Empowering Voices: Women Lawmakers Lead Crucial Discussions in the House this Women’s Month

As Women’s Month continues to unfold, the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, is set to hold its highly anticipated traditional plenary session dedicated to celebrating and discussing the vital role of women in our nation. Scheduled for Monday, March 9, at 3 p.m., this session will see female lawmakers taking center stage, leading discussions on critical issues affecting women, promoting gender equality, and driving social development.

“This Women’s Month session reflects our recognition of the vital role women play in shaping laws, strengthening institutions and advancing our nation,” affirmed Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, emphasizing the profound significance of this annual tribute.

Women at the Helm: Presiding Officers and Plenary Team

This special session is a powerful testament to the growing representation and influence of women in Philippine politics. A distinguished group of female lawmakers will serve as presiding officers, including:

Deputy Speaker Janette Garin (Iloilo)
Rep. Ma. Georgina “Manay Gina” de Venecia (Pangasinan)
Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica (Bulacan)
Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora (Davao de Oro)
Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas (Pangasinan)
Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar (Quezon City)
Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar (Cebu)
Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro (Batangas)
Rep. Anna York Bondoc (Pampanga)

Assisting the session from the plenary team will be Reps. Alexandria “Queenie” Gonzales (Mandaluyong City), Giselle Mary Maceda (Manila), Agatha Paula Aguilar Cruz (Bulacan), Josefina Tallado (Camarines Norte), and Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta (Iloilo).

A Deep Dive into Women’s Issues

The session will kick off with the traditional call to order, the singing of the national anthem, and an invocation led by Rep. Monique Yazmin Lagdameo of Makati City. The core of the program, however, will be the privilege hour, where congresswomen will deliver impassioned speeches on a diverse array of topics centered on women’s rights, gender equality, and social development.

Anticipated topics include:

“Women, the Middle Class and the Cycle of Generational Scarcity” by Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla
Indigenous women’s rights by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula
Women’s empowerment through financial independence by Tarlac Rep. Maria Cristina Angeles
Human trafficking involving women and children by Bukidnon Rep. Audrey Kay Zubiri
The care economy and child protection by Ako Ilocano Ako party-list Rep. Richelle Singson
“Babaylan Rising: The Mother of All and the Soul of the Earth” by Bukidnon Rep. Laarni Lavin Roque
Teenage pregnancy by Pampanga Rep. Alyssa Michaela “Mica” Gonzales
The state of young women students in schools by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co
Women’s economic empowerment by Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Jane Elago
Women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship by Leyte Rep. Lolita Javier
The continuing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights in the Philippines by Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao

Key Legislation and Celebrations

Beyond the insightful speeches, the plenary is also slated to consider Committee Report No. 112 or House Bill (HB) No. 7704. This crucial measure aims to expand prohibited acts of discrimination in employment against women and on the basis of gender by amending provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines. Authored by Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla and her sons, Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla and Cavite Rep. Ramon Jolo Revilla III, among others, the bill will be sponsored by TRABAHO Party-list Rep. Johanne Monich Bautista, senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

In a heartwarming gesture, the House will also adopt a resolution congratulating Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala for achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 31 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as of February 23, 2026 – a proud moment for the nation!

This Women’s Month session promises to be a powerful platform for dialogue, legislative action, and celebration, underscoring the indispensable role of women in shaping a more equitable and progressive Philippines.

Source: Original Article