More women needed in government

MANILA, Philippines - Women lawmakers on Monday expressed varied views over the announcement of Malacañang President Aquino is committed to giving women equal opportunities in government and expects their appointment in key positions would empower them and make them better role models.

Rep. Ma. Carmen Zamora (1st District, Compostela Valley) believes that equal opportunities for women in government is not a novelty nor is it something overdue.

Zamora said women occupy 46 percent of third level government posts and  Aquino has already appointed women to strategic and critical posts traditionally held by men.

“Women in key government positions are exemplified by the likes of the Secretary of Justice, the Chief Justice, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and even the Ombudsman,” Zamora said.

Zamora said the country has the least gender gap among business owners in the global arena at a 55:45 male to female ratio.

“We believe in a system that gives incentives and grants the privilege of position in government on the basis of merit, and that policy is now finding and reaping the fruits with the high level of participation of women in governance, service and leadership,” Zamora added.

Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-list, Gabriela), however, criticized such pronouncement and said appointing women to key government posts has been long overdue.

“But the choice or appointment of a woman in government does not automatically mean a pro woman stance,” Ilagan said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte made the announcement  as the country observes International Women’s Month. In an interview over radio station DZRB, she said that the government through various social services is addressing the general welfare of Filipino women.

Valte also cited several studies that found Filipino women are now holding more positions of responsibility and authority in society.

Meanwhile, senatorial bet Grace Poe said women;s intrerests would be best served by members of their own sex.

In the House of Representatives, male congressmen outnumber female legisltaors, 216 to 66, while in the Senate, women are swamped by their male counterparts, 20 to three.

“Just a glance at the numbers would tell you, espousing pro-women bills can be tough.  And yet if you look at our demography, the number of women earning income for their families has been growing at a tremendous pace.  In this lopsided state, women should realize that the best avenue to ensure protection of their rights is to put more women in the legislature,” Poe said.