Women legislators pose for a photo before the House of Representative’s plenary session on Monday, March 13, 2023. Women members were given control of the House of Representatives to celebrate Women’s Month. (Photo from Office of Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez)
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives plenary session on Monday featured female legislators as presiding officers, majority leaders, minority leaders, and privilege speakers in celebration of Women’s Month in hopes of increasing the platform for women.
Before the session, it was announced that House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez designated the following female legislators as deputy speakers tasked to preside over the plenary session:
- Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez
- Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Villarica
- San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes
- Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Rosanna Vergara
- Bulacan 3rd District Rep. Lorna Silverio
- Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc
- Guimaras Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava
- Laguna 2nd District Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez
- Quirino Rep. Midy Cua
- San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora
- PBA party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles
Speaker Romualdez made the directive in accordance with Section 15 (H), Rule IV of the rules of the House of Representatives.
During her speech at the rostrum, Rep. Yedda Romualdez said that she hoped the simple gesture of giving control of the House to women would translate to more developments toward gender equality.
“Women are powerful agents of change, and the advancement of women in the society, including increased leadership and decision-making roles, is a positive indicator of progress for all of us. Today, different facets of society are becoming more aware of the significant benefits of gender balance and diversity, recognizing that societies thrive where women are given equal opportunities and respect,” she said.
“Today, in line with our celebration of all womanhood this National Women’s Month, I welcome you all in this year’s All Women Session here in Congress. May this simple gesture of handing over power to the Women be the platform for the positive change as we continue to lead our nation to a kinder and gentler world for the next generation of women,” she added.
During the privilege hour, several female lawmakers like Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, United Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, and Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro made their respective speeches which centered on calls for gender equality.
March 8 is celebrated worldwide as International Women’s Day, while the entire month is considered Women’s Month. It stemmed from the celebrations of the achievements of women and their push for equal rights — rooted in the socialist and labor movements in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly the right to better working conditions and the right to vote.