Lani to lady legislators: Address women issues

CEBU, Philippines - Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla is calling on her fellow lady legislators to be open and push measures that will address the present situation especially the women sector of the society.

Revilla discussed about Anti-Violence Against Women during the three-day National Conference of the Lady Local Legislators League of the Philippines last Wednesday which was held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

With the conference theme “4L – Enhancing the Legislative Framework of Collaboration,” Revilla pointed out the differences in these changing times and the need for sensitivity among legislators.

“Tayong mga mambabatas ay kailangang sensitibo at bukas sa mga pagbabago para tayo ay makapagbalangkas ng mga batas na tumutugon sa ating mga makabagong realidad; at upang ang mga pamahalaang lokal na ating kinabibilangan ay maging higit na epektibo sa pagsulong ng kaunlaran at tagumpay para sa ating mga mamamayan, (As legislators, we have to be sensitive and open to change so that we can legislate laws to address our present situation and so that local governments will be more effective in promoting progress and the success of our constituents)” Revilla said.

Revilla conveyed that it is impossible for the nation to improve if the welfare of the women is left behind.

“Indeed, women power is people power,” she said.

The number one problem of women which Revilla pointed out is violence against women although she said the problem is not as worse as other countries like India, Cameroon, Africa and some Asian nations.

Revilla cited a lot of laws protecting women’s rights and welfare such as the Anti-Sexual Harassment; Anti-Rape and Rape Victim Assistance and Protection; Anti-Trafficking in Person; Anti Violence against Women and Children and more.

“Nakakalungkot na hanggang ngayon, marami pa rin ang hindi nakakaalam o kapos pa ang pagkaunawa sa batas na ito. At ang mas nakakabahala, kung minsan, mga government officials pa mismo ang hindi gaanong bihasa sa nilalaman ng batas na ito, (It’s sad that until now, many are not aware or do not understand these laws. What’s more alarming is that government officials themselves are not familiar with these laws.)” she said.

Revilla said that more legislative measures addressing women issues are now pending before the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality.

“Malinaw na hindi tayo tumitigil sa lalo pang pagpapalakas at ibayo pang pagpapatibay ang ating mga batas upang tuluyang masugpo ang karahasan laban sa mga kababaihan at kabataan, (We will not stop our efforts to strengthen our laws so that we will truly stop violence against women and children)” she said.

Revilla honored the lady legislators who, like her, are also wives and mothers or even grandmothers.

She called on the men to take care and respect women as both are equal.

“Tayo ay magkatuwang sa buhay at sa lahat ng aspeto nito. Sila ang haligi ng tahanan, tayo ang ilaw. Sila ang utak ng pamilya, tayo naman ang puso, (We are equal in life and in all aspects. They (husbands) are the pillars of the home and we (wives) are the light. They are the brains in the family and we are the heart.” Revilla further said. — (FREEMAN)