Marcos vows reforms, calls himself ally of women

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called himself an “ally” of women and pledged to pursue reforms that would advance their welfare in society.

In his speech during the oath-taking of newly elected officers of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) of the 20th Congress at Malacañang, Marcos recognized the challenges that women still face.

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Despite the Philippines being considered a matriarchal society, the President said that the system still needs to be improved so women can have a greater role in decisions that determine their future.

“So, let us work together. You’ll have me as your ally.  I have — I have in my life, certainly as you all know, my history. I’m surrounded by very, very strong women and I am very lucky for it,” Marcos said in his speech.

Marcos also reiterated his call for women to be included in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives during his speech at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women on March 10.

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“Women must always be included in the halls where decisions are made, especially when those decisions affect women’s lives,” he said.

“Therefore, we are talking about education for girls. We are talking about justice for women who have—who are still seeking justice. We are talking about support,” he added.

As of January 2026, Marcos said the Philippines ranked 86th in the world in terms of the percentage of women serving in national parliaments — a decline from its 82nd ranking in December 2022.

Moreover, only 50.7 percent of women were part of the labor force during the same period, compared with nearly 74 percent of men.

The President vowed to broaden opportunities to ensure that women are heard, respected, and empowered in society.

At present, Marcos said the government is implementing projects aimed at improving the lives of women, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program and Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services.

Composed of 90 women, the AWLFI serves as the collective voice of women lawmakers in the House of Representatives to advance policies and programs that promote the rights and welfare of women and children. /das