs, livelihood, wages, and income—along with addressing the rising cost of living—are the top issues they face today. This affirms the urgent need for concrete policies and actions toward uplifting of women’s lives.

We call on Filipino women, and all voters, to reject candidates who tolerate or perpetuate labor exploitation. Instead, we must elect leaders who will champion the women’s and people’s call for living wages, decent work, and labor rights. #

Stand for women’s dignity, no vote for misogynists!

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. #

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