Women's Party-list reveals agenda for 2010 elections

The Gabriela Women’s Partylist revealed today in their National Convention the Women's Agenda on which their platform for action in the 2010 elections is based.  “As the lone party representing the voice of women and children in  Congress, our Party gears to take to a higher level, the responsibility of ensuring the protection of the rights and welfare of women and children through legislation.

According to Rep. Luz Ilagan, Chairperson of the only partylist in Congress representing women, the agenda is the result of 3 major challenges that the party is facing:  First, to ensure that the current corrupt government of Gloria   Arroyo is replaced;   second, to ensure that the next administration will institute relevant changes that will genuinely benefit women; and lastly, to ensure the enactment of laws that will uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino women.

The Women's Platform for Action prioritizes food security, regular job and equal opportunity for women and sufficient social services that truly respond to the needs of women and children.  “The first three items in the agenda outline the economic priorities of the Party that will ensure that every Filipino family would have the decent lives that they deserve,” Ilagan said.

Other concerns outlined in the agenda are consumers' protection against soaring costs of goods and services, protection of environment, good governance, protection of women and children against all forms of violence,  justice for victims of human rights violations, national sovereignty and a just peace process.  “These issues are faced by women everyday and the urgency to address them remains,” Ilagan said.

Ilagan added that the Gabriela Women's Party will support the Presidential candidate who will live up to the criteria based on the Women's Agenda .  “The candidate who has a track record consistent with the agenda and who will vow to support it will deserve our support,” stated Rep. Luz Ilagan, Chairperson of the Gabriela Women’s Party.

Also highlighted in the National Convention was the announcement of the senatorial bid of Rep. Liza Largoza-Maza who is on her third and last term in the Lower House.  “It is high time that we send to the Senate a woman honed by the women's movement who continuously serves the interest of marginalized women and children,” Ilagan ended. #