Cayetano commends Cebu ladies in uniform

CEBU, Philippines - "Policewomen are very much involved in nation building…I express my gratitude for what you do for your country."

Speaking in front of policewomen yesterday at Camp Sergio Osmeña, Senator Pia Cayetano lauded ladies in uniform for their role in nation bulding.

Cayetano said that policewomen have dual roles in life: while they serve the country they also rear their children.

She said that while parenthood and child rearing can be shared with the husbands, breastfeeding cannot. Breastfeeding, among other things, is a right that should be given to women and their children and every government leader must uphold that right, she added.

Cayetano also told policewomen that there is a need for society to change, and government leaders should accommodate that change.

She said that she does not intend to be a feminist but she pointed out that history, customs and traditions were made by men including our laws.

She added that as a senator, she is now reviewing all laws and practices in the government that do not promote gender equality, adding that these laws were created by men.

For instance, she raised the laws imposed on concubinage and adultery as a classic example of the disparity between men and women.

She also said that although she fights for equality she does not say that men and women are equal but that the two are fundamentally equal before the eyes of the law.

Women, she said, should be judged not because of being a woman but because of her capacity despite being a woman.

Cayetano also lauded six commissioned officers who have received medals for their exemplary service in their field.

The awardees were Sr. Insp. Marylou Cuizon of the Police Community Relations Division for the actualization of family juvenile and gender sensitivity programs and the activation of the Police Regional Office 7 "Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere."

Insp. Margienett Yosores was awarded with Medalya ng Kasanayan. She was also a Metrobank Foundation awardee for her outstanding contribution of the prevention and solution of crimes through community-oriented activities.

Medalya ng Kagitingan was awarded to Insp. Sheryl Bautista of the Regional Intelligence Division for her important role in the fight against human-trafficking and the rescue of minor victims. 

Medalya ng Papuri was awarded to Insp. Jeciree Saquilabon of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office assigned at the Women's and Children's Protection Desk for the prevention and solution of crimes involving women and children in Negros.

Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines awardees Insp. Arieza Otida and SPO1 Ruth Violango were also given Medalya ng Kasanayan for bringing honor and pride not only to PRO-7 but also to the whole Philippine National Police.  (FREEMAN)