300 women hold fund drive for Roco

The election machinery of presidential aspirant Raul Roco got more gas last Monday night from around 300 women who raised money for his campaign.

The fund-raising dinner was hosted by the Women For Roco (W4R) in time for National Women’s Month.

In a telephone interview, W4R president Lorna Kapunan said the activity would help get the election machinery of Roco going.

"This is our modest way of helping him. The funds we raised will be used for his campaign," she said.

Roco was named an "honorary woman" by women’s groups for sponsoring pro-women laws like the Women in Nation-Building Act, the Nursing Act, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, the Anti-Rape Law and the Child and Family Courts Act when he was still senator.

In the 1998 presidential elections, Roco lost to ousted President Joseph Estrada but still landed a strong third because of votes from the youth and women sectors.

Roco’s machinery is perceived to be stronger in this election because he now has a seven-man senatorial ticket, unlike in 1998 when he ran with only a vice presidential candidate.

Around 300 women showed up for the fund-raiser. They include Nini Quezon-Avancena, daughter of the late President Manuel Quezon; Finance Undersecretary Milwida Guevarra; former Makati councilor Nini Licaros; former transportation secretary Josie Lichauco; Regina Paterno, and former beauty titlist Aurora Pijuan.

The smallest amount donated by the W4R volunteers was P5,000, as set by the W4R. Car stickers showing a stylized flower, Roco’s campaign mark, were also sold for P300 a set.

In his brief speech, Roco vowed to protect the rights and welfare of women if he is elected president in the May 10 polls.

"It is mandated by the Constitution that women shall have equal participation in nation-building," Roco said.

He added that under a Roco presidency half of the Cabinet would be made up of women.

He said that in the Philippines women are traditionally "more reliable than men except for one who calls herself president," said Roco, apparently taking potshots at President Arroyo.