THE House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has made significant strides in advancing pro-women legislation, with the passage of key measures aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights.
Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, who chairs the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, highlighted the passage of the divorce bill in the House of Representatives as a major win for women’s rights, emphasizing that it provides an option for women trapped in toxic and dangerous marriages.
“Hindi yan lingid sa ating kaalaman na maraming kababaihan na despite all best efforts eh talagang nag-fail ang marriage nila, tapos very toxic na. Sometimes their physical integrity na nanganganib na rin. So, we’re proud to say that we passed the divorce bill here in the House of Representatives,” Roman said.
She lamented, however, that the bill has stalled in the Senate, noting a recurring pattern in the legislative process.
“Tulad ng dati, siyempre naantala dun sa Senate. So, what’s new, right?” she said.
Roman also pushed for amendments to the Family Code, citing 11 articles that give priority to the husband in major family decisions. She pointed out that such provisions are remnants of a patriarchal system that unfairly favors men over women.
“Lagi yung asawang lalaki ang mayroong final say. Property issues, you want to sell a house, payag na ‘yung buong pamilya dahil kailangan ito ng pamilya, ‘yung pera. Pero pag sinabi ng husband, ay, ayoko, siya pa rin naman susunod,” she explained.
According to her, the Committee on Women and Gender Equality has long pushed for these changes, backed unanimously by female legislators in the House.
“Kasi this is a remnant, a vestige of the old regime na always gives men priority over women. Kala mo lahat ng lalaki matino. What we’re asking for is just equal standing sa loob ng pamilya,” she said.
Roman urged the Rules Committee to take up the proposed amendments before the 19th Congress adjourns, stressing that time is running out.
“Nag-sponsorship speech na kami, we have six working days left, kaya pang ipasa ito sa period of interpellation and third reading para pagdating ng 20th Congress, hindi na niya kailangan magdaan pa sa committee,” she said.
Aside from divorce and Family Code amendments, Roman is also advocating for revisions to the Safe Spaces Act, particularly in holding public officials accountable for inappropriate conduct.
“Hindi naman po pwede, we require the citizenry to behave in a certain manner pero tayong public officials exempted. I mean that’s too much. Siyempre ayaw natin na mga leader na mga bastos, ayaw natin na mga leader na nagmumura, ayaw natin ng mga misogynistic remarks coming from our public servants,” she stated.
Roman called for more discussions on these pending bills, challenging those opposing them to engage in intelligent debate rather than obstruct progress.
She also noted ongoing efforts to encourage more women in politics, citing a proposed bill requiring political parties to allocate at least 40% of their candidate list to women.
“We have to face the fact na hindi level, hindi patas ang playing ground. So somehow you have to give parang ano ba tawag dito, positive affirmation, that system when you give a quota. Affirmative action, no para medyo level ang playing field,” she said.
Roman also underscored the need for gender-responsive policies during crises, citing how aid distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic often prioritized male heads of households, leaving many women without direct access to resources.
“Pasintabi lang po sa mga kalalakihan. Hindi po ‘yung pera na ‘yun napunta necessarily doon sa dapat puntahan niya. Like pagkain. Pero kung dinaan natin ‘yan sa mga kababaihan… Disasters affect men and women differently. So we have to have gender-responsive legislation,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Roman expressed optimism that the House of Representatives will continue advancing gender equality measures under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership.
“Nakaya nga natin ‘yung divorce eh. Di ba dapat nga patunayan natin, we’re not just a bunch of dinosaurs. Clinging on to the old ancient regime of patriarchy. Mga advance thinkers tayo di ba,” she said.
Roman remains hopeful that these legislative efforts will push through, urging her colleagues to ensure that gender equality remains a priority.
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